City Budget Controversy, Beltline Traffic, and Development Delays
Unfortunately for Dwight Schrute, we’re talking about budgets, buildings, and the Beltline not bears, beets, and Battlestar Galactica on this week’s Friday news roundup. The City Council passed the 2026 budget and voted down an amendment that would defund the Office of the Independent police Monitor. A proposed building development on West Wilson has us, and the surrounding neighborhood, asking how necessary is parking downtown. Plus, the state has finished its study on the Beltline and has solutions for the traffic, and no they don’t suggest adding a north or south Beltline. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into these stories and more with newsletter editor Rob Thomas, and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos.
Mentioned on the show:
Madison passes $453 million budget, rejects move to pull police monitor funding [Isthmus]
City of Madison 2026 Mayor’s Budget [Wisconsin Policy Forum]
City undecided on 16-story Wilson Street development with no parking [Wisconsin State Journal]
Recommendations for Beltline aim to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion [Wisconsin State Journal]
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram!
📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 14th episode:
- Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
- Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
- Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
- Goodman Community Center
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
WI Governor Race Updates & Assembly District 76 Forum Takeaways
There are still seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the Wisconsin Governor’s race. With the August 11 primary less t...

The Ultimate Madison Ice Cream Showdown
There are so many great local spots in town to get ice cream. From Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to Babcock Dairy Store, Madison is rich wit...

Police Monitor Blames MPD for Man’s Death, Plus Ridglan Farms To Close
Richard Lee Johnson died on Dec. 31, 2024, after being arrested the previous night. A new report by the Office of the Independent Polic...

Regent Street Redesign, Tourism Boom, and Juneteenth Events in Madison
After months of public input, Regent Street is getting a major redesign which will include wider sidewalks, fewer driving lanes, added pa...

Why Madison Needs The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
The new Center for Black Excellence and Culture has officially opened! City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin sits down with founder Rev. D...

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Madison
Do you know how many parks Madison has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cas...

City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids
This week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fue...

Spicy Takes From Madison’s Chef of the Year. Plus, WTF Is Cookie Salad?!?
Chef Patrick O’Halloran has been cooking for Madison for decades, and his latest business, The Deliciouser, blends spices, classes, and g...

Hot Takes on Madison’s Queer Scene
It’s Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again fo...

Honoring Michael Johnson, Public Art Woes, and Pop-Ups at Madison Public Market
We start today’s show remembering and mourning community leader Michael Johnson. Host Bianca Martin reflects with executive producer Hayl...


