🛣️ Does the Beltline need another overpass?

🛣️ Does the Beltline Need Another Overpass?

• For many residents of South Madison, crossing the Beltline can be difficult, especially for bikers and pedestrians. The city is hosting an online public meeting Wednesday night to discuss building a new crossing at Perry Street for motorists, bikers, and pedestrians.
• The South Madison Plan recommends building an overpass, an underpass or a bike/pedestrian bridge connecting Perry Street. The city was awarded a $1 million federal grant in 2024 to study the different options. An overpass is expected to cost $8 to $18 million. [ 🔒 WSJ, City of Madison]

💰 You Can Track City Spending With This New Online Tool

• Want to know more about what’s in Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s proposed budget? For the first time, the city’s finance department is offering a mobile-friendly “digital budget book” that makes it easier to track what spending is being proposed.
• The city has also launched a Popular Annual Finance Report, a more user-friendly version of the city’s annual finance report intended to be more understandable and accessible to the general public.
• 🎧 Let’s run the numbers: For another way to dig into the mayor’s proposed budget and how it will impact Madisonians, Cap Times reporter Enjoyiana Nururdin talked to host Bianca Martin on the City Cast Madison podcast. [City of Madison, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

🚨 Sheriff Pushes Back Against Proposed Budget Cuts

• With Dane County faceing a $31 million deficit, some county supervisors are suggesting leaving 28 positions in the sheriff’s department unfilled. Sup. Yogesh Chawla said all departments are being asked to make cuts, and the savings could be used for other priorities, such as funding the new men’s homeless shelter on Bartillon Drive.
• But Sheriff Kelvin Barrett said the amendment is a “significant threat to public safety,” and would lead to delayed response times and reduced coverage in rural areas. Without those deputy positions being filled, the new Dane County jail under construction wouldn’t open in 2027 as scheduled. [Fox 47]

There’s been a lot going on in Madison lately. How much have you been paying attention? Take our quiz and find out!

How much is Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s proposed 2026 operating budget? If you listen to today’s City Cast Madison podcast episode, you’ll get a big hint!

• $45.2 million
• $452 million
• $4.52 billion
• Eleventy trillion

⬆️ Last Week’s Photo

This mural is located in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s on Monroe Street!

🥳 Congratulations to Kelly K., Julie R., and Kate L. for being the first three people to guess right!

⬇️ This Week’s Photo

Where is this mural located? (This is a toughie!) A few clues:

• It’s on Madison’s near west side
• It’s adjacent to the largest natural area in the city
• If you’re thirsty for a challenge, you’ve come to the right place!

By the way, this week’s Where Is It was sent in by Madison Minutes reader Dianne J.! Do you have an idea for a future Where Is It? Send me a photo at [email protected] and you may see it in a future newsletter!