Madison Media Digest

If you only read one local news story this week, it should be this piece on the Common Council candidates and their feelings about systemic racism. 

Development

Plans for a new State Street hotel do not include on-site parking, prompting concerns. A potential buyer for the Oscar Meyer plant hopes to find a new industrial use for it. Mermaid Cafe will close at the end of March. Madison College will not consider a Chicago developer firm’s proposal for an office building in the place of their current downtown campus. Garver Feed Mill redevelopers secured tax credits that will be crucial to kick-starting the project. East side development struggles to attract grocery store. Finance committee approved an additional $6 million for the replacement of a downtown parking garage. 

Government

Chief Koval was found to have violated the department’s standards of conduct but will not face disciplinary action for it. MPD responds to community criticism over the arrest of a high school student. Alderperson’s connection to the Olbrich Biergarten prompts ethics complaint. School Board candidates discuss their strategies and recommendations for diversity and inclusion. Madison finance committee recommends a seeking a consultant for renewable energy use. Madison School District is expanding lead testing to sources beyond drinking fountains. Whether to settle a lawsuit should be up to the mayor and the council, says city council member. 

Community

Neighborhood organization on the southwest side emphasizes the importance of change coming from within communities. Heymiss Progress’s new Youtube show focuses on local politics, especially the issues that Black Madisonians face. Proposed federal budget could have a severe impact on local assistance programs for low-income people. Participants of the Hip-Hop Architecture Camp show off their model cities.  MG&E’s new CEO hopes to focus on adding renewables but isn’t ready to commit to the city’s goal of 100 percent renewable energy.