Towards a Sustainable City

The City recognizes its responsibility and role in creating a more sustainable community. In May 2009, we became an "Eco-municipality" by adopting
The Natural Step (TNS) as a systemic approach to sustainability.

Some major groundwork has been obtaining Tree City USA annually for 40 years, an employee Green Team (2008-present) greening city government, and implementing the sustainability chapter in Comprehensive Plan.

The City became a signatory member of the State's Green Tier Legacy Communities program (GTLC) in July 2012. The program distinguishes municipalities that are achieving superior environmental performance. Click here for information on GTLC Legacy Communities.

The City is an "Energy Independent Community", seeking to use 25% renewable energy by 2025, capturing across the state 10% of the emerging bio-industry and renewable energy market by 2030; and leading the nation in groundbreaking research that will make renewable energy more affordable and create good paying Wisconsin jobs. 

In March 2018, the City revised these goals to become carbon neutral and obtain 100% renewable energy by 2050 for both the municipality and community. See the Renewable Energy Action Plan page for more information.

Learn More:

• Annual Report 2018
• Annual Report 2017
• Annual Report 2016 
• Annual Report 2015 
• Annual Report 2014 
• Annual Report 2013
• Annual Report 2012
• Carbon Neutral & 100% Renewables Goals
• Carbon Neutral & Renewables Report
• Carbon Footprint Report 2015
• Carbon Footprint Report 2013
• Carbon Footprint Report (Baseline - 2011)
• Eco-Municipality Resolution 
• Energy Independent Community Resolution 
• Energy Independence Plan
• Sustainability Fair 2012 Presentation 
• Renewable Energy Case Study 
• Energy Efficiency & Conservation Case Study 
• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy 
• City Anti-Idling Policy