Madison Media Digest: Homelessness, Education, Community

Here’s what we were reading while planning pranks around campus. 

Homelessness

Porchlight will break ground on a new facility near the East Towne Mall this spring. Abandoned rental units slated for demolition may serve as temporary housing due to shelter shortages. A collaboration between the United Way and Zendesk released a mobile app to help people experiencing homelessness access services.

Education

Glendale Elementary reimagines recess for fourth- and fifth-graders. Other schools are ditching the cafeteria for lunch. Madison schools are others are too committed to the status quo, according to Chris Rickert. Madison Area Technical College’s plans to acquire what is now the Columbus Speedway may be on hold as the owners appeal a ruling that the sale should proceed. Prosquared works to improve financial literacy for student athletes of color. 

Community

The Madison Water Utility described the reasons for water main breaks in the winter. Parking may be more expensive in Madison soon. Madison released a call for proposals for a consultant to review police procedures. The Black Chamber of Commerce released a Black Business Directory containing listings for Dane county’s 200+ black-owned businesses. The Common Council will vote on District 11’s new alder on March 1. Wisconsin Women’s Network and Wisconsin Women in Government will co-host a brown bag lunch panel on the challenges of women running for elected office.

The City and the St. Raphael Congregation dispute whether Way of the Cross Park downtown qualifies for a religious exemption to property taxes. Festival Foods will open on East Washington Avenue in April. Northsiders discussed possible uses for the Oscar Mayer site after the company abandons it. City officials are considering their own options around the Alliant Energy Center. A United Way of Dane County panel released a report on the best ways to address poverty in the city. Lake Edge Lutheran Church on the East Side is working with other congregations to promote racial equality. Madison Ballet Dancers who found themselves out of a job after an abrupt cancellation to their season are mounting their own show. The National League of Cities recognized Madison’s commitment to the Maker movement. It’s a seller’s market in real estate right now.