Madison: Community Update from Mayor Rhodes-Conway (August 3)
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~ Madison Mayor Calls for End to Occupation of City Streets

In the wake of the tragic death of Corey Ruiz at the hands of the police, the City of Madison has been facing a complex and emotionally charged situation. For almost two weeks, city staff and elected leaders have been working tirelessly to peacefully resolve the occupation of Williamson Street and Baldwin Street by community members.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway expressed her deep concern over the current crisis that has taken over the city. She stated that despite numerous efforts to convince people to end the occupation, it has become increasingly clear that it is counterproductive and causing harm to both residents and local businesses.

The mayor also addressed concerns about unsheltered individuals being used as leverage for demands that the city does not have the power to fulfill. She emphasized that while they are working with Corey's family and community members to create a memorial space, plans for a permanent memorial cannot be made until the occupation ends.

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Furthermore, Mayor Rhodes-Conway highlighted that the city does not have the authority to make arrests or bring criminal charges in this case. That responsibility lies with the Dane County District Attorney after an independent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. She urged those supporting the occupation to understand this fact and not deliberately escalate the situation.

The mayor also addressed issues regarding sanitation and safety at the occupied site. She clarified that at no point did the city pay for porta-potties, and they have asked for them to be removed or risk being cited and fined. She also stated that efforts are being made by outreach workers and Community Development Division staff to provide services to unsheltered individuals at the site.

However, Mayor Rhodes-Conway stressed that enabling an illegal occupation is not helping those in need. She called on faith communities, nonprofits, and individual community members to work together with the city and county in finding long-term solutions for homelessness.

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The mayor concluded her statement by urging those occupying Williamson Street and Baldwin Street to remove the barricades, take down the tents, and end the occupation. She emphasized that this is the first step towards finding a lasting solution for the issue at hand.

In response to the occupation, the city has already issued tow notices to vehicles blocking the intersection, and citations and impoundment will follow. The mayor also warned that those suggesting this is a safe location for a homeless encampment are wrong and are inviting more trauma and harm.

The City of Madison is facing a difficult situation, but Mayor Rhodes-Conway remains hopeful that by working together, they can find solutions that benefit everyone in the community. She urged everyone to join them in finding long-term solutions and put an end to the occupation of city streets.

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