How much is parking really costing our communities?
Sponsored by the Parking Reform Network & 1000 Friends of Wisconsin
Join us for a thought-provoking presentation and community forum on the role parking policies play in housing affordability, land use, and economic development. Featuring special guest, Daniel Herriges, Policy Director at the Parking Reform Network, and Wisconsin reporter Erik Pfantz as moderator – along with a local panel of land use, housing, and transportation leaders.
Forum Panelists include:
- Allison Birr, City Council, District 5 Alder
- Greg Knight, City Sustainability Commission, Chair
- Ish Odogba, UWSP Center for the Small City, Co-Director
- Nathan Sandwick, County Board, District 4 Supervisor
- Laura Schade Stroik, City Plan Commission & Just Design Collective, Principal
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APPLICATIONS DUE 8/15
Join Us for the Community Housing Academy in Milwaukee
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The Community Housing Academy is designed for anyone who wants to better understand (and influence) the future of housing: residents, elected officials, planners, municipal/county staff, students, developers, builders, business leaders, and real estate professionals alike!
Find information about the class schedule and topics, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions. Apply here to join us (deadline: August 15, 2026).
Join Us in Milwaukee!
- Independence First, 540 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
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September 16 - October 28, 2026 (meeting weekly, 7 total sessions) on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm.
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To respect your time while covering all necessary material, most sessions are 2 to 2.5 hours long; there is only one 3-hour session, and built-in breaks are provided. See full schedule for details.
Got Questions? Reach out to Tehila: tehila@1kfriends.org
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EXPLORE THE LATEST
Housing Onward: July Updates
By Ken Smith, Housing Policy Director
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"the greenest building is…one that is already built."
-Carl Elefante
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This month, we're exploring two important conversations shaping the future of housing.
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Learn how communities can strike the right balance between historic preservation and creating more homes.
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Catch up on our July Update, featuring recaps of the Road to Housing Act, the WNN Midwest Regional Gathering, the A Home for Everyone Conference, and other highlights from our advocacy work across Wisconsin.
| | Photo: Ken & Tehila at the "A Home For Everyone Conference," July 29-30 in Pewaukee. | | Photo: Housing advocates gathered together in Minneapolis for a regional gathering – which included a housing tour. | | Photo: Ken attended the
"Historic + Affordable: Housing That Works" conference this spring at Taliesin in Spring Green. | |
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RETHINK 794
Moving into High Gear as Community Voices Grow Louder
By Raphie Torralba, Transportation Policy Analyst
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Mayor Cavalier Johnson recently voiced his support for the so-called "Highway Improvement" option in WisDOT's Lake Interchange Study.
Rethink 794: "We are deeply disappointed by this short-sighted comment, which fails to embrace the once-in-a-generation opportunity for Milwaukee. Choosing to back an alternative before the full data from the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is evaluated is a premature step. We can all agree that an elevated highway simply does not belong through our downtown."
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Community groups are also asking Governor Evers to pause spending on I-794 until the Lake Interchange Study is complete. WisDOT plans to spend $10M to resurface this freeway stretch with an unknown future – not a wise use of public dollars when the city has 10,000 potholes to fill.
In our latest blog, Rethinker Nate Loy challenges Milwaukee to truly commit to meeting the goals outlined in the 2023 Climate & Equity Plan. This decision about our transportation infrastructure today will impact the climate resiliency of the Milwaukee region for generations.
| "Urban freeways are fundamentally incompatible with a sustainable future." | |
Photo: Rethinkers gather to discuss the once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Get Rethink 794 emails.
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BE AN INFORMED VOTER
What Do Our Gubernatorial Candidates Think About Housing and Active Transportation Issues?
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Election season is officially kicking off soon, with Wisconsin’s primary election occurring this Tuesday, August 11. Although we are still months out from the general election in November, several critical races make this primary election one you won’t want to miss.
You can find more information about how to vote and what's on your ballot in this year’s primary here.
Last month, the Wisconsin Bike Fed surveyed Wisconsin's gubernatorial candidates on issues related to biking, outdoor recreation, and active transportation. Check out their highlights and summaries here.
In June, The Capital Times asked candidates for their thoughts on housing. Read how they'd propose to build more houses, help homebuyers, protect renters, and change zoning here.
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TRANSPORTATION
From Founder to Student: The Community Transportation Academy Comes Full Circle
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By Susan Gaeddert, Commuter Solutions Coordinator at UW-Madison Transportation Services
What happens when the person who created a program becomes one of its students?
Former 1000 Friends staff member Susan Gaeddert shares her unique perspective after founding the Community Transportation Academy and later experiencing it firsthand as a participant in Madison.
Read how the Academy has come full circle and why communities across Wisconsin need it now more than ever.
| | Photo: Susan (left) with Jen Walker, Community Programs Manager at 1KF | | |
TUNE IN!
