Madison: Community Update from Mayor Rhodes-Conway (July 31)

~ Madison Mayor Calls for End to Occupation at Intersection of Williamson Street and Baldwin Street

In a press release issued on July 31, 2026, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway addressed the ongoing occupation at the intersection of Williamson Street and Baldwin Street. The occupation, which has been ongoing for several weeks, has caused disruptions to public transportation, impeded emergency response services, and harmed local businesses and community services.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway expressed her condolences for the recent loss of Corey Ruiz and acknowledged the grief felt by the community. She emphasized the need to move forward with compassion and grace while also acknowledging that there is room for improvement in Madison.

"We need to start that work now," Mayor Rhodes-Conway stated. "We cannot do that while facing the immediate crisis of an occupation of public spaces."

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The mayor recognized that those participating in the occupation are members of the community who care about improving Madison and addressing systemic issues. However, she stressed that this energy should not be wasted by disregarding the rule of law and causing harm to neighbors' livelihoods.

"The current blockade of a major thoroughfare detours public bus routes, makes it more difficult for community members to reach their jobs, and impedes fire and EMS response," Mayor Rhodes-Conway explained. "It is causing real, possibly irreparable harm to local business owners and community services that remain shut down due to the ongoing occupation."

The mayor also addressed concerns about unhoused individuals who may be affected by the occupation. She assured that outreach workers are actively connecting them with services and shelter. She encouraged community members to work with organizations already providing support for those experiencing homelessness.

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"While this work can often take time and be complicated, we are doing our absolute best to find solutions," Mayor Rhodes-Conway said.

She also acknowledged that the intersection is not a safe location for people to be sleeping in tents or for children to play near nail-studded blockades. In honor of Corey Ruiz, the mayor expressed her commitment to working with his family to create a memorial in that space.

"The life of Corey Ruiz will never be forgotten. The intersection of Williamson Street and Baldwin Street will never be the same," Mayor Rhodes-Conway stated. "I'm committed to realizing a positive vision in collaboration with Corey's family for a memorial in that space so that our community will never forget."

In conclusion, Mayor Rhodes-Conway called for an end to the occupation and urged community members to come together and decide what comes next. She emphasized the need for hard conversations and hard work to create a better future for Madison.

"It's time for the barricades to come down," Mayor Rhodes-Conway declared. "I stand ready to work on the next phase."

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