Sustainability Planning

The Village's Ad-Hoc Sustainability Committee met monthly over the course of a year to develop a Sustainability Plan for the Village of McFarland. The creation of this plan is meant to contain a guiding vision, measurable objectives, and targeted strategies (plans of action) intended to help the Village practically implement ideas for operating more efficient and sustainable. The planning process included opportunities for the public to participate in the creation of the plan through public meetings, focus groups, and a community survey. The Village Board accepted the plan at their July 26, 2021 Board Meeting.

View the McFarland Sustainability Plan (PDF)

Wisconsin Green Tier Legacy Communities Program & Sustain Dane

On September 14, 2020, the Village Board adopted Resolution #2020-16 approving participation in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Green Tier Legacy Community Program. The mission of the Green Tier program is to help communities across the state of Wisconsin move continuously toward a sustainable future through initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, economic growth, public health, and social equity. Also in September the Village joined Sustain Dane. Sustain Dane’s mission is to inspire, connect, and support people to accelerate sustainable actions for community wellbeing. The missions of these organizations align with the purpose of the Sustainability Committee. Participation in these organizations provide motivation, structure, support, and educational resources to aid the Committee’s efforts to study ways to improve sustainability within the Village and to take on actions that may not otherwise happen without the support gained through these agencies. The Green Tier program also provides additional benefits to the Village including receiving prioritization in applying for certain DNR grants and streamlining in certain DNR permitting processes through gaining access to a DNR staff liaison.

Climate Champion Video on Net-Zero Public Safety Center

In November 2021, the Village of McFarland was recognized by Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change with the Climate Champion Award for the new Public Safety Center. The building is a Level 3 award for its innovative Net-Zero design and energy conservation in the "Other" category. This is project is one among 46 other Climate Champions in Dane County to receive this award. See the link below for a video recognizing the Village for its success.