Welcome to Our New E-Newsletter! | |
Neighbors,
Welcome to the first edition of "Between the Lakes," the Dane County Board's new e-newsletter. This newsletter will focus on highlighting actions and initiatives of the county board and its standing committees. We will also keep you informed on opportunities to engage and participate in the county legislative process. Future editions will be released as relevant updates are available.
Happy reading!
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Patrick Miles
Dane County Board Chair
| | 2026–2027 County Board Term Begins | |
Welcome New & Returning Members!
The Dane County Board officially began its 2026–2028 term at an organizational meeting on April 21. All 37 supervisors were sworn in during the meeting, including five new members: Aria Trucios (District 9), Goodwill Obieze (District 16), Paula Brandmeier (District 20), Gussie Lewis (District 22), and Donald Dantzler Jr. (District 33).
| | Group photo of the 2026-2027 Dane County Board of Supervisors | | From left to right: Supervisor Fries, Supervisor Chawla, Chair Miles, Supervisor Lewis, Supervisor Andrae | |
Board Officers Elected
During the organizational meeting, supervisors also elected board officers for the new term:
Chair, Patrick Miles (District 34)
First Vice Chair, Yogesh Chawla (District 6)
Second Vice Chair, Richelle Andrae (District 11)
Sergeant at Arms, Henry Fries (District 5)
Sergeant at Arms, Gussie Lewis (District 22)
| | April Actions & Highlights | | Sharyl Kato, founder and executive director of The Rainbow Project |
Child Abuse Prevention Month
The county board officially recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month and recognized the work of local organizations that play a vital role in preventing abuse and strengthening families through the passage of 2025 RES-428.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Dane County Department of Human Services Child Protective Services Division at (608) 261-5437.
| |  | Rachel Sattler, co-founder and co-president of DaneMAC |
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The county board officially recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month and honored the strength, resilience, and courage of survivors through the passage of 2025 RES-428.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, help is available. Call or text the Dane County RCC 24-Hour Helpline at (608) 251-7273 or visit https://www.thercc.org/ for confidential support and resources.
| | | From left to right: Supervisor Eicher, members of the Lunney family, and Chair Miles. | |
Honoring Dane County Parks Trailblazer Bill Lunney
The county board officially commemorated the late William "Bill" George Lunney, former county board supervisor, Park Commission chair, and champion of local parks and land conservation, through the passage of 2025 RES-429.
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County Board Votes to End Funding for Flock License Plate Reader Cameras
The county board approved amending the 2026 county budget to remove $80,000 in funding for the Dane County Sheriff's Office use of the Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system through the passage of 2025 RES-403. The action also prohibits future expenditures on Flock's system.
| | Supervisor Kemp addressing members of the board during discussion of 2025 RES-403 | | AMASIAN representatives with Supervisor Chawla, Supervisor Yang, and Chair Miles |
Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month
The county board officially recognized Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month and honored the history, achievements, and contributions of APIDA communities in Dane County and nationwide through the passage of 2026 RES-014.
| | | Map of the Lower Mud Lake Natural Resource area |
Authorizing the Permanent Protection of the Lower Mud Lake Resource Area
The county board authorized the purchase of approximately 165 acres in the Town of Dunn with the intent of donating the land to the Ho-Chunk Nation through the passage of 2026 RES-435.
The donation of this property will allow the Ho-Chunk Nation to own and preserve the culturally significant lands, protect and restore the archeological sites, and offer educational and recreational opportunities to the public.
| | | Announcements & Spotlights | | 2/10/26 Advisory Committee on Data Centers meeting | |
Proposed Moratorium on Hyperscale Data Center Development
A resolution to establish an 18-month moratorium on the receipt of applications for, and the issuance of, zoning permits for the siting or placement of data centers in Dane County is under consideration. 2026 RES-039 would apply to towns subject to county zoning. It would not apply to cities, villages, or towns that have adopted their own zoning codes.
This comes as the county board's Advisory Committee on Data Centers continues its work researching the impacts of data center development, including questions about energy use, water resources, long-term land use, and the demands of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure on local communities.
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Now Accepting Youth Governance Program Applications
The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 cohort. Applications are open through Friday, June 26, 2026.
YGP offers high school students a meaningful opportunity to engage directly in county government decision-making and develop the skills needed to become the next generation of community leaders.
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Upcoming County Board Meetings
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Attend and participate in person, virtually, or by phone.
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