The District 3 Dispatch | CIP approved; city reaches 36,000 residents
It’s shaping up to be a busy week in Fitchburg, and if you haven’t had a chance to celebrate summer in our city, this is your opportunity. Just this week, we have an End of Summer Resource Fair at Southdale Park, Community Night Out at McKee Farms Park, and the Agora Art Fair. Check out the “Get Involved” section below for more information. So much of what makes Fitchburg special will be on display, and I hope to see you at one or more of these events (plus, it looks like the weather may cooperate)!
I'd also like to take a moment to share my gratitude for all of the kind words you've shared about this newsletter. There's so much happening in Fitchburg – both visible and behind the scenes – to make our city a better place, and it can be easy to miss something or be overwhelmed. That's why I feel it's so important for me to put my journalism and communication skills to work in this way. If you find value in The District 3 Dispatch, I'd love it if you would forward this edition to a friend or two (whether they're in District 3 or elsewhere) and encourage them to sign up at loganreigstad.com. I also publish each newsletter on the website, so it's easy to catch up!
Yours in service,
-Logan
What’s “Growing” On
Here’s what’s being built in Fitchburg.
36,197 – that’s the latest estimate from the Department of Administration of how many people call Fitchburg home. Since 2020, our city has added more than 5,000 residents – including our neighbors in the Southdale neighborhood who joined Fitchburg when the Town of Madison dissolved. Since 2020, Dane County’s population has climbed by an estimated 50,000 people to 611,149!
Site work has begun for the future Water Tower D at the U.S. Highway 14/Lacy Road interchange.
Working For You
Here’s how city staff and elected officials are working on your behalf to make Fitchburg a better place.
A few notes from our August 12 council meeting:
We approved the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) (aka the infrastructure/”stuff” plan) with several amendments brought forth by alders. The items listed for 2026 will be included in the first draft of next year’s operating budget, which we’ll vote on this fall. Of note to District 3:
My amendment to add bike lanes on Larsen Road from Terravessa to the Capital City State Trail passed. This is a long-term vision and isn’t expected to happen in the next few years, but I felt it was important to put the vision in writing now so we can better prepare.
The amendment to reduce the scale of the Southdale bike connection along County Highway MM from McCoy Road to Anderberg Drive failed, meaning this project will continue to move forward as proposed. Construction is currently planned for 2029.
Amendments to remove sanitary sewer and water lines along Irish Lane in the Greenfield neighborhood were withdrawn.
My amendment to delay $500,000 in renovations to Fire Station #1 on Lacy Road west of Fish Hatchery Road from 2026 to 2027 failed. I felt this project needed more review and could be pushed back without causing significant impacts.
We approved an updated intergovernmental agreement with the City of Verona and Town of Verona on the structure of Fitch-Rona EMS. Under this agreement, Fitchburg will pay more but have more representation on the EMS Commission, which is reflective of the higher call volume in our city than in our neighbors’ jurisdictions.
Our ad-hoc Community Equity Committee will now become a permanent committee focused on reviewing city plans and policies to make sure they meet the needs of our growing, diverse city.
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The intersection of Irish Lane and South Syene Road in the Greenfield neighborhood is now an all-way stop. Previously, drivers and bicyclists on Syene did not have to stop. Drive and ride with caution in this area as folks get used to the new traffic pattern!
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Four new BCycle stations have been installed around the city, including one on East Cheryl Parkway next to The Rusty Bee Lounge. This brings the total number of stations in Fitchburg to 20. Check BCycle’s website to find the one closest to your home.
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The old playground equipment at Rimrock Park in the Southdale neighborhood has been removed, and the new equipment has been installed. It should be ready to use very soon. Playground upgrades at Southdale Park are scheduled for later this year.
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The new BCycle station on East Cheryl Parkway at The Rusty Bee Lounge.
Get Involved
Upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can help make our city a better place
DEADLINE EXTENDED: We want to hear from you! The city is updating our housing plan, and we want your thoughts on what’s working and what we can do to make improvements. Fill out this short survey (English) (Español) to weigh in. It will be open until August 22.
LAST CHANCE: Take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the city’s Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan. A survey (English) (Español) is open through August 15.
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Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
The 2025 Community Night Out will be August 13 at McKee Farms Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The End of Summer Resource Fair at Southdale Park, hosted by The River Food Pantry, will be August 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Agora Art Fair will be August 16 at the Agora Pavilion
Concerts at McKee will be August 18 at McKee Farms Park
The fall recycling event, featuring both electronics recycling and paper shredding, will be September 13 from 8-11 a.m. at City Hall.
Run, Walk, Bike to McGaw Park: Meet and dine with your neighbors at the park on August 22, September 12, and October 3 from 5-8 p.m. All residents of Greenfield, Swan Creek, and Fahey Fields neighborhoods are invited to attend. Food trucks scheduled to attend are:
August 22: TC Asian
September 12: Julie's Fork in the Road
October 3: Steve's Tacos
In Case You Missed It
Our region’s pickleball boom has been in the news lately, with InBusiness Madison highlighting the growing Pickles and Beer event at McGaw Park.
Need a quiet place to get some work done? Check out the new study pods on the second floor of the Fitchburg Public Library! Each of the eight pods has a seat, a place to store your belongings, and a desk (with an outlet to charge your computer).
The new study pods at the library are available for use.
Stay Updated
One Last Thing…
IRONMAN Wisconsin returns to Dane County September 6 and 7. The biking portion of this incredible fitness event passes through Fitchburg; if you’re out and about, you will see some impacts to our roads. Give yourself a few extra minutes to get around the county that weekend! If you live along the route, expect a postcard in the mail from IRONMAN organizers with more information about impacts in your area.
