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URGENT - HELP!
Wisconsin's Active Transportation Plan Needs Your Voice!
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EVENT RECAP
A Memorable Evening Celebrating 30 Years with Friends
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A big thanks to all who supported us in Madison last Thursday to celebrate 30 years of protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources and building healthy communities around the state.
Couldn't make the event? Please consider donating to support the next 30 years of statewide advocacy.
| | A few photos from the event in Madison on October 8, 2026.💚 | | Tia Nelson delivers opening remarks | Board President John Clancy shares our 30 year history with party guests | | 1000 Friends' Board Members | Former Executive Director, Deb Nemeth (center), with Al Nemeth and Susan Gaeddert, Former Community Programs Director | | |
CLIMATE BLOG
Lessons From Alaska for Wisconsin
By Raphie Torralba, Transportation Policy Analyst
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What can a week in the Alaskan wilderness teach us about building more sustainable communities here in Wisconsin?
1000 Friends’ Raphie Torralba recently spent eight days in Southeast Alaska at a climate action leadership retreat, exploring the systems that shape our relationship with climate, energy, transportation, and the natural world. From learning how an off-grid homestead operates to building a “power map” of the people and institutions that can help move change forward, the experience offered plenty of lessons to bring home.
In a new blog post, Raphie reflects on the connections between global climate systems and the local work we’re doing in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin to advocate for more sustainable transportation and stronger communities.
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TRANSPORTATION
Passenger Rail Planning Advances in Southeast Wisconsin
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In some positive news for the state, the MARK (Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha) Passenger Rail Commission is advancing plans for passenger rail service connecting the three cities, along with $5 million in federal funding supporting the ongoing study and a new agreement with Metra for future planning.
1000 Friends supports more transportation choices that better connect Wisconsin residents to the places they need to go. We support expanding passenger rail infrastructure and see a huge opportunity for Milwaukee to rethink downtown's I-794, reconnect neighborhoods, and create a more vibrant, accessible downtown that better serves people and businesses.
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Photo: “20050916 53 Kenosha, WI” by David Wilson, licensed under CC BY 2.0
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PARKING REFORM
Cottage Grove Eliminates Parking Minimums for New Development
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The Village Board in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, voted last month to eliminate minimum parking requirements for all new residential and nonresidential developments, representing a huge win towards more flexible land-use policy in the state.
1000 Friends was proud to advocate for this policy reform, and we believe that parking reform is an important factor in expanding housing options, improving affordability, and creating more connected and sustainable places to live.
Learn more about the hidden costs of parking requirements in our webinar from late August, featuring experts and local perspectives on the future of parking policy in Wisconsin.
| Photo: Corey Coyle via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. | | |
ACTIVE WISCONSIN
Connecting the Northwoods,
One Trail at a Time
By Jen Walker, Community Engagement Manager
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HOUSING ONWARD
Changing Seasons & Turning Over a New Leaf
By Ken Smith, Housing Policy Director
| | Photo: Tehila facilitates the Milwaukee Community Housing Academy | | |
Fall brings change to Wisconsin’s landscape – and our organization sadly said "goodbye" this month to our talented Field Organizer, Tehila Cohen.
Read the full September Recap for the latest on housing affordability, Wisconsin’s ROAD to Housing Act, and a behind-the-scenes look at Milwaukee’s first Community Housing Academy. Plus, a sneak peek at what’s next for the statewide housing movement.
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MADISON, WISCONSIN
District 11 Book Club Explores How Transportation Shapes Cities
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Photos by James Tishler:
Alder Bill Tishler, Author Christof Spieler, 1000 Friends' Jen Walker
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On September 23, Madison residents gathered at Sequoya Library for the District 11 Book Club to discuss Transportation and the Shape of Cities (2026) with our friend and author, Christof Spieler.
Drawing from the book, Spieler explored how five major modes of transportation (walking, bicycling, automobiles, trains, and transit) all influence urban design and community development, including Madison’s own evolving transportation network. Shout out to Courtney Koniezcko for helping Jen facilitate the discussion; She's a Madison CTA Alum and great transportation partner. And thank you to Alder Bill Tishler for hosting and Christof Spieler for sharing his insights!
For those interested in how transportation decisions will shape Madison’s future, Better Streets Madison is a coalition working to make the proposed Stoughton Road redesign safer and more people-centered. Visit the website to learn more about the project and the coalition’s work.
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CLIMATE
RE-AMP Annual Meeting in Cleveland
Jen Walker, Community Engagement Manager
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1000 Friends of Wisconsin’s Jen Walker recently attended the RE-AMP Annual Meeting in Cleveland, connecting with climate advocates from across the Midwest, including fellow Wisconsinites working toward a more sustainable future.
Conversations covered everything from clean energy and transportation to data centers and protecting democracy, with plenty of opportunities to share ideas and explore ways to work together.
Jen especially enjoyed meeting people in person and strengthening connections with others working on similar challenges here in Wisconsin and returned feeling energized by what we can accomplish together!
