HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019_City_of_Oshkosh_Sustainability_Plan Sustainabil i t y P l a n 2019
SUSTAINA B I L ITY PLAN 2019
SUSTAINABLE OSHKOSH 2020
Acknowledgements
Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board
Margy Davey
Michelle Bogden Muetzel
Lurton Blassingame
Robert Turner
Jason Kalmbach/Eric DeGroot
Adam Maslowski
Jake Krause
Pat Dwyer-Hallquist
Vic Oliver
Bradley Spanbauer
Oshkosh Common Council
Mayor Lori Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Steve Herman
Deb Allison Aasby
Bob Poeschl
Bill Miller
Jake Krause
Matt Mugerauer
City of Oshkosh
Mark Lyons, Planning Services Manager
Steven Wiley, Associate Planner
The original Sustainability Plan was approved by the City Council on May 22, 2012. The original
document was revised by the Sustainability Advisory Board over a year and a half period from 2017-
2019. The updated Sustainability Plan was approved by the Common Council on March 10, 2020.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
1. ATMOSPHERE
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
3. ENERGY
4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
5. GOVERNMENT
6. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
7. LOCAL FOOD
8. MANAGING WASTE
9. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY
10. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
IMPLEMENTATION / ACTION PLAN
GLOSSARY
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5
9
11
17
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31
35
43
49
55
61
69
79
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Opposite - Oshkosh Riverwalk - Courtesy of Sue Panek
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2007, the Oshkosh Common Council signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
and re-instituted the disbanded Energy & Environmental Advisory Board (now named the
Sustainability Advisory Board or SAB) to advise the City Manager and Council on specific energy
and environmental issues. In 2008, the board held its first meeting, the City joined the International
Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and planned for the City’s first Sustainability
Plan.
Planning Process
A Sustainability Plan Steering Committee was established in 2009 with the Planning Services
Division of the Community Development Department directed to guide the process. Planning
Services assembled and chaired the Steering Committee with representatives from the community
(citizens, Chamber of Commerce, Oshkosh Area School District, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh,
and Wisconsin Public Service), and City boards (Landmarks Commission, Plan Commission,
Administrative Services, Transportation, and Parks).
The Steering Committee looked at Sustainability Plans of comparable communities such as Eau
Claire, La Crosse, Green Bay, Middleton, Madison and Stevens Point. The Committee was introduced
to the Natural Step process, and the American Planning Association Policy Guide on Planning for
Sustainability. Using these tools, committee members drafted ten chapters which were given to the
SAB and City staff for review.
The Steering Committee evaluated recommended changes, incorporating the input into a final draft
document in August 2011. The SAB approved the draft document on June 6, 2011, and forwarded
to the Common Council for a workshop with the Steering Committee, SAB, and Plan Commission
on August 30, 2011. Council directed staff to solicit additional comments from the public and other
advisory boards and to consider how to reconcile the Plan with other City Plans.
A public open house was held in December 2011, and the plan was reviewed by the Storm Water
Utility Board, Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, Advisory Parks Board, Traffic
Review Board, Board of Health, Landmarks Commission and the Transit Advisory Board. Comments
were reviewed and incorporated into the February 2012 draft which was forwarded to the Council on
March 13, 2012, for another workshop with the Steering Committee and SAB. The Council forwarded
the document to the Plan Commission for a recommendation, stressing the importance of the
development of an implementation plan for the action items. On April 3, 2012, the Plan Commission
approved the Plan as an independent document, not an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, and
reiterated the importance of an implementation plan with a cost analysis for the action items. On
May 22, 2012, the Council approved the Oshkosh Sustainability Plan.
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Plan Format
Each chapter begins with an introduction to provide definition for the issue and to give local context.
An objective is stated, followed by sets of policy recommendations. Policies were chosen primarily
for actions the City has the power to carry out. However, since this is a community plan, the City is
not necessarily the only or best agent to carry out a recommended action. The Plan also states when
action or leadership should be the responsibility of another entity (such as the county, state, or an
institution) or group (such as individuals or businesses), and to be open when the potential actors are
determined.
Recommendations are phrased as action statements, with recognition that they cover ranges of
difficulty, expense, time required, and public concern. The recommendations are meant to stimulate
innovation and provide guidance to decision makers. They are not precise prescriptions to solve
problems, but as a group they suggest priorities and directions for the City and residents.
Action Plan
The last action of the Steering Committee was to work with City staff to identify items that could
provide the City with an Action Plan of specific short-to-medium-term projects. Some of the projects
were already planned or in progress, but clearly address recommendations in the plan. Other Action
Plan items were selected to give the City some stretch goals to prove their ability to lead by example.
In 2017, the SAB undertook the process of updating the original 2012 Sustainability Plan that has
been the Board’s progress guide. The 2017 process was intended as a five-year update to reflect the
City’s progress on sustainable initiatives to date. The City has accomplished or advanced many
goals from the original plan, so the SAB saw the update process as an opportunity to revise the Plan
goals, account for technological advancements, and create new action items to continue to advance
sustainability.
