A planning framework developed by the Dane County Regional Planning Commission in the 1970s still guides regional and local planning in the greater Madison region through three principles:
Concentrate development in and around existing communities served by a full range of urban services
including public water supply, sanitary sewer systems, police and fire protection, solid waste collection, stormwater management systems, parks and schools and transportation systems.
Establish a connected network of protected environmental and open space corridors
that includes natural resources requiring protection from disturbance and development and lands needed for open space and recreational use.
Establish preservation areas to protect productive agricultural land
by designating development areas to accommodate rural growth.