Updated Madison Sustainability Plan

Three years of work on an update to the 2011 Madison Sustainability Plan is culminating in a resolution to adopt a new version that will be introduced at the May 21 Common Council meeting. Introduction starts the legislative process that will likely bring the plan back to the Common Council for final approval in August.

Many of the recommendations in the 2011 Plan have been implemented. Others were beyond Madison’s control but stated hoped for actions by others. The new plan focuses solidly on steps that are within Madison’s power and provides a path to a more environmentally sustainable and resilient community.

Led by the Sustainable Madison Committee and the City’s Sustainability and Resilience Program, the new plan reflects input from City staff, local experts and partners, and the Madison community. In an online survey, pop-up events, focus groups, a social media campaign, and meetings with community groups, more than 2,200 people shared their vision and priorities, which are reflected in the 24 goals set forth in the new plan. The goals are organized into eight elements:

1. Quality, affordable housing
2. Resilient city design and infrastructure
3. Renewable energy and decarbonization
4. Sustainable transportation
5. Clean, abundant water
6. Zero waste
7. Healthy ecosystems
8. A vibrant, green economy

The plan is a roadmap to a more sustainable and resilient community. It assigns goals to specific departments and establishes metrics to track progress. Success will require sustained leadership, collaboration, and citizen participation. The ongoing task of the Sustainable Madison Committee will be to foster a culture of accountability as we all strive to minimize the impacts of climate change, improve environmental quality, and ensure the health and wellbeing of all Madisonians.

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve on the Sustainable Madison Committee first as a resident member and more recently as an alder member. The Committee and Staff are delighted to present a plan that reflects the aspirations and priorities of our community.