During the process, each board member revised one or two chapters based on the City’s progress and
status. Relevant information was added to each chapter’s introduction, and goals and action items
were revised to reflect the City’s current position as well as trends throughout the State.
After revision, the entire Board had the opportunity to review each Chapter at Plan Update
workshops. Staff then compiled the Chapters into a single plan document for Board review. The
Sustainability Advisory Board approved the updated plan at the August 5, 2019 SAB meeting. The
updated plan was sent to the Plan Commission for review and recommendation at the March 3, 2020
Plan Commission meeting. The City Council reviewed and adopted the plan at the March 10, 2020
Council meeting. This updated plan continues to serve as the basis for ongoing Sustainability goal
planning in the City of Oshkosh.
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3Courtesy of Sue Panek
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INTRODUCTION
The sustainability plan for San Francisco begins with a challenging but honest question:
“Sustainability is a word you have to spell to people over the phone. How can there be a community
plan based on a word that is not in common use?”
For the City of Oshkosh, the answer is not simple, nor the path direct. The City hosted two years
of education, debate, staff development, and report drafting by a Sustainability Plan Steering
Committee. City staff, citizens, organizational representatives and civic leaders came to the table
with a mix of professional experience, common sense, questions, concerns, and enough goodwill to
see the job to completion. The time span included orienting new City planning staff to think about
the future of the city during a time of great uncertainty about the direction of our planet, country, and
state.
The Comprehensive Plan is the place we list and integrate our best ideas and vision for the future.
An early decision by the committee was that a community plan based on sustainability make its first
entry as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. This decision recognized that the people of
Oshkosh need time to grasp ways that sustainable approaches will change, or possibly, conserve their
community. Ideally, sustainability should simply become the way things are done in Oshkosh.
Defining Sustainability
A first step in defining sustainability for a city is to decide what should be sustained. The Steering
Committee’s list of priorities follows:
1. Energy production from renewable resources
2. Local food production, sales, and consumption
3. The City’s natural resources
4. A safe and healthy atmosphere
5. Responsibly managed waste facilities
6. A safe, healthy, engaged, and diverse community
7. Safe, efficient and environmentally sound transportation
8. A local economy that attracts new businesses and encourages existing businesses to balance
profit, people, and planet
9. Development patterns and buildings that support these goals
10. Cost-effective, socially responsible and environmentally sound governmental practices to meet
community needs.
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This list captures the balance between the three pillars of sustainability: (1) the human population,
(2) the economic systems developed by the human population, and (3) the physical environment
that supports life and economic systems. Balance between three major components of our world,
especially our cities, is necessary. This trio goes by many names: People-Profit-Planet, Triple Bottom
Line or Societies-Economies-Ecosystems. Finally, the time element of sustainability requires finding
ways that this balance continues into the future. A short version combining balance and time is
commonly phrased as:
Sustainability is meeting the current environmental, social and economic needs of
our community while ensuring the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
The Sustainability Advisory Board does not claim the power to see the future, but past and current
trends provide some guidance. Many recommendations of “sustainable” practices are attempts
to slow or halt unsustainable practices -- those that lack balance and those we do not believe can
be continued long into the future. Some of the recommendations we publish in 2019 may turn out
to lack resiliency, but this plan was written with the faith that a safe, healthy, diverse, educated
population supported by a stable economy and intact environment will find ways to fulfill our goals.
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Goal: Improve the quality of life in Oshkosh by incorporating sustainability
practices to meet the environmental, economic and social needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Objectives
Atmosphere: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, nature, and planet.
Economic Development: Bolster the local economy by attracting sustainable businesses and green-
collar jobs, and encouraging existing businesses to become more sustainable.
Energy: Foster energy conservation and local energy production from renewable resources.
Environmental Conservation: Protect and enhance the City’s natural resources.
Government: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost-effective, socially
responsible and environmentally sound governmental practices to meet community needs.
Land Use and Development: Guide and promote sustainable City-wide development patterns and
incorporate sustainable features into buildings and grounds.
Local Food: Promote local food production, sales and consumption.
Managing Waste: Promote waste management awareness and reuse of materials, increase the
number of items recycled, reduce initial consumption, and reduce the amount of material diverted to
landfills.
Safe and Healthy Community: Promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic
diversity, and provide a safe and healthy community for our citizens.
Transportation and Mobility: Enhance mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient
and environmentally sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regional
networks.
GOAL AND
OBJECTIVES
9Opposite - Courtesy of Sue Panek
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ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere includes the air we breathe,
the sounds we hear, the odors we smell,
the greenhouse gases that keep the planet
habitable, weather systems that deliver water,
and the high stratospheric ozone layer that
protects us from harmful ultraviolet sunlight.