Exploring What Comes Next for I-794 in Milwaukee
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This August, tune in every Wednesday at 4 pm to the Bog Witch Story Half-Hour on Riverwest Radio (104.1 WXRW-FM).
Host Dr. Karen Lemke, aka the Bog Witch, will sit down with Rethink 794 leader and advocate Taylor Korslin for a special, month-long series exploring Milwaukee's highway history and what comes next. Topics will include community wealth building, climate, transportation, and more.
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Photo: A few Riverwest-based advocates with Rethink 794 wrote in to the Riverwest Currents publication, "It's our city, and we have a responsibility to set up future generations for the better by advocating for actions and policies that support long-term affordability, public health, and community well-being." Read More (Page 6)
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AGING IN PLACE
New Survey: Adults 50+ Express Strong Support for Transit-Oriented Development
Walkable neighborhoods, more housing choices, and reliable transit aren't just good planning. This is what older Americans want!
A new AARP survey of adults 50+ found strong support for transit-oriented development, which creates more connected, livable communities by bringing homes, jobs, shopping, and transportation closer together.
Read the full study and download resources.
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Vilas County: Over the past 30 years, The Heart of Vilas has grown to a 52-mile trail system connecting the towns of St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. It gained recognition as a National Recreation Trail, and according to a 2025 impact study, attracts more than 160,000 visitors and generates over $25 million for the local economy annually.
And they aren't finished yet! The Great Headwaters Trails Foundation is fundraising to support the next 40 miles of trails that will connect the towns of Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, and Land O'Lakes – ultimately creating 110 miles of connected, hard-surface trail.
On Saturday, July 25th, the Great Headwaters Trail Foundation hosted its 15th Annual Ride with Leinie fundraiser to support their trail expansion work. Ali and Rory were excited to be there, representing 1000 Friends of Wisconsin's northwoods team and chatting with riders about opportunities to get involved, while handing out our new eco-friendly tote bags and stickers.
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July Recap & Looking Ahead to August
By Sharon Johnson, Lead Organizer
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Community Engagement: M4MN continued collaborating with community partners through monthly meetings, including:
- Madison Housing Coalition
- Strong Towns Madison
- Madison Town Makers
- Badger Rock Neighborhood Association
- Housing Policy Committee
Boundless Tiny Homes Open House: M4MN members toured innovative tiny home models and learned about creative housing solutions that expand housing choices and homeownership opportunities.
Sherman Terrace Community Picnic: M4MN connected with residents and community leaders to build new partnerships, expand outreach, and lay the groundwork for a future Community Conversation focused on housing, transportation, and neighborhood engagement.
Mayor's Innovation Project Conference Reception: We connected with local and national civic leaders at the reception held at the Madison Children's Museum, sharing ideas on innovative approaches to housing, community development, and creating stronger, more inclusive communities.
COMING IN AUGUST:
Join Madison for More Neighbors on Friday, August 28, at the Center for Black Excellence & Culture (5:30-7:00 pm) for our Community Conversation in partnership with the Badger Rock Neighborhood Association and Alder Noah Lieberman. Community members are invited to connect with neighbors and discuss housing, neighborhood growth, and building a more inclusive Madison.
| | Photo (above): Boundless Tiny Homes open house | Photo (above): Sharon with members of the Badger Rock neighborhood association at Delta Beer | | Photo (above): Mayor Maughn and spouse from Corvallis, Oregon | Photo (above): Mayor Ramos and guest from Mt View, California | | Photo (above): Sharon and Sherman Terrace Board President Everett Mitchell | | |
Message from Our Executive Director
Donate to Help Make Our Big Milestone Possible
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Hello friends! We are seeking event sponsors to help support a historic evening that brings together the people and organizations who have shaped 30 years of conservation and smart growth in Wisconsin - while helping sustain the next 30 years of our work!
Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to make a contribution.
You can also help make our event more memorable by donating an item for our raffle! We're looking for exciting prizes such as bicycles, kayaks/canoes, outdoor gear, gift certificates, locally made products, vacation getaways, experiences, artwork, and other unique items that our guests will love.
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Thanks for your continued support,
Trevor Roark
Executive Director
1000 Friends of Wisconsin
Got questions?
Email: Trevor@1kfriends.org
| | Let's Connect @ Upcoming Events | |
August 11, 2026 - Wisconsin Primary Election. Make a plan to vote and see what's on your ballot here.
August 11–13, 2026 - Midwest Rail Conference, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This year's theme is “Preparing for the Next Era of Rail," and will explore the current and future status of passenger and freight rail in the Midwest and beyond. Learn more and register here.