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RETHINK 794
What Does Rethinking 794 Mean for Milwaukee Transit?
By Raphie Torralba, Transportation Policy Analyst
| | Photo: Next stop: I-794 in Milwaukee! Jokes aside, it’s a little strange to have a streetcar with four stops that put you directly under or next to a freeway overpass... | | Photo: Nate Loy, Volunteer Rethink 794 Advocate, dressed up as a raised crosswalk for Halloween to collect signatures to request one in their own neighborhood! | | |
In Part 2 of our blog series, Nate Loy explores what rethinking I-794 could mean for Milwaukee’s transit system and the future of downtown. Read how we can rethink our transportation infrastructure to create destinations that take you somewhere that you actually want to go (instead of lots of dead ends).
Curious about the cool people behind the Rethink 794 movement? Meet the team working toward a better future for downtown Milwaukee.
| | And thanks to everyone who joined us for the fall community workshop series about the future of I-794 and our vision for a Better Boulevard! We enjoyed connecting with fellow Rethinkers, sharing ideas, and talking about what a more connected, accessible downtown Milwaukee could look like. | | |
COMBAT RECKLESS DRIVING
Painting a Safer Path to Washington Park
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In Washington Park, neighbors came together on October 3 to turn three crosswalks on N. 40th Street into vibrant works of art while bringing attention to pedestrians and making the walk into the park safer and more welcoming. 1000 Friends of Wisconsin was proud to work with Rooted & Rising on the community safety audit that helped identify these needs.
Read more about the project and the people behind it.
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CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
CTA Graduate Abigail Tessmann Shares Her Story
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Abigail Tessmann, a graduate of our 2026 Community Transportation Academy in Madison, is using her voice to advocate for people with disabilities. In a new Capital Times opinion piece, Abigail shares her experience living with cerebral palsy and explains why access to reliable transportation and employment opportunities matters.
She also highlights the impact of recent changes that have left thousands of Wisconsinites with disabilities without needed employment support. Read More
| | Abby pictured on Madison's Bus Rapid Transit bus. Photo from: transit2gonow.com | | |
WISCONSIN POLICY FORUM REPORT
What Do Data Centers Mean for Wisconsin Communities?
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Figure 1: Status of Major Data Center Projects.
Location of large-scale data centers operating, proposed, under construction, or halted.
| | Source: datacentermap.com, news reports, and WPF research as of August 2026. | | |
Data centers are sparking big questions about Wisconsin’s energy, water, local finances, and future development.
A new report, Grounding a Charged Debate: Data Centers in Wisconsin, takes a closer look at the facts behind the debate – from utility and transmission costs to TIF, property taxes, water use, and local economic impacts. Read the report to better understand the opportunities, tradeoffs, and fiscal considerations communities are weighing.
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HOUSING
Wisconsin's Faith Organizations are Ready to Prioritize Affordable Housing
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YIGBY (Yes in God's Backyard) refers to policies, advocacy, or legislation that make it easier for faith-based organizations to support affordable housing efforts–including building efforts on underutilized faith property.
Our local housing campaign in Milwaukee, Together for Homes, recently hosted a YIGBY Wisconsin summit, bringing together faith communities and housing advocates to coordinate on affordable housing solutions.
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The coalition agreed on a broad approach for activating congregations on pro-housing policies and ways we can begin making it easier to build on church property.
Want to get involved? Email: Montavius Jones
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You Can Have a Say in Wisconsin’s Energy Future
How are decisions about Wisconsin’s energy system affecting your community?
Join 350 Wisconsin for a conversation about energy affordability, the Public Service Commission, and how residents can have a voice in decisions that affect their homes, wallets, health, and environment.
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Upcoming in-person conversations:
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Brown County: Oct. 21, 6–7:30 p.m.
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Marathon County: Oct. 28, 6–7:30 p.m.
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Rock County: Oct. 29, 6–7:30 p.m.
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MADISON, WI
Ride For Your Life + Introduction of "Sasha's Bill"
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Earlier this month, Jen joined nearly 800 other Wisconsin residents in the Ride For Your Life, a community ride and walk held in Madison to honor the lives of the most vulnerable road users who have been senselessly lost to traffic violence.
During that event, State Representative Russell Goodwin discussed “AB 655 / SB 659 “Sasha’s Bill” that he is co-sponsoring to curb extreme speeding, and called on Governor Evers to declare traffic violence a public health emergency in our state.
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Community Engagement in September
By Sharon Johnson, Lead Organizer
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Madison for More Neighbors spent the month of September building relationships with residents, housing advocates, community partners and city leaders. Read the September recap for highlights from the Northside Festival and conversations with four different Madison alders about strengthening our connections and advancing future housing policy discussions.
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WE NEED YOUR VOTES!
A Few Clicks To Support Us
1000 Friends of Wisconsin has been selected as a nonprofit eligible for a grant from the Target Circle Community Giving Program. For every Target Circle vote that we receive before December 31, we earn money to continue funding our work.
