Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes an agreement between the City of Madison and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) and/or its fiscal sponsor for programming at locations on State Street and the Capitol Square. The Economic Development Division’s 2026 Adopted Operating Budget includes $56,000 to support downtown programming (Munis account #63500-54810-00000). No additional City appropriation is required.
Title
Authorizing a $56,000 contract with Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) and/or its fiscal sponsor to fund the continuation of the Downtown Activities Program focused on existing plazas around the Capitol Square and State Street (District 2, District 4 and District 8)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) have been partners in implementing a successful placemaking and activities programming at the Top of State Street and other public spaces throughout the Downtown during each summer since 2015; and,
WHEREAS, this partnership has created the “Summer in Your City” program that includes, but is not limited to the popular programs such as “Kids Create at the Top of State”, “Summer in Your City Café” and the “Madison Night Market”, among other activities; and,
WHEREAS, the City would like the BID to continue programming activities to the extent possible at the “Top of State” as well as other public open spaces and plazas along State Street and the Capitol Square, including, but not limited to, Rotary Plaza, Lisa Link Peace Park, North Frances Plaza, and the intersection of State Street Mall and the Library Mall; and,
WHEREAS, the Common Council included funding in the 2026 Operating Budget that $56,000 should be directed towards continued programming of these spaces downtown.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Madison’s Central Business Improvement District, working with cultural partners such as the Madison Public Library, Wisconsin History Museum, Overture and others, will develop programming and placemaking efforts to activate park, plazas and other public spaces along State Street and the Capitol Square as described above, throughout the summer and into fall of 2026.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract for up to $56,000 between the City of Madison and Madison’s Central Business Improvement District or its fiscal sponsor with terms as approved by the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development Director and City Attorney, to administer the 2026 Downtown Activities Program.