Building a Greener Madison: Common Council Holds Discussion on the City's Sustainability Plan

The Madison Common Council will hold a discussion on City sustainability initiatives on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 201 of the City-County Building. During this session, Sustainability Office staff will present the Sustainability Plan Progress Report, which will include a summary of the plan's development, key topics addressed, and highlights of achievements since its adoption.

In August 2024, the Madison Common Council unanimously adopted the 2024 Sustainability Plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for reducing climate pollution, preparing for and minimizing the impacts of climate change, improving environmental quality, and ensuring the health and well-being of all Madison residents. The plan outlines 24 goals organized into eight essential elements of a sustainable city, with specific actions and metrics for tracking progress:

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. Vibrant, Green Economy

Jessica Price, PhD, the Sustainability and Resilience Manager, will open the discussion by sharing the goals and actions of the Sustainability Plan, along with a one-year progress report. Additional topics and presenters include:

• Farmer's Market Food Scraps Collection - Bryan Johnson, Streets Public Information Officer
• Air Quality Monitoring Project - Jessica Price, Sustainability and Resilience Manager
• Urban Forestry - Craig Klinke, Assistant City Forester
• Efficiency Navigator Program - Jessica Price, Sustainability and Resilience Manager
• Building Energy Savings Program - Gregg May, Sustainability Program Coordinator
• Renewable Energy and Efficiency at City Facilities - Bryan Cooper, Principal Architect
• Decarbonizing the City's Fleet - Rachel Darken, Fleet Service Superintendent