It's pretty simple. Click here and open/login to your Target Circle account in your web browser or in the Target App.
Find our organization and cast your available votes!
Note: If you don't see 1000 Friends listed, temporarily change your designated store to a Madison or Milwaukee location.
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EPA Sued Over Repeal of Power Plant Carbon Reduction Rule
In a devastating blow to climate action, the Environmental Protection Agency is planning to roll back emissions limits on coal- and gas-fired power plants.
Environmental and public health groups have sued to stop the EPA's repeal of critical standards for power plant carbon pollution. 1000 Friends is united against this repeal with other strong partners like the Americna Lung Association, Clean Wisconsin, American Public Health Assocation, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRCS), Envinromental Defense Fund, and the Clean Air Council.
| Photo by Arnold Paul, cropped by Gralo, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 | | |
Message from Our Executive Director
Thank You for Celebrating 30 Years!
| | It was remarkable to see so many of you join us for our 30th Anniversary Celebration in Madison last week! A huge thank you to Tia Nelson, board president John Clancy, long-time members, new members, supporters, sponsors, silent auction donors, board members, and of course, the 1000 Friends staff. | | |
Everyone came together to share in the legacy of our small, yet impactful nonprofit, continuing the mission to protect our land, water, air, and cultures through sustainable land use education and advocacy throughout Wisconsin.
I loved meeting members I've never met before and learning about their story and connection to 1000 Friends; those conversations were uplifting and fun. Not to mention, everyone was raving about the tasty food at the Goodman Community Center!
And if you’re not yet a member, I also hope you’ll consider joining us. Your support helps ensure that 1000 Friends of Wisconsin can continue building a stronger, more sustainable state for the next 30 years (and beyond)!
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My heart was filled! Cheers to 30 (more) years!
Trevor Roark
Executive Director
1000 Friends of Wisconsin
Got questions?
Email: trevor@1kfriends.org
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October 16, 2026 (1:30-3:30 pm): Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity: Housing, Race, and Equity Workshop. 3726 Nl Booth St, Milwaukee. RSVP Here
October 20, 2026 (8:30 - 10:00 am). LADCO: Behind the Build. 5th Ward Residence, La Crosse. An inside look at what really happens between a development idea and construction. Explore the development process – including zoning and entitlements, market feasibility, construction costs, financing, TIF, public approvals, and the factors that can make a project possible or impossible. Learn More
October 20, 2026 (6:00-8:00 pm): Affordable Single-Family Housing Workshop, Alliant Energy Center, Madison. This workshop provides participants with a detailed understanding of the obstacles to building affordable housing, the steps required for building, and the actions needed to increase production of affordable single-family homes in Dane County. Register Here
October 26, 2026 (1:00-5:00 pm): Wisconsin Conservation Funding Coalition (WCFC) Second Annual Summit. Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point + Virtual Option. This summit brings together coalition members, stakeholders, and interested individuals to share progress since our inaugural gathering and to expand our support base as we prepare for a collective call to action. Learn More & RSVP Here
October 26-27, 2026. Wisconsin Climate Action Navigators Network: Second Annual Statewide Gathering, Stevens Point. Join Trevor & Ali for this 2-day retreat is open to all, whether you are a part of the WI-CAN Network or not, so come ready to meet new people and get inspired. Register Here
November 6, 2026 (1:30-3:30 pm): Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity: Housing, Race, and Equity Workshop. 3726 Nl Booth St, Milwaukee. RSVP Here
November 10, 2026 (8:30-5:30 pm): Southwestern Wisconsin Housing Summit. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore, WI. Join community leaders, housing professionals, local officials, and regional partners for a full-day gathering focused on understanding and addressing the region's most pressing housing challenges. Learn More
November 18 (12:00 - 1:00 pm): UW-Milwaukee SARUP Innovative Lecture Series / Building Community Wealth with Community Land Trusts, Virtual Webinar. Explore how community land trusts can create permanently affordable homeownership and build long-term community wealth. The session will highlight partnerships, financing strategies, and Milwaukee and Madison case studies demonstrating how CLTs preserve affordability and strengthen neighborhoods. Register & Learn More
November 18-19, 2026. Annual WHEDA Conference 2026: How Housing Happens, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison. Connects developers, property managers, elected officials, and housing leaders to learn, collaborate, and expand safe, affordable housing across Wisconsin. More Information
January 9, 2027 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Transportation For America: America TransportationCamp DC, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Join the hundreds of professionals who travel from across the country to share, workshop, and connect over new ideas with transportation nerds just like them. More Information
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NATIONAL ESTATE PLANNING AWARENESS WEEK
November 19-25, 2026
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Have you drafted a collaborative estate plan, or are you in the process? The purpose of estate planning is to create a strategy to build and maintain financial security of individuals through their lifetime and ensure the intended transfer of their property and assets at death.
If you'd like to support 1000 Friends through a planned gift or build our organization into your estate plan, please visit our site to learn more.
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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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