County Board Approves Sustainable Operations Plan

March 18, 2016
County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan, 608.333.2285
County Board

Major Initiatives Will Shrink County’s Carbon Footprint; Board Also Approves Affordable Housing Purchases

Dane County Government Sustainable Operations Plan

The Dane County Board of Supervisors accepted the county government’s first-ever comprehensive plan focused on guiding the County to operate more sustainably.

The 162-page Dane County Government Sustainable Operations Plan, more than a year in the making, outlines specific goals, objectives, and strategies across eight broad operational categories:

  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation

  • Transportation and vehicle fleet

  • Water

  • Waste

  • County buildings and facilities

  • Purchasing

  • Education and outreach

  • Employee experience

The plan also includes individual sustainable action plans developed by each department and constitutional office.

“Dane County has been a leader in sustainable operations for years, but we know we can do more and this plan provides a roadmap for next steps,” said Board Chair Sharon Corrigan. “We know that, by embracing sustainable approaches in our day-to-day operations, we not only shrink our own carbon footprint, but we also save money, conserve natural resources, and improve the wellbeing of our employees and the people we serve. I hope both public and private sector organizations take a look at this plan and follow our example.”

See the Dane County Government Sustainable Operations Plan at: https://board.countyofdane.com/documents/pdf/final_dane county sustainable operations plan_jan2016.pdf

 

Affordable Housing Development Property Purchases

In other business, the County Board approved the first property purchases in the Affordable Housing Development Fund, launched last year, that sets aside $2 million annually for four years to purchase properties in partnership with private organizations to provide affordable housing. The two purchases, set to close by the end of March, include a property on Raymond Road for $219,000 and a property on Britta Avenue for $250,000. Each has four two-bedroom apartments. The properties will be leased to and managed by local nonprofit Housing Initiatives, and will serve veterans, the mentally ill, and the chronically homeless who make up to 50% of the area median income.

“It’s hard to overstate how exciting this is to see our affordable housing capital budget allocation go toward ending homelessness in our community, something that this board has really grappled with,” said Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner. “I can’t think of a better organization than Housing Initiatives. They’re literally taking folks who have the most barriers, who no one else will house, and providing support and very responsive property management. I’m excited about more resolutions like this coming to the board as we continue our commitment to expand affordable housing and end homelessness.”

“These projects are a clear example of how the County Board’s decisions can help change lives,” said Chair Corrigan.  “The Affordable Housing Development Fund that we put into the capital budget last year will make a real impact in the lives of people who need housing to get on their feet and move forward to become productive members of the community. This is what local government at its best can do.”

 

Naming the Office for Equity and Inclusion in Honor of Tamara Grigsby

Supervisor Shelia Stubbs also introduced a resolution to rename the Office for Equity and Inclusion after Tamara Grigsby, a trusted leader who had been appointed as director of the Office.  Ms. Grigsby died earlier this week at the age of 41.

“Her vision and strength will be sorely missed,” said Stubbs. “Ms. Grigsby believed in service. She extolled the virtue of caring for the underdog, comforting those in need, and public service. Her kindness, sense of humor, strength, and graciousness enriched those fortunate enough to know her and her work.”