Cross Plains develops community input survey for sustainable planning strategies

The Village of Cross Plains, Wisconsin, held a meeting on July 3, 2025, to discuss the ongoing development of its Comprehensive Plan, with a particular focus on sustainability initiatives. The Sustainability Committee emphasized the need for community input on sustainability goals, particularly regarding carbon footprint reduction and energy efficiency.

During the meeting, committee members expressed concern that Cross Plains is lagging behind other communities in adopting sustainability measures. A notable discussion point was the absence of a carbon reduction ordinance in the village, which many neighboring communities have implemented. The committee recognized the importance of including sustainability-related questions in an upcoming community survey to gauge public support for initiatives such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Members highlighted the potential benefits of integrating sustainability questions into the survey, suggesting that this could provide valuable data to support recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan. They discussed various approaches to framing these questions, aiming to assess community interest in sustainability measures across different sectors, including housing and energy efficiency.

The committee also reviewed the survey's structure, which is designed to be user-friendly and cover multiple topics. They considered adding specific questions about sustainability to ensure that community preferences are reflected in the final plan. The process for finalizing the Comprehensive Plan will involve multiple iterations, including public hearings and input from the Village Board.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a collective desire among committee members to enhance sustainability efforts in Cross Plains. By incorporating community feedback into the planning process, the village aims to align its development goals with the values and priorities of its residents, paving the way for a more sustainable future.