People and cities can overload this atmosphere
with pollutants (e.g., toxins, smog, allergens,
noise, additional greenhouse gases, and
ozone-depleting chemicals) that diminish our
health, harm wildlife, damage agriculture and
structures, lower property values, and present
new risks from changing climate.
Atmospheric pollution creates local and distant
problems. Local effects in and near Oshkosh
include indoor air pollution as people spend
most of their time indoors; noise pollution
from vehicles, trains, construction equipment,
power tools and other human activity; air
pollution from factories, buildings and
motorized vehicles and small engines; and air
pollution carried in from other cities (e.g. acid
and mercury pollution of local waters and fish
from coal-fired plants). Climate change may
also be impacting Oshkosh in subtle ways,
as Wisconsin has seen warmer winters, more
precipitation, longer growing seasons, and
shorter lake ice seasons. Air pollution from
Oshkosh also contributes to global climate
changes stressing other parts of the world,
particularly for societies less affluent and able
to adjust, and ecosystems less resilient than
ours. The City of Oshkosh recognized these
issues with a 2007 resolution to approve the
U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
(Resolution 07-262) and a 2008 resolution
to adopt the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Five
Milestones for Climate Mitigation (Resolution
08- 295).
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Air quality has been improving in Oshkosh.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
publishes data online for an “Air Quality
Index” based on ground-level ozone for
Appleton and Fond du Lac (the closest sites
to Oshkosh). For 2007- 2009, about 90% of our
days were ranked “Good” (the top category);
with the other 10% reduced to “Moderate”
level of health concern. Since 2003 we have not
recorded any days that were “Unhealthy for
Sensitive Individuals,” and 1988 was the last
year we experienced “Unhealthy” days.
Over the last 10 years of monitoring, an
increase in toxic air emissions has occurred.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) shows 61,200
lbs. of TRI-covered chemicals in 2017 were
released into the atmosphere in Oshkosh, up
from 41,600 lbs. in 2007 and 19,500 lbs. in 2003.
Three facilities in the community are primarily
responsible for the release of these chemicals,
which are primarily ozone (74%), toluene
(13%), and xylene (8%).
Indoor air pollution has seen steady
improvement as well. Public areas have been
cleaner with tightening of rules on tobacco
smoke in state buildings, followed by a
citywide smoking ordinance, and the 2010
implementation of a state law. Workplace
air quality has been improved by federal
regulations and monitoring. Based on its
geology, Winnebago County is listed by the
EPA as “Moderate Potential” for harmful levels
of radon, a naturally occurring, underground,
radioactive toxin, with recommended testing of
indoor spaces to determine if ventilation needs
improvement.
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Courtesy of Sue Panek
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PROVIDE A SAFE AND HEALTHY ATMOSPHERE FOR
PEOPLE, NATURE, AND PLANET
ATMOSPHERE OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS
1. Collaborate with local companies
emitting air pollutants, exploring ways
to continue to improve their pollution
reduction practices and technology.
2. Continue to collaborate internally to
improve both city bus services and
bicycle access on main roads so-as to
reduce automobile-related pollution.
3. Facilitate the reduction of vehicle idling
by constructing more roundabout
intersections in place of stop lights and
signs, considering no-idling signs at
bridge and rail crossings, and continuing
the idling education campaign with the
Oshkosh Area School District.
4. Mandate city officials include air
pollution impacts as part of the
assessments carried out when expanding
infrastructure or considering annexation.
5. Consider revisions to ordinances against
odor-producing sites and activities while
ensuring existing ordinances are properly
enforced.
6. Promote the city’s tobacco-free parks
rule, approved by the Advisory Parks
Board in 2018.
7. Promote tobacco-free events and festivals
policies on city property and throughout
the community.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
1. Ensure local agencies are appropriately
enforcing state and local regulations
regarding indoor tobacco smoke,
combustion products, molds, and radon.
2. Continue to encourage the purchase
of indoor living plants in municipal
buildings to reduce indoor air pollution.
3. Strengthen clean indoor air policies by
expanding the definition of “smoking”
to include any lighted or heated tobacco
or nicotine product, including electronic
smoking devices that produce an aerosol
or vapor.
NOISE POLLUTION
1. Develop guidelines for citizens to petition
for quiet zones, seasons, or times (e.g.
Sunday mornings in warmer seasons).
2. Continue to review noise ordinances and
their application with respect to sources
(i.e., autos, motorcycles, trains and
boats, airplanes and events), updating as
technology advances.
3. Explore opportunities to strategically
deploy noise-reducing barriers (e.g. along
Highway 41).
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GREENHOUSE GAS “SINKS”
1. Encourage the citizenry to plant trees,
flowers, and brushes that will act as a
natural greenhouse gas sinks that will
absorb carbon dioxide.
2. Continue to plant trees on easements in
order to maximize the urban forest cover.
