Madison Reporter: City of Madison adopts comprehensive sustainability plan

The City of Madison has released its 2024 Sustainability Plan, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at reducing climate pollution, preparing for and minimizing the impacts of climate change, improving environmental quality, and ensuring the health and well-being of all residents. The Common Council unanimously adopted the plan on August 6, 2024.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway expressed her enthusiasm for the new plan. "I am delighted to present the City of Madison’s 2024 Sustainability Plan,” she said. “This plan represents another step forward in ensuring that Madison remains a vibrant and sustainable place for generations to come. I look forward to working with staff, partner organizations, and the broader Madison community to implement the Plan and achieve this sustainable vision for Madison."

In March 2017, Madison set ambitious goals to achieve 100% renewable energy and zero-net carbon emissions for city operations by 2030 and community-wide by 2050. This was in response to scientific warnings about the urgent need for action against climate change. Recent years have confirmed these warnings, with last year being recorded as the hottest yet.

Alder Nikki Conklin emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change: “We cannot delay confronting the threat of climate change—our health, safety, and economy depend on swift and decisive action,” she said. “Madison faces increasing risks as temperatures rise and severe weather events become more frequent. The impacts on our community are real and urgent, and this plan is our commitment to making sure Madison can thrive in a changing climate."

The Sustainability Plan outlines 24 goals across eight elements: Quality Affordable Housing; Resilient City Design & Infrastructure; Renewable Energy and Decarbonization; Sustainable Transportation; Clean Abundant Water; Zero Waste; Healthy Ecosystems; and a Vibrant Green Economy. Each goal includes specific actions and metrics for tracking progress.

Alder Nasra Wehelie highlighted the inclusive nature of the plan: “The City of Madison's ambitious sustainability plan is a testament to our commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future together,” she said. “Developed with guiding values of equity, justice, education, and public health, this plan not only addresses environmental challenges but also ensures that our efforts deliver meaningful benefits to every member of our community.”

Community engagement played a crucial role in developing the plan. Efforts included an online survey available in four languages with over 1,600 responses, pop-up events at local markets with over 600 participants, seven focus groups with diverse stakeholders, social media campaigns, and signage throughout the community.

Alder MGR Govindarajan acknowledged community contributions: “Thank you to everyone who shared their vision and priorities for a more sustainable Madison with the project team," he said. "Your input was essential for shaping a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community now and for future generations.”

The new plan builds on previous initiatives such as the city's first formal sustainability plan from 2004, a community-wide sustainability plan from 2011, and the adoption of the 100% Renewable Madison report in 2018.

“Our city has a strong foundation of climate and sustainability leadership,” said Alder Tag Evers. “This plan shows a clear path for how we can continue to grow and enhance the health and wellbeing of our community and environment. I’m excited to see the benefits that implementing this plan will provide to Madison.”

The full text of the 2024 Sustainability Plan is available on the City of Madison’s website along with executive summaries in Spanish, Chinese, and Hmoob.

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