Welcome to the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission's bi-weekly roundup of news, trends, and events. To see previous editions of this newsletter,  click here.
In This Edition
  • News from around the region
  • A Greater Madison Vision Gets 5,000 Surveys and Asks for More
  • Help Spread the Word - Be Salt Wise
  • Winter Salt Certification Training
  • Register Now: Sustain Dane Summit 2018
News From Around the Region
Stay up to date with our roundup of planning and development news around the region. 

A Greater Madison Vision Gets 5,000 Survey and Asks for More
Dane County area leaders expressed gratitude to the more than 5,000 residents and visitors who have taken the survey showing possible Dane County futures, and stressed the need to hear from an even wider variety of people throughout the region.  So far, the survey has received over 5,000 responses in three weeks, but representation from some communities including Sun Prairie, Oregon, Marshall, Mazomanie, Stoughton and Cottage Grove is very low.  Anyone who lives, works or visits the Dane County region is encouraged to take the unique 10-minute survey now, to share their views on how the region should grow and develop. The survey is open to high school students and older, and features both Spanish and Hmong translations.
Sharon Corrigan, Chair of the Dane County Board of Supervisors says, “Recent flooding underscores the interconnectedness of our choices and the need for meaningful regional planning. We want to hear from people of all walks of life to learn what matters most to them about this area.” 

A Greater Madison Vision’s mission is to create a shared vision and plan to guide public and private decisions about growth in the area. The public input will help create a regional development planning resource that will foster exceptional quality of life, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment for all, and is meant to help all the communities in Dane County work together. It is important that the survey responses represent diverse voices and steering committee members are reaching out to all communities.

Ruben Anthony, Jr., President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, says, “Wise planning grounded by inclusion produces a plan that truly meets the social and economic needs of the entire community.”
Help Spread the Word - Be Salt Wise!
As it gets cold and surfaces turn icy, don’t forget about the best techniques for applying salt. Do your part to reduce winter salt use to help protect our lakes, streams, and drinking water!
Deicers improve the winter safety of our streets, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. But when used improperly they can also be a major source of salt (sodium and chloride) to our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.

According to WI Salt Wise , “Just 1 teaspoon of salt pollutes 5 gallons of water!” When the snow melts, excess salt travels through storm sewers or other drainage systems and makes its way to our lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater. Regional trends show increasing salt concentrations in our local water bodies and drinking water supplies, primarily as a result of winter salt application. Once salt is in our water, it does not break down – it’s here to stay. High levels of chloride from salt is toxic to aquatic life, degrading the quality of our waterways.

Help protect our water resources by spreading the word about proper salt use. Encourage professional winter salt applicators to become certified!
Winter Salt Certification Training
Attend a training to become certified in salt application for parking lots, sidewalks, and trails. Learn about how to use the least amount of de-icing material to maintain safe conditions and reduce the amount of chloride that will ultimately reach our surface and ground water.

When: November 15 th , 8 am – 2 pm
Where: 1600 Emil Street Madison, WI
Cost: $12
Register Now: Sustain Dane Summit 2018
What can we achieve together? Let's find out! Our community needs YOUR voice to shape a more sustainable future.

The Sustain Dane Summit is an annual sustainability gathering that brings together students, activists, neighbors, professionals, families and community leaders.
When
Friday, November 2nd, 2018 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT

Where
Gordon Dining and Event Center
770 West Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53706
Events

Next RPC Commission meeting
October 8th, 2018 @ 6:15pm
City County Building Rm 321
210 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Madison WI, 53703