City Cast Madison
🚣 Big changes for San Damiano Park
April 24, 2026 · — Rob Thomas
Good morning, Madison! This is it. This is the last day of our spring membership drive, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it. We’re way behind on our goal, and we need 89 new members to sign up TODAY to meet it.
It’s a lofty goal, but I think we can do it. We’ve heard from so many newsletter readers and podcast listeners how much City Cast Madison means to them – joining the conversations going on about our city, learning about new spots or events to check out. We can’t do that work without the support of members.
We’ve got some great perks for City Cast Madison Neighbors – ad-free podcasts, member-exclusive events and, for this membership drive only, a cool new pennant emblazoned with twin flamingos and the slogan “I LIVE HERE ON PURPOSE.”
But the biggest perk? Knowing that you’re playing a role in keeping City Cast Madison going, and sending a message that you value local journalism.
Like I said, this is the last day of the drive. So join today!
What's CITY Talking About
🗳️ City Council Swears in New Leaders, New Alders
- The Madison City Council unanimously approved new leadership this week, voting for Ald. Sabrina Madison to serve as council president and for Ald. Carmella Glenn to serve as vice president.
- The council also swore in two new members. Ald. Ellen Zhang will represent District 8, which encompasses much of the UW-Madison area, and Noah Lieberman will represent District 14, which stretches across Madison’s south side.
- 🎧 Not sure what an alder does? As it happens, Madison came on the City Cast Madison podcast when she first joined the council to tell us what it takes to serve at City Hall. [City of Madison, 🎧City Cast Madison]
🏃 Madison Preps for Crazylegs/Mifflin Street Double Whammy
- Downtown Madison will be packed with people on Saturday as both the Crazylegs Classic and the Mifflin Street Block Party are scheduled.
- More than 9,000 people are expected for the Crazylegs races, a fundraiser for UW Athletics. Multiple streets downtown and around the UW-Madison campus, including University Ave., Breese Terrace, Gilman St. and Observatory Dr., will be closed Saturday morning on a rolling basis, and Metro buses will be diverted. The post-race celebration at Camp Randall will end at 1 p.m.
- For the annual block party, additional Madison police and fire units will be deployed, with police emphasizing helping people in need rather than issuing citations. Underage alcohol violations won't be given to a 911 caller or the person who needs help as long as the caller stays with the person who needs help and cooperates with responders. UW-Madison officials are also limiting dorm residents to one guest each. [ 🔒WSJ, WKOW, Daily Cardinal]
🏗️ Monona Moves Ahead With Transforming San Damiano Park
- The Monona City Council okayed the first step towards a major redevelopment of San Damiano Park on the Lake Monona lakefront and the nearly 140-year-old Frank Allis House at its center.
- The plan would bring in food and beverage services, a pier and lakeshore patio, additional parking, and nature play areas for kids to the 10-acre park, which used to belong to St. Norbert Abbey. The plan was proposed by Friends of San Damiano, and the city would still need to approve any future construction.
- 🎧 City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin had some THOUGHTS about the idea of turning the natural habitat into a destination for dining and drinking. They were so spicy that you’ll need to be a City Cast Madison Neighbor to hear them on the special members-only segment on the City Cast Madison podcast. Remember, today is the last day of our spring membership drive, so don’t delay!
- Otherwise, today’s podcast is all about drama – between the independent police monitor and city officials, between animal rights activists and Ridglan Farms beagle research facility, and between the Madison Public Market and people who don’t like waiting! [Isthmus, 🎧 City Cast Madison]
Sponsored Content
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Q: As a small business owner, does the type of banking institution matter?
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Do you have banking or financial questions for an expert in Madison? Submit your questions for Oak Bank HERE, and they might answer it in next week's segment.
Friday Floof
Meet Monopoly! This four-month-old hound mix is available for adoption through Fetch! She’s four months old and is so sweet and gentle, and loves to hang out in your lap!
What To Do
Friday, April 24
- 🎥 2026 BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour at The Barrymore Theatre (through April 25)
- 🎭 Così fan tutte at Overture Hall (through April 26)
- 🎹 Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner - Overture's Up Close Series at Capitol Theater
- 🎤 LOWBOY, Mr. Chair, Room3 at Atwood Music Hall
- 🎶 Lynette Margulies at North Street Cabaret
- 🥁 Matt Endres Quartet Featuring Ryan Tomski at Arts + Literature Laboratory
- 🎭 Shakespeare's Measure For Measure at Bartell Theatre (through May 2)
- 🎤 That's Life with Amanda Poulson at Capital City Theatre CORE
- 🎪 "Wild Within" at Cycropia Aerial Dance (through May 2)
- 🎮 Working Draft's 8-Bit Anniversary Party at Working Draft Beer Company (through April 26)
Sponsored Content
Let your Madison Flag Fly
We made something special with Oxford Pennant and we're kind of obsessed. Become a Neighbor to snag yours today.
📰Extra! Extra! A big thanks to the newest City Cast Madison Neighbors who have joined us! Welcome to Rick R., Rebecca B., Emily T., Jake B., Natalie H., Jenny S. and Natalie K.!
Here’s why Natalie H. told us she became a member: “I recently became a member. I’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, and the content is so informative. I also promote it to so many of my neighbors! Thanks for the wonderful content and community building.”
Does what Natalie said resonate with how you feel about City Cast Madison? If so, we need the support of people just like you to keep going. The last day of a membership drive is usually the biggest one, so let’s finish strong and hit that goal! 🎯
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