sarah smith
After growing up in rural western Wisconsin, Sarah moved to Dane County to attend UW-Madison and fell in love with the community. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History and went on to graduate with a Master’s in Educational Policy from UW-Madison as well. She has been active in volunteer organizations during her time in Dane County, including running a group of volunteers for the Quality Assurance division while she worked at Epic. Sarah has also organized with the Women’s March and served as State Chair for the Young Democrats of Wisconsin. She currently volunteers as a member of the City of Monona Sustainability Committee.
Sarah has previously served as Chief of Staff to State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and as Communication Director for former state Senator Patty Schachtner. She is now the Director of Public Affairs at the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. Sarah has represented District 24 on the Dane County Board of Supervisors since April 2020.
Dane County is making important strides to lessen the impact of climate change in our community. Check out some of our achievements, investments, and programs in this month’s blog! Thank you for reading,
Sarah
Dane County on RENEW Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Honor Roll
Dane County’s Yahara Solar project was recognized as part of RENEW Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Honor Roll at the beginning of February. Our 17-megawatt Yahara Solar project, completed last year, made Dane County not only the first county government in the state to achieve 100% renewable electricity status, but also the 4th county in the nation to achieve it. Yahara Solar will produce more than 36 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity per year — enough to power more than 3,000 Dane County homes!
USDA Awards Dane County Food Waste Composting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $11.5 million in 38 Composting and Food Waste Reduction cooperative agreements that support innovative, scalable waste management plans to reduce and divert food waste from landfills. This investment will assist local and municipal governments with compost plans and food waste reduction plans. These programs will also increase access to compost for farmers, improve soil quality and help reduce and divert food waste from landfills.
Dane County is one of three Wisconsin recipients of this grant funding. We will receive $400,000 to expand community drop-off kiosks for food waste!
20th Annual Plant Dane Native Plant Sale
Orders are now open for the 20th annual Plant Dane Native Plant Sale! The Plant Dane Native Plant Program gives local groups, municipalities, and residents in Dane County an opportunity to order from more than 50 native plant species and pre-selected garden kits including: pollinator, downspout, and rain garden kits. Plants are only $11.50/4-pack with a minimum order of 16 plants. Plant orders will be accepted through March 19th (or while supplies last, with up to 35,000 plants sold).