3. Encourage use of local plant materials
(e.g. wood, straw, composites,
bioplastics) during construction (e.g.
by removing outdated restrictions in
building codes).
4. Collaborate with developers to minimize
topsoil erosion during construction and
landscaping.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
1. Educate the community about local
and indoor air pollution issues, noise
pollution, and how air pollution is
contributing to global climate change.
Include advice about how individuals
can reduce their pollution contributions.
2. Educate the public about air quality
data available online from federal and
state regulatory agencies, as well as any
greenhouse gas inventories conducted by
the city.
3. Periodically use city social media
accounts to alert the citizenry on days
with substandard air quality in order
to create awareness; suggest actions
individuals can take to mitigate the
occurrence of such days.
4. Educate the public about regulations for
private use of fireworks and explosives.
5. Educate and alert the public about the
potential dangers of paints, glues, caulks
and other materials with high levels of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
as well as flame retardants, hazardous
cleaning products and other chemicals
that may negatively impact air quality.
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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Since the adoption of the Oshkosh’s 2012
Sustainability Plan, demand has increased
for new sustainable products, services, and
jobs. Oshkosh is increasingly showing signs
of this “green economy.” We continue to
attract sustainable industries. These industries
work with the environment and involve
environmentally friendly products or services.
We have builders constructing sustainable
buildings, food vendors supporting sustainable
agricultural practices, and a sustainable
university at UW-Oshkosh. The installation of
solar panels at the First Congregational Church
is an excellent example of local investment in
renewable energy.
The community has seen more corporate
responsibility to society and the environment.
Major companies such as Oshkosh Corporation
and Silver Star Brands have established
their own teams intended to help them
become more sustainable. The Aurora and
Affinity (Affinity is now Ascension) medical
facilities were at the forefront when the 2012
Sustainability Plan was adopted and remain
so today. International companies such as
Wal-Mart and McDonalds, are leaders in
sustainability worldwide. Winnebago County
recently adopted a resolution to become a
member of the PACE Wisconsin Commission.
PACE Wisconsin assists developers by
providing funding options to incorporate
renewable energy into their projects. We have
continued to see state supported programs like
Focus on Energy helping businesses reduce
their energy use. In the face of such activities,
equipping Oshkosh as a green business center
makes good financial sense.
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Opposite - Interior rendering of Oshkosh Corporation Global Headquarters -
Courtesy of Oshkosh Corporation
BOLSTER THE LOCAL ECONOMY BY ATTRACTING
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES AND GREEN COLLAR
JOBS, AND ENCOURAGING EXISTING BUSINESSES
TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC
PLANNING
1. Add clean technology to Oshkosh’s
targeted growth sectors.
2. Identify products and sectors for a
sustainability-related manufacturing and
production niche in Oshkosh.
3. Conduct a needs assessment of green job
demand.
4. Inventory existing job training programs
and link them to information provided in
the green jobs needs assessment.
5. Work with the Oshkosh Area School
District, University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College,
and University of Wisconsin-Extension to
bring together partners to grow the green
collar industry.
6. Develop a strategy to secure available
government and private funding to grow
the industry.
7. Conduct a market analysis to determine
the potential for a “green” business
incubator in the city.
GREEN COLLAR JOBS
1. Partner with the Greater Oshkosh
Economic Development Corporation
(GO-EDC) to create and offer business
incentives to attract green-collar
companies.
2. Outreach to local sustainable industries
and offer special bonding or government
funding options.
3. Establish creative financing strategies for
local sustainable businesses.
4. Continue pursuit of green building
practices for new construction and
renovation.
5. Partner with the Chamber of Commerce,
Chamco Inc., and New North Inc.
to develop a marketing piece aimed
at attracting industry within the
sustainability sector.
6. Market the City to sustainable technology
businesses.
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7. Market businesses that reduce
dependence on fossil fuels, do not use
toxic chemicals, exceed clean air and
clean water standards, and employ
sustainable practices such as not using
plastic straws and Styrofoam.
8. Connect businesses to use by-products
of other processes or whose wastes
can be used as raw materials for other
industries.
9. Work with businesses to maintain and/
or revitalize, restore, or improve the
natural terrain, drainage and vegetation,
minimizing disruption of natural
systems.
10. Connect businesses that reuse processed
water or make use of solid waste for
materials or energy production.
11. Examine and improve the Home
Occupation section of the Zoning
Ordinance if possible to further
encourage home-based businesses that
reduce travel needs.
PROMOTING GREEN CAREERS
1. Work with the Oshkosh Area School
District, Fox Valley Technical College
and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
to ramp up education, training and
counseling for careers in sustainability.
2. Continue the City’s collaboration
with the UW-Oshkosh Quest III and
Environmental Studies programs.
3. Examine City departments to determine
opportunities for students to intern and
advance sustainable practices in City
operations.
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BUYING LOCAL
1. Market local businesses and products to
strengthen our economy.
