Building Energy Savings Program, 2023 State of Public Safety, Vision Zero Works!

Hi Everyone,

Here are today's items of interest:

Building Energy Savings Program (BESP)

The Economic Development Committee will meet in virtual format later today, Wednesday, February 15, at 5:00 PM. Agenda items include creating Section 29.40 and amending Section 1.08(3)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances to establish a building energy savings code, and to update the bond schedule accordingly.

A few weeks ago, the Wisconsin State Journal published an editorial in opposition to the BESP. This was a grossly irresponsible piece of journalism, full of errors, and I wrote an Op/Ed as a rebuttal, which the WSJ graciously published. However, on Sunday, the WSJ published an Op/Ed by Bill Connors of Smart Growth, which makes the same tired claims that BESP should be entirely voluntary and contain no requirements.

If we lived in a world in which businesses always worked toward the common good, we wouldn't need mandates of any kind whatsoever. We wouldn't need air pollution laws to protect the air we breathe. We wouldn't need water pollution laws to protect the water we drink. We wouldn't need laws requiring businesses to pay taxes because all businesses would gladly pony up the funds needed to attend to our needs as a society.

Alas, we don't live in such a world, and mandates at times are necessary. This is one of those times. The real world we live in must deal with the realities of climate change.

Besides, the same voices calling for a voluntary program and claiming it will be effective are also saying that these simple actions are too costly, too time consuming, and do not work. So why should we think that they would voluntarily take action or opt in to a voluntary program?

It's worth nothing that programs similar to BESP have been implemented in roughly 50 cities nationwide. It's not as if we going out on a limb here with something wildly innovative. The program requires annual benchmarking of energy use for buildings larger than 25,000 square feet. Buildings larger than 50,000 square feet are required to tune-up their systems (HVAC, lighting, etc) every four years. There are multiple paths toward compliance – it's not a punitive system. And it works, according to the national data. Programs like BESP result in significant energy savings and concomitant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

You may find more information about tomorrow's meeting by clicking here, including what's on the agenda, how to register for public comment, and how to watch the meeting if you're so inclined. Here's your chance to make your voice heard.

Takeaways from Chief Barnes 2023 State of Public Safety Address

Violent crimes are trending in an encouraging direction, according to data released by Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes during the 2023 State of Public Safety Address.

In order to achieve this goal, the department has remained focused on the three core priorities of 21st Century Policing: crime prevention, community engagement and employee safety and wellness.

For more information, including breakdown of each category and how it has impacted the Madison community, as highlighted during the Chief's speech, please click here.

Data Show Vision Zero Policy to be Effective in Reducing Deaths and Injuries 

Data shows significant decline in traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Madison for two consecutive years since the launch of Vision Zero initiative.

We saw a 29% reduction of traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Madison roads from 2020 to 2022.
In 2022, traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Madison are even lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic level.

For more information, please click here.

Family Definition Approved by Plan Commission

On Monday, Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed changes to the City's family definition occupancy restriction policy. I will be sharing my thoughts in an upcoming post.

Take care and stay safe,

Tag