As the region coped with another year of the COVID pandemic in 2021, the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission continued to work toward its adopted mission to strengthen the region by engaging communities through planning, collaboration, and assistance. The results of the 2020 Census, released earlier this year, showed that our region is once again the fastest growing part of the state.
The Regional Development Framework took shape with development strategies, a 2050 growth scenario, implementation recommendations, and performance indicators. Local community members, partner agencies, and stakeholder organizations provided critical input.
The Framework’s growth scenario locates housing and businesses to accommodate the approximately 200,000 residents and 100,000 employees projected to be added to the region in the next few decades. It applies development strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, household energy and transportation costs, and the amount of farmland and open space converted to urban development.
CARPC continued to support improvements in water quality and flood resilience in 2021 by participating in the Yahara CLEAN compact, facilitating implementation of the Starkweather Creek Chloride Management Plan, and coordinating development of a Green Infrastructure Plan for the Black Earth Creek Watershed.
Another highlight of 2021 was the launch of a joint effort by CARPC and MadREP to promote economic recovery from the pandemic. The Pandemic Recovery Sector Strategy, funded by U.S. Economic Development Administration, will identify, document, and map potential sites for key industry sectors. CARPC will provide mapping and data services for the project that will run through 2022.
The pandemic did not slow development activity in the region. In 2021 CARPC administered 5 sewer service area amendments and reviewed nearly 120 sanitary sewer extensions, which is about the historical average. CARPC also continued to provide comprehensive planning services, completing plans with the Villages of Mazomanie, Rockdale, and Blue Mounds. We also provided data and mapping services to many other communities.
We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to continuing to work together in 2022 toward solving regional challenges and creating an exceptional quality of life for all.