2. Create a Buy Local promotional
campaign similar to the State’s
“Something Special from Wisconsin”
program.
3. Educate residents about the importance
and benefits of supporting local
businesses.
4. Continue efforts to increase local
government purchasing of local products.
5. Develop tools to connect local suppliers
with businesses, consumers, and
government.
6. Promote the sale of local food and drink
at events.
7. Encourage the development of local
shops to foster a distinct Oshkosh
identity.
8. Research and publish a local green
business directory to include green-
collar companies and companies with
improved sustainability.
9. Encourage local artists to work with
businesses to display their products.
10. Support businesses and non-profits
offering products and services from
people with disabilities, in local
institutions or with other social needs.
TRAVEL GREEN WISCONSIN
1. Help the Oshkosh Convention and
Visitors Bureau attract and expand
business-related eco-tourism, such as
those related to waterways, biking, and
other outdoor activities.
2. Encourage businesses and facilitate
the process to increase participation
and certification in the Travel Green
Wisconsin program, a voluntary program
providing opportunities to be recognized
as a green business.
3. Update the existing “Making Your Event
Sustainable” brochure that exists for
event planners.
4. Work to attract more sustainability-
related conventions and events to
Oshkosh.
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TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE
1. Promote and educate institutions and
businesses to measure their success
not only by financial profit, but by
environmental and social performance
as well. Called “Triple Bottom Line”
(the Planet or Natural Capital, People or
Social Capital, and Profit or Economic
Capital), this accounting approach has
been endorsed by the United Nations
and International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) as a
bona fide technique to measure corporate
and governmental sustainability.
2. Compile a list of companies in the region
to show other companies the value of
employing triple bottom line.
3. Encourage local businesses to adopt
sustainable accounting practices by
leading by example and sharing the city’s
successes.
4. Work with all levels of educational
institutions to develop a green
curriculum.
5. Support the Public Library’s efforts
to build resources regarding green
practices.
6. Collaborate with the Chamber and local
colleges to hold an annual conference to
promote sustainability.
7. Promote the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources’ Green Tier program
which supports environmentally
innovative companies who go beyond
compliance with minimum regulatory
standards while improving their bottom
line. Affinity Health Systems is a Green
Tier 1 corporation.
8. Continue to participate in the Green Tier
program, attend yearly meetings, submit
annual reports, and select goals from
the Green Tier Scoresheet annually to
pursue.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
1. Continue to support programs for
housing, transportation, education, work,
and social networks to improve the
economic status of people in need.
2. Continue to provide the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
to support social services.
3. Work with service agencies such as
Habitat for Humanity and Advocap to
find the best locations and buildings.
4. Help groups coordinate events, for
collecting donations, fundraising,
enlisting volunteers, and educating the
public about opportunities and services.
5. Consider a consortium to apply for
federal assistance for new opportunities,
emergencies, disaster relief, faith-based
initiatives, etc.
6. Assist with efforts to create a permanent
warming shelter and ensure adequate
facilities for the homeless.
7. Promote the availability of food pantries,
resale shops, transportation and human
services at various outlets and on the
city’s sustainability website.
CONSUMER EDUCATION
1. Encourage consumers to make the best
purchasing decisions by providing
information about what to look for when
trying to make environmentally and
socially responsible selections.
2. Establish venues for disseminating
information to consumers on
environmental product labeling.
3. Create partnerships with area businesses
to assist in informing consumers on
environmentally and socially responsible
choices.
QUALITY OF LIFE
1. Preserve and Protect City’s Natural
Resources
2. Develop public/private partnerships to
fund quality of life assets.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
1. Identify / develop funding sources
2. Partner with existing businesses and
stakeholders.
3. Develop and complete targeted and
specific economic development plans.
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The city and several community partners including Habitat for Humanity, Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods,
the Oshkosh / Winnebago County Housing Authority, and Advocap partner together to carry out the ONE
Oshkosh initiative.
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Habitat for Humanity - Oshkosh, Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods, and the City of Oshkosh partnered with
area volunteers to carry out Rock the Block for the first time in 2019. Volunteers assisted in various curb
appeal projects to enhance the neighborhood appearance in the Sacred Heart Neighborhood. Photograph
courtesy of Habitat for Humanity - Oshkosh.
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ENERGY
The state of Wisconsin is not energy
independent. The state consumes 1,891 trillion
BTUs of energy, but only produces 309.8
trillion BTUs within its borders (nuclear,
biofuels, and other renewable). For a state like
Wisconsin, which has no coal, oil, natural gas
or uranium resources, energy independence
is a call to develop state and local energy
resources that build local economies.
Wisconsin-based renewable energy resources
include sun, wind, hydropower, geothermal,
and biomass. Shifting away from fossil
fuels has the significant benefits of avoiding
pollution that negatively impacts health and
increases greenhouse gases.
