Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway unveiled her Climate Forward agenda Wednesday which outlines the actions the City will take to advance its work to combat climate change over the next two years including efforts that will reduce emissions, improve resilience, and support green job creation in Madison.
“We have a scientific imperative to nearly halve our emissions by 2030, and we must ramp up our work to meet that goal,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway in a statement. “Climate action about improving air quality and public health, lowering utility bills for residents and businesses, and creating more opportunities for good-paying, high-quality jobs. I believe Madison is ready to accelerate climate action for the benefit of our community and our world.”
Highlights of Climate Forward, according to a release from the City, include:
- Meet 100% of municipal operations electricity needs with renewable energy (the City has currently reached 74% renewable electricity)
- Accelerate the replacement of thousands of streetlights with LED bulbs
- Upgrade the energy performance of affordable housing and commercial buildings through programs and policy initiatives
- Charge forward on a bus rapid transit system with electric buses
- Launch a community climate grant program to help community organizations reduce emissions and increase their resilience
- Expand City green job training programs that help train people from underrepresented communities to install solar panels, install LED lighting, plant trees, work on electric vehicles, and more, and build the career ladders they need for a career in the trades.
- Continue investing in stormwater infrastructure and green infrastructure to improve our water quality, reduce urban heat island effects, and manage flooding.
As part of Climate Forward, the Rhodes-Conway is also announcing the launch of new climate-related efforts related to energy efficiency in rental housing and in commercial buildings.