Capital Area Regional Planning Commission

06/11/2026

📝 At the May Commission meeting, Commissioners held a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Environmental Corridors Policies & Criteria and approved agreements with the Wisconsin DNR, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and other regional partners to support water quality planning and management activities.

They also heard updates and presentations on several ongoing planning initiatives.

🗓️ The next Commission meeting will be held virtually via Zoom tonight, Thursday, June 11, at 6 p.m. Stay up to date with Commission meetings, agendas, and meeting materials at www.capitalarearpc.org/meetings.

06/09/2026

Great turnout last week at the Town of Montrose Community Meeting, held as part of its Comprehensive Plan Update process. Thank you to everyone who came out and shared their ideas for the future of the community.

CARPC Executive Director Jason Valerius enjoyed helping guide the conversation as residents shared valuable feedback on a range of topics, including what "rural character" means to the community, whether accessory dwelling units (small secondary homes, such as backyard cottages or in-law suites) could help address housing needs, infrastructure improvements in Paoli, and land preservation tools that help protect farmland and open space while directing future growth to appropriate areas.

A reminder to all Dane County communities: CARPC is happy to assist with planning activities large and small upon request!

06/05/2026

💧 Ripple-Effects Wisconsin is hosting a rain barrel sale! Installing one is a simple way to help protect and conserve our local water resources.

Looking for a way to conserve water and reduce runoff at home? Install a rain barrel. The Dane County rain barrel sale is now open with pick up locations in Middleton, Deforest, and Stoughton. Participating Dane County municipalities may also qualify for a $30 reimbursement. Order @ https://www.ripple-effects.com/rainbarrels

05/29/2026

We had a great time repping WI Salt Wise at the Waunakee Public Works Open House last week! 🧂

Interested in having WI Salt Wise materials at your community event or inviting staff to participate? Send Kayla an email at [email protected].

05/28/2026

The MPO is updating its long-range Regional Transportation Plan—Pathways to 2050—and wants to hear from people who live & work in the Greater Madison region!

💬 Take the survey: bit.ly/pathways2050

🔮 What should transportation in the Greater Madison region look like in 2050?

We're starting work on the Regional Transportation Plan update—Pathways to 2050—and we'd love to hear what you think.

If you live or work in the Greater Madison area, please take our 10-minute survey and tell us what it's like to get around the region and what transportation improvements matter most to you.

Your feedback will directly shape the plan update and help guide future decisions about roads, public transit, walking and biking infrastructure, accessibility, and safety. It will also help inform how federal transportation funding is prioritized throughout the region.

💬 Take the survey: bit.ly/pathways2050

05/22/2026

Curious about today’s solar landscape and what it means for communities, businesses, and homeowners? ☀️ Join Sustain Dane & Midwest Solar Power LLC for a virtual Lunch & Learn from noon–1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27.

Join Sustain Dane and Midwest Solar Power LLC on Wednesday, May 27 for a virtual Lunch & Learn focused on the current solar energy landscape and what it means for Wisconsin homeowners and businesses. This educational session will help participants better understand solar power options, installation considerations, available incentives, and how solar can support long-term energy savings and sustainability goals.

Whether you’re exploring rooftop solar for your home, researching renewable energy solutions for your business, or simply looking to learn more about clean energy trends, this session will provide practical, actionable insights to help you make informed decisions.

The presentation will be led by Midwest Solar Power and will include time for a live participant Q&A covering topics such as what to expect when working with a solar installer, solar panel costs, tax credits, and more. ☀️

Register here: https://sustaindane.org/eventbrite-event/lunch-learn-the-state-of-solar/

05/19/2026

Today marks 1 year of Senior Environmental Resources Technician Isaac Porter being part of the CARPC team! 🎉

Over the past year, Isaac has played a key role in the Dane County Stream Inventory Crossing Project, collecting field data and turning it into reports that help local governments prioritize culvert and bridge repairs and strengthen our region’s flood resilience.

Thanks for all you do, Isaac!

05/13/2026

📝 Three key actions from our April meeting:

1️⃣ CARPC Commissioners passed a resolution honoring longtime CARPC Commissioner Caryl Terrell for her service.

2️⃣ Commissioners received presentations on proposed revisions to the Policies & Criteria for Environmental Corridors and potential CARPC support for implementing Badger Mill Creek resilience improvement projects.

3️⃣ The Commission voted to postpone consideration of three resolutions related to CARPC’s role in regional economic development.

📅 The next Commission meeting will take place in person at the Westport Town Hall and virtually via Zoom tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. Stay up to date: www.capitalarearpc.org/meetings

05/13/2026

A great opportunity to learn how to plan your own native garden! 🌱

Interested in putting in a native garden but not sure what plants to choose or feeling overwhelmed by the process? Join us at our next Native Garden Learning Hub!

We partner with Wild Ones Madison to create a supportive community learning and networking space centered around native plant gardens.

This month’s special topic is 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗬𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀. Learning stations will include:

🦟Mosquito management & Integrated pest management
🐝 Improving existing lawn & creating pollinator lawns
🌱 Compost 101
💧 Stormwater practices
✨ Dark Skies for Pollinators
🌳 Native Trees & Shrubs
🌺 Site Preparation
🏡 Garden Design

Together, we will share knowledge, build connections, and deepen our understanding of native plant gardens, all with the ultimate goal of expanding native habitats across our communities.

Learn more and register at: https://www.danecountyparks.com/Event/Detail/2619

05/12/2026

How neat is this? 🌧💧 DeForest elementary students learned all about stormwater runoff and the small things we can all do to help protect our lakes and rivers.

Even cooler—they’ll be designing a storm drain mural that will be painted in the community this summer!