At the June 2023 Mayors Innovation Project meeting for new mayors in Madison, Wisconsin, Lori DiPrete Brown, a member of the UW-Madison teaching faculty in the School of Human Ecology, presented a rapid approach to enhancing city plans using the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework. DiPrete Brown invited applications from the mayors present to be part of a small cohort of cities paired with a human ecology class over the summer. The City of Fitchburg was among the five cities selected.
The student group working with Fitchburg prepared a report that focused on areas they viewed through a Sustainable Development lens. This lens promotes equity and well-being; integrates environmental, social, and economic goals; and creates global-to-local connections. The students analyzed the city’s comprehensive plan, agricultural plan, and the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative Strategic Plan using the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and identified strengths, priorities, and areas for improvement, providing a 360 analysis. The students determined that three primary priorities are housing, transportation, and land use. Within these priorities, the report encourages the city to continue advancing affordable housing, improving infrastructure for walking and biking, preserving agricultural land, and creating a city center. For more information about SDG visit: https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
As part of the project, the students shared a presentation with staff. Staff will present the student’s report results to the Plan Commission on September 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Deanna Schmidt, City Planner, deanna.schmidt@fitchburgwi.gov for more information.