News from around the Region | Stay up to date with our roundup of planning news and development projects from around the region. | | |
Portals to Another World, Right Beneath Your Feet | |
Most of us drive over culverts—tunnel-like structures that let streams pass under roads—without giving them a second thought. CARPC team members Prachi Mehendale, Melissa Michaud, Isaac Porter, and Kai Farrey are the exception.
Over the past two summers, they’ve visited 618 sites, taking dozens of measurements at each location. Their goal: turn that data into detailed reports that help towns prioritize replacements and strengthen the region’s flood resilience.
Along the way, the team has encountered adventure, misadventure, and a variety of wildlife. Liz Levy compiled some field work highlights into a story—give it a read to learn more (and see some neat photos!) from their experience.
| | | | Hiring: Senior Environmental Engineer | |
CARPC is looking for a Senior Environmental Engineer to lead our review of stormwater and wastewater plans. In this role, you’ll work closely with communities, developers, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources while helping guide updates to the Dane County Water Quality Plan.
If you’re passionate about protecting water quality and want to make a real impact in our region, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, email your cover letter and resume to Employment@CapitalAreaRPC.org by noon on Monday, March 16.
| | | CARPC Census Comparison Tool | |
CARPC has developed a new Census Comparison Tool to help communities explore and compare local data from recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates and the Decennial Census. This interactive resource lets users see how things have changed over time by municipality, including key demographic, housing, and economic indicators like homeownership and labor force participation.
It’s designed with local planners and staff in mind to make it easier to track trends, understand how communities are changing, and support data-informed planning and decision-making. For more detailed local census data, check out CARPC's Census Cruncher tool.
| | | Proposed Updates: Sewer Service Area Amendment Processes | |
Sewer Service Areas identify where sewer service exists today, where new development is most appropriate, and which environmentally sensitive areas should be protected to avoid adverse impacts to water quality. As part of administering the Dane County Water Quality Plan, CARPC reviews community requests to amend service area boundaries and provides recommendations to the Wisconsin DNR.
We’re proposing updates to our review process to set clearer expectations and encourage earlier intergovernmental collaboration. You can still share feedback on the proposed changes via email by February 26, 2026.
| | | Mapping Heritage Oaks, and Growing More of Them | |
The Heritage Oak Project is identifying, mapping, and protecting some of Dane County’s oldest trees. CARPC's multi-year inventory with the Dane County Tree Board and State Cartographer’s Office has culminated in a community-driven map where residents have added hundreds more heritage oaks.
Now, CARPC’s Matt Noone is partnering with schools and community groups to expand the region’s tree canopy, with help from his son, Winston. The Heartwood Tree Company recently highlighted this work and the broader Heritage Oak Project.
Read the story to learn more. If you’re planning to plant trees this spring, you can also purchase heritage oak saplings grown from acorns Matt and Winston collected. Proceeds support local tree-planting efforts.
| | | 2026 Winter Salt Week Recap | |
Winter Salt Week (January 26–30) was a big success this year. More than 1,240 people from over 30 states registered for the daily livestream learning events, and the recordings, posted on the WI Salt Wise YouTube channel, have already surpassed 3,000 views.
We also got a lot of local attention. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and CARPC all issued proclamations or resolutions in support of the week, and there was great media coverage too, including a segment with Channel 3000.
If you weren’t able to tune in live, check out the recordings—there’s great information on best practices and why smart salting matters.
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Have you spotted a tan, fuzzy lump about the size of a nickel or quarter on a tree, building, or outdoor surface? It could be a spongy moth egg mass. This invasive species can completely defoliate trees and shrubs, potentially killing them.
To better understand where they’re showing up across the region, CARPC created an interactive web map that lets community members report sightings with a few simple clicks. It’s quick, easy, and helps track activity in real time.
Late winter (right now!) is a great time to check your property and help update the map. If you find an egg mass, report it and destroy it before caterpillars hatch this spring, either by scraping it into a container of soapy water or applying horticultural oil. That way, each mass—which can contain hundreds of eggs—won’t hatch into hungry, leaf-eating caterpillars, helping reduce infestations and protect our region’s tree canopy.
| | | | 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grants | |
Applications are open through March 4, 2026, for AARP’s Community Challenge grants, which fund quick-action projects that make communities more livable for residents of all ages, especially those age 50 and older.
Nonprofits and government entities can apply for projects that enhance public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and other community priorities. Awards range from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on project scope.
| |  | Better Bike Share Partnership Mini Grant | |
Applications are open through Monday, March 2, for Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) mini-grants, funded by PeopleForBikes.
Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and support projects that expand access to shared micromobility in low-income and BIPOC communities.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit and community-based organizations, municipalities, transit agencies, and shared mobility operators, with partnerships encouraged.
| | | Greater Madison MPO Corner | | E-Bikes & Beyond:
Guidance for Municipalities | |
The MPO is developing E-Bike & E-Moto guidance to help municipalities navigate the fast-growing world of e-micromobility. The goal is to provide regionally consistent definitions and approaches.
MPO staff are still looking for feedback on the draft guidance, especially from local and municipal planners. Have thoughts? Send your comments and suggestions to mpo@cityofmadison.com and Ben Lyman.
| | | FEBRUARY COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY | | |
Voted to recommend amending the Waunakee Urban Service Area ("Heyday Development") to the DNR
Discussed a potential resolution to accept responsibility for the Capital Region Revolving Loan Fund from MadREP
Received a presentation on CARPC's 2026 Farmland Stewardship initiative
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Held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to CARPC's bylaws to create a Capital Region Revolving Loan Fund Committee
Authorized the Chair and Executive Director to move CARPC deposits to Summit Credit Union
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Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom.
Visit our Meeting Info page for the most up-to-date meeting information.
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