Energy conservation is a beneficial, achievable,
and necessary step towards a sustainable
energy system. The technical means to improve
energy efficiency is available and ranges from
simple insulation to complex electronics.
Energy conservation should take top priority
because the lowering of energy demand makes
energy independence easier to achieve because
local renewable sources do not have to be as
large, while energy cost savings can provide
funds for further conservation improvements
or new sources.
Energy comes in various forms. Some sources
are widely available and renewable such as the
sun or wind. Other sources are less accessible,
such as fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas or
radioactive minerals that need to be extracted
from the parts of the earth where they occur.
Modern industrial societies use very large
amounts of energy to heat and cool buildings,
provide lighting, produce food, transport
people and goods, run machines, and provide
communications.
Cities need to import energy for their
concentrated human populations. Transporting
energy via roads, rail, ships, pipelines or wires
takes energy, land and money and carries
environmental risks. A more sustainable city
would get more of its energy locally. The term
“energy independence” has been coined to
cover both import reduction and development
of domestic energy sources.
According to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration:
• 32.8% of all energy use as of 2016 in Wisconsin
is attributed to the industrial sector, followed
by transportation (24.4%), residential (22.5%),
and commercial (20.2%).
• The majority of electricity in 2017 is generated
by coal-fired power plants (55%). Meanwhile,
only 9.3% electricity is generated from
renewable energies.
• The Point Beach nuclear power plant provides
15% of Wisconsin’s energy, but is one of the
oldest plants currently in operation.
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25Opposite Image of Corrim plant with solar panels - Courtesy of Sue Panek
BUILDINGS
1. Encourage the wider use of ENERGY
STAR and other sustainable-labeled
building materials, appliances and
electronics (e.g., programmable
thermostats, lighting fixtures, low-
emittance glazed windows, insulation,
heating and cooling equipment, washers
and dryers, water heaters, office
equipment and refrigeration equipment).
2. Continually update city purchasing
policies for energy efficient devices
and showcase results on city building
performance.
3. Partner with state and local agencies to
communicate government assistance
programs to winterize houses and
apartments for eligible homeowners and
renters.
FOSTER ENERGY CONSERVATION AND LOCAL
ENERGY PRODUCTION FROM RENEWABLE
RESOURCES
ENERGY OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
4. Coordinate with state and local
organizations (e.g., Focus on Energy and
Wisconsin Public Service) to promote
incentives and assistance for energy
conservation projects.
5. Encourage businesses to measure
energy performance (e.g. ENERGY
STAR Portfolio Manager) and use
green building rating systems such as
Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) (see Land Use and
Development section). Advertise
community successes and achievements
on the City’s and/or Sustainability
Advisory Board’s website.
6. Promote methods and best practices
individuals can implement concerning
responsible energy usage.
26
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
1. Continue to upgrade outdoor lighting
to high efficiency lamps (e.g., street
lighting, parks, athletic fields, and Leach
Amphitheatre).
2. Develop efficiency standards for an
outdoor lighting ordinance for all new
construction and existing building
lighting retrofits.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
1. Continually monitor technology trends
to ensure building codes allow for the
development of solar, wind, geothermal,
and biomass energy sources, with
guidelines to protect public safety and
maintain community standards for
aesthetics.
2. Identify opportunities for zoning
modifications to coordinate and
encourage siting for larger facilities, such
as factory-scale digesters or “farms” of
small wind turbines or solar panels.
3. Encourage businesses and homeowners
to work with Wisconsin Public Service,
which offers multiple pricing programs
designed to help encourage energy
efficiency and promote the use of
renewable energy.
4. Encourage the use of alternative flex-
fuel vehicles in fleets (e.g., city, police,
schools, buses and taxis).
5. Raise awareness regarding burning
wood for heat, especially that fireplaces
and fire pits provide negligible heat
with far larger pollution impacts and
safety risks than safe and efficient stoves
and furnaces meeting Environmental
Protection Agency certification standards.
6. Encourage consideration of greenhouse
gas released when making fleet
purchases/choosing fleet vehicles.
27
Image of Corrim plant with solar panels and windmills - Courtesy of Sue Panek
PUBLIC AND BUSINESS
AWARENESS
1. Partner for educational purposes with
national and statewide groups (e.g. Focus
on Energy, RENEW Wisconsin, ENERGY
STAR, Energy Center of Wisconsin,
Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources, Wisconsin Public Service,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Housing and Urban
Development) and organizations in the
community that can provide leadership
and resources (e.g. Winnebago County,
ADVOCAP, Chamber of Commerce,
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fox
Valley Technical College, Oshkosh Area
School District, East Central Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission, Oshkosh
Housing Authority).
2. Use the Sustainability Advisory Board’s
website to provide materials that
inform residents and businesses about
energy conservation and renewable
sources, payback times, site assessment,
installation, regulations, and listings
of energy tax credits or other forms of
assistance available from the federal,
state, and local governments, power
companies and non-profits.
