Madison Media Digest: Politics, Building and Business, Education

Here’s what we were reading with our community paramedics company while waiting for an emergency call.

Politics

Mayor Paul Soglin says the city is facing a $7M budget gap this year. The council’s finance committee is looking for ways to pare back the city’s spending on building projects in light of escalating debt payments. Soglin also proposed a voluntary city certification program for taxi drivers, landlords and businesses that pay a living wage. Soglin is pursuing his agenda unplagued by doubt, says Paul Fanlund. The state budget gave the city more control over the board of the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. State Democrats are challenging the electoral district map adopted in 2011. The city is trying to ensure Madison residents get the identification cards they need to vote in future elections. The city is still coming to terms with the Mar. 6 shooting of unarmed teenager Tony Robinson by Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny. 

Building and Business

Negotiations continue for a proposed development just off Capitol Square. Attempts to get the Exact Sciences headquarters downtown have left the city with a complicated agreement and limited negotiating power. Brenda Konkel has more information on the negotiations and asked questions about the process. The City Council will consider an overhaul of Madison’s Landmarks Ordinance, which has been criticized by many. A house at 906 Williamson St. has become the site of a contentious Landmark decision, and one resident of the Marquette Neighborhood is asking for accountability. Occupy Madison is looking to add more tiny homes to its East Madison site. The Salvation Army’s plan to expand their East Washington location is “in limbo.” Soglin is proposing to change the fees for side-walk cafes, and the result will be some restaurants paying thousands more. A developer is planning a commercial development for the Grandview Commons neighborhood. A federal grant will give Madison an opportunity to attract up to $75M of investment for biotech, advanced manufacturing and food processing business. 

Education

Madison students and residents are finding ways to encourage younger girls to pursue STEM careers. UW–Extension is coordinating a camp for children from military families. Kids are learning about Hmong history at a summer program at the Badger Rock Neighborhood Center. Madison East alumni have already started supporting a new scholarship fund named for former principal Milton McPike. A Madison 12-year-old is off to a great start at the U.S. Junior Closed Chess Championships.