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
  • Register Now: Winter Salt Certification Training
  • Madison, Fitchburg top AARP's List of Most Livable Communities
  • Deadline August 17th: Sign up for AGMV Youth Incentive Program
  • Event: Urban League of Greater Madison Neighborhood Employment Center Groundbreaking
News From Around the Region
Stay up to date with our roundup of planning and development news around the region. 

Register Now: Winter Salt Certification Training
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.
Before the weather turns cold and the first snow falls, it’s hard to think ahead to winter. But now is the time to attend a workshop and learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, money, and our freshwater resources.  Registration is open for the first Winter Salt Certification training of 2018! – on Thursday, August 16 th  

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 making 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. Chloride from salt is toxic to small aquatic life and degrades the natural eco-system of our waterways.

Visit the WI Salt Wise Partnership website for more information on how you can reduce salt pollution in our lakes, streams and drinking water.
Madison, Fitchburg top AARP's List of Most Livable Communities
Madison is the most livable mid-sized city in the nation, according to the AARP Livable Communities Index . With a Livability Score of 66 , Madison eked out the top spot over Arlington, Virginia and St. Paul, Minnesota, with Boulder, CO and Minneapolis rounding out the top five mid-sized cities (population 100,000 to 499,999). In addition to Madison, two more Dane County communities took high honors in the “small communities” category (25,000 to 99,999), with Fitchburg coming in at number one and Sun Prairie at number six.

This index evaluates communities according to several factors, including safety and security, affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and the ability to live near family and friends who can be relied upon. The Livable Communities Index website allows users to see how a particular community scores on each issue and compare communities to each other.

A high quality of life for all is especially important given how our region’s population is growing and changing. Long-range planning is crucial to making sure that our communities, and the region as a whole, provide security, opportunity, and a clean environment for everyone.

The Index is produced by the AARP’s Public Policy Institute . See the site and rankings on the Index website, or view the full 2018 Livability Index report .
Deadline August 17th: Sign up for AGMV's Youth Incentive Program
Participating organizations or groups will compete for cash donations of up to $6,000

A Greater Madison Vision invites schools and nonprofits serving youth to participate in the Youth Incentive Program to win donations and make their voices heard. Groups participate by encouraging their supporters, members, program participants, and other interested individuals to take the A Greater Madison Vision survey between September 12 and November 12, 2018. A Greater Madison Vision will gather public input for the next regional development plan. This plan will help determine gr owth and development in the Greater Madison region through 2040.

See the link below for more details and to apply for the Survey Incentive Program!
Event: Urban League of Greater Madison Neighborhood Employment Center Groundbreaking
When
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM CDT

Where
Former Griff’s restaurant (across from Elver Park)
1233 McKenna Blvd.
Madison, WI 53719
A Greater Madison Vision partners at the Urban League of Greater Madison extend an invite to the groundbreaking of the Park Edge/Park Ridge Employment & Training Center - the City of Madison's first neighborhood employment center.
Events

Next RPC Commission meeting
September 13th, 2018 @ 6:15pm
City County Building Rm 351
210 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Madison WI, 53703