August 12, 2026 (12:00 - 1:00 pm) - Badger State Housing Alliance's virtual webinar series: Curds of Wisdom. The Ladder into Homeownership Is Broken: What's it Going to Take to Fix it? Register Here
August 19, 2026 (3:30 - 5:30 pm) - Open House! Sherman-Lisbon Multimodal Connections Project @ Washington Park Library, Milwaukee. Join community members and neighbors to learn about proposed safety and design improvements, share ideas and concerns, and provide feedback directly to the planners working on the project. Bring your lived experiences and ideas from June’s walk audit. More Info
August 24, 2026 (5:00 - 6:30 pm) - Let's Talk Parking! - Pinery Room, Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point (in-person or virtual option). Join Daniel Herriges of the Parking Reform Network for a public forum exploring the hidden costs of parking and how smarter land use can create more vibrant, productive communities. Register Here for Virtual Option
August 25, 2026 (5:30 pm) - Washington Park Summer Walk & Roll Audit Series: Recap & Action Planning, @ Rooted & Rising Community Room, Milwaukee. Join participants for a recap of the summer walk & roll audit series and a discussion about next steps and action planning. Learn More
Aug 24 & 25, Governor's Conference on Highway Safety, Kalahari Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells. The Governor’s Conference provides attendees with opportunities to learn about current evidence-based best practices in education, enforcement, and partnerships to prevent traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Wisconsin roads. Learn More
August 28, 2026 (5:30 - 7:00 pm) - Community Conversation with Madison for More Neighbors, @ Center for Black Excellence & Culture. In Partnership with the Badger Rock Neighborhood Association and Alder Noah Lieberman. Join community members and neighbors to discuss housing, neighborhood growth, and building a more inclusive Madison.
August 29, 2026 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm) - 2026 Housing Resource Fair presented by Near West Side Partners & Take Root Milwaukee, Concordia 27 in Milwaukee. Resources for renters, homebuyers, and homeowners like home repair programs, housing counseling, financial support, employment opportunities, and housing workshops. Learn More
September 12, 2026 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) - Rent Smart for Landlords. James P. Coughlin Center, Oshkosh. A comprehensive course for newer landlords who are looking to have successful relationships with long-term tenants. Topics include housing inspection, applicant screening, rental agreements, ongoing management, and more. Register Here
September 23-27, 2026 - Women & Water Indigenous International Clean Water Summit. La Courte Oreilles Ojibwe elder Maryellen Baker hosts women from all backgrounds for four days of transformative land justice learning, healing, and prayer. Learn More
October 1-8, 2026: Week Without Driving. Over 30% of the US population can't drive. The Week Without Driving was created so that those who have the option to drive can learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that non-drivers face. Get Involved
October 3, 2026 (1:00-3:00 pm) - 2026 Strong Towns Illinois (STILL) Gathering. Meet folks doing the bottom-up work of Strong Towns, swap ideas, and share successes and challenges. *You do not need to be currently involved to attend. If you are interested in joining or starting one for your city/town, this event is for you! Get Tickets
October 7, 2026. National Walk and Roll to School Day. Join the movement to create year-round, safe, accessible routes ot school for every child. Learn More
October 8, 2026 (5:30 - 8:00 pm): 1000 Friends of Wisconsin 30th Anniversary Celebration, Goodman Community Center Brassworks Building in Madison. Celebrate 30 years of protecting Wisconsin's natural resources and building healthy communities around the state. Reconnect with members and our amazing partners and see what's on the horizon for our work in land use, housing, and transportation. Facebook Event & Sponsorship Opportunities
October 9, 2026. "Cultivating Informed Community Advocates for Better Planning Outcomes," at APA Wisconsin Conference, UW-Madison Memorial Union. Jen Walker (1000 Friends of WI Community Program Manager) & Liz Callin (Lead Transportation Planner, City of Madison) lead this session on how planners and community partners can shift from reactive, project-by-project engagement to proactive, relationship-based approaches that build understanding and trust over time. More Information
October 14, 2026 (7:00 - 8:00 pm): Charles B. Whitnall: Father of Milwaukee County Parks, Northpoint Lighthouse, Milwaukee. Join Ken for a presentation by Virginia Small (Hon. ASA, Landscape Historian, Journalist & Author) to learn about Whitnall's role as a visionary of Milwaukee County's interconnected system of naturalistic parks. More Information
| | AUGUST IS MAKE-A-WILL MONTH | | | | |
Creating a will is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people and places you care about. As you think about the legacy you'd like to leave, consider including 1000 Friends of Wisconsin in your estate plans.
A planned gift can help ensure healthy communities, protected natural resources, and smart land-use decisions for generations to come.
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1000 Friends of Wisconsin
608-259-1000 | 1kfriends.org
We work remotely, so please contact us via email:
Trevor Roark
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