3. Coordinate sales promotions for energy-
related products.
4. Use fairs and home shows to promote
public understanding of current energy
use and affordable first steps, such as
light bulb changes and winterizing.
5. Promote seasonal load control programs
for residences and businesses that allow
the utility to control large appliances and
air conditioning systems.
6. Develop demonstrations and tours
of projects that help residents and
businesses learn about successful
strategies.
7. Encourage, coordinate, and collaborate
with the business community about
energy savings via guaranteed
performance contracts, life-cycle payback
options, and other programs which lead
to greater efficient use of energy.
8. Share seasonal facilities, such as schools,
parks, and tourist facilities, to maximize
the time they can be in a low- or no-
energy mode.
9. Complete the Green Infrastructure Audit
for City ordinances.
28
29Corrim plant windmills - Courtesy of Sue Panek
30
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION
Preserving the water, land, and wildlife in and
around the City is critical to quality of life for
all who reside there. Lake Winnebago--the
largest inland lake in Wisconsin, and one of the
largest freshwater lakes in the U.S--provides
Oshkosh with drinking water, wildlife habitat,
and recreational activities that benefit the
economy. However, Lake Winnebago is
classified as impaired by the Wisconsin DNR
based on criteria in the Federal Clean Water
Act. The City authorized Onterra study of
2010 declared the shoreline as an incredibly
poor example of shoreland maintenance.
The City has since taken on mandatory and
voluntary measures to manage stormwater and
sewage treatment for pollution control, such as
native plantings along the lakeshore, drainage
basins, and incentives for residents to use best
practices for stormwater runoff on their land.
With its Tree City USA designation, Oshkosh
is recognized for its commitment to also
meet strict standards for urban forestry
management. Trees, native plants, and urban
green spaces provide places for groundwater
to be soaked up and purified. The trees of the
urban forest also absorb and remove other
pollutants, such as carbon and sulfur dioxide,
ozone, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulates
that enter the air from fossil fuels used for
buildings and vehicles. The City is also
known for its Bird City Wisconsin designation,
highlighting the City’s support of its large
populations of migratory and year-round
birds. These birds, along with bats and insects,
control nuisance and disease-carrying pests.
Together, the water, land, and wildlife of
Oshkosh help keep everyone--and everything--
happy and healthy.
4
31
SUSTAIN AND IMPROVE THE CITY’S NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT THE LIFE AND
ECONOMY RELYING UPON IT
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
5. Raise public awareness on the
importance of cleaning boats before and
after entering the water to prevent the
spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS)
through programming such as the DNR’s
Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.
6. Consider implementing temporary
rules regarding no wake zones to align
with varying water levels rather than
permanent no wake zones to be mindful
of economic impacts on tourism and
property values.
NATIVE LANDSCAPING
1. Review-and modify City lawn and tree
ordinances to encourage responsible
native landscaping.
2. Provide residents and businesses
with a best practices guide for native
landscaping.
3. Continue replacement of annual plants
in City landscaping to native, perennial
plantings to reduce soil disturbance,
decrease stormwater runoff, and
mowing.
4. Consider no-maintenance, low-growing
native grasses when planting new or
replacement turf.
5. Add native species to roadside seed
mixes on arterials at the edge of the City,
and advise the Wisconsin Department
of Transportation to do the same in the
Highway 41 corridor.
WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
1. Update current and future downtown
and riverfront plans with stormwater
management best practices while also
keeping public access a high priority.
2. Continue to enforce erosion and sediment
control requirements at construction
sites.
3. Continue to support the use of native
plantings along the City’s lake and
riverfronts, encouraging the restoration
of more shoreline.
4. Explore creating a center for river and
lakes education in the downtown area to
attract visitors and promote the value of
the resource.
RECREATIONAL WATER SAFETY
1. Encourage continuation of water testing
by the Winnebago County Health
Department at Menominee Park Beach,
posting results publicly on-site and
online.
2. Partner with local organizations
including the Winnebago County
Health Department and DNR to hold
informational sessions on local water-
quality concerns, such as cyanobacteria
(“blue-green algae”).
3. Encourage continuation of beach
grooming to remove litter and other
contaminants from the shore area.
4. Promote responsible boat and personal
watercraft use on the water, including
noise, speed, wake generation, and
potential user conflicts.
32
6. Control non-native, invasive species
in right-of-ways, parks and other
public areas, especially where they are
particularly aggressive, such as along
frontage roads.
7. Consider programs to help residents
pay for “natural improvements,” such
as burying utility lines, or removing and
replacing dead trees on their property.
WATER CONSERVATION
1. Review city building codes to update
standards for low-flow water-conserving
plumbing fixtures
2. Review ordinances to ensure the City
is able to address drought situations
by having policies in place to curtail
unessential water uses.
3. Offer innovative incentives for
residential, commercial, and industrial
water conservation improvements, such
as low-flow plumbing fixtures and other
proven conservation measures.
4. Educate citizens and business owners
on useful tips for cutting back on water
usage, collecting water for reuse, and
installing low-flow fixtures.
5. Continue to offer rain barrel workshops,
providing education on household
stormwater runoff while assisting
participants in rain barrel construction.
GREEN SPACES
1. Strengthen existing development codes
and promote policies that place a high
value on developing an aesthetically-
pleasing, natural environment that
promotes social connectedness
throughout the City.
2. Create plans to improve select developed
areas, such as gateways and the Highway
41 corridor, with a more natural look.
3. Continue the development of new park
space in residential neighborhoods that
have little-to-no access to neighborhood
parks.
4. Engage residents in the development
of parks for recreational, social
connectedness, and environmental
purposes.”
TREE PLANTING AND
RETENTION
1. Support the continuation of the vigorous
urban forestry program on terraces and
in City parks.
2. Maintain the City’s street-tree inventory,
municipal nursery, and status as a Tree
City USA.
3. Encourage continuation of programs that
support the planting of additional urban
trees.
33
Friends of Menominee Park Shoreland - Menominee site - photograph courtesy of Justin Mitchell
34
GOVERNMENT
With almost five percent of the city’s
working population and more than two
dozen city-owned buildings, the city has
numerous opportunities to lead by example
in sustainability efforts. This section provides
sustainable policies and actions for city staff
and departments to incorporate into daily
operations and municipal projects. It also
suggests administrative procedures to facilitate
community actions. A greenhouse gas (GHG)
inventory for municipal buildings has been
completed and reduction targets set. City staff
continues to attend seminars and workshops
to increase their knowledge of sustainable
practices.
Through the Sustainability Advisory Board
(SAB), the city has created a sustainability
website providing information on sustainable
actions as well as a full range of available
resources. The SAB has also created a
Facebook page as another means of outreach.
City departments continue to implement
sustainable measures as they become available.
Examples include the use of biodegradable
paint, increased use of LEDs and motion/
occupancy sensors, improved traffic signal
timing, solar-powered pedestrian crossing
flashers, and permeable pavers.
5
35Photograph of Common Council Meeting - Courtesy of Oshkosh Media
LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND FOSTER SUSTAINABILITY
POLICIES AND ACTIONS FOR COST-EFFECTIVE,
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY
SOUND GOVERNMENTAL PRACTICES TO MEET
COMMUNITY NEEDS
GOVERNMENT OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
ADMINISTERING
SUSTAINABILITY
1. Seek the creation of a position responsible
for coordination of sustainability
activities to report to the City Manager.
2. Incorporate sustainability responsibilities
in job descriptions for relevant city staff.
3. Form a green team of representatives
from each department under direction of
the Sustainability Coordinator to evaluate
and implement internal sustainable
actions.
4. Continue to involve the public in
sustainability activity through the
website, online surveys, social networks,
governmental meetings, and workshops.
5. Review the Sustainability Plan annually.
Present an update of how well the city is
meeting sustainability targets at the State
of the City event.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
1. Require energy modeling as part of
architectural design in all new public
building construction to help determine
the greatest efficiencies for energy
conservation.
2. Demonstrate a wind turbine or solar
energy in a high traffic location to serve
as a model for the community.
3. Develop an energy conservation policy
for all city facilities and implement it
through promotion, education, employee
training, and action.
4. Continue to develop policies to preserve
and plant trees around city buildings and
within and adjacent to city parking lots.
5. Analyze the energy savings impact of
a four day work week for buildings
where public contact is not a major
consideration.
6. Incorporate life cycle analysis as part of
the architectural design process.
36
GREEN BUILDING
1. As fiscal resources permit, use respected
rating systems to help in the design
process and monitoring of new municipal
buildings, additions and renovations.
2. Consider adaptive reuse of existing
buildings as first priority for expanded
municipal space.
3. Use local and recycled building materials
when possible.
4. Consider consolidation of departments
with other units of government, such
as done with the city/county health
department to promote more efficient use
of space and resources.
5. Continue changing existing annual
plantings at municipal facilities to
perennial native species.
COMMUNICATION/TRAINING
1. Continue to raise awareness and provide
training opportunities for city staff about
sustainability practices.
2. Explore ways to share facilities and
services with other governmental
entities—the school district, county,
technical college and university.
3. Continue participation in Sustainable
Communities Network, Green Tier, and
other regional and state sustainability
networks.
4. Partner with the University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh and other local groups to
maximize sharing of knowledge.
5. Use local media on a regular basis to
communicate sustainable activities the
city is undertaking.
37
PURCHASING
1. Develop a purchasing policy that
incorporates preferences for sustainable
purchasing. When possible, utilize Full
Cost Accounting (FCA) to analyze all
costs, advantages, and alternatives.
2. Define ‘cost’ not just as the monetary
cost, but also include social,
environmental and life cycle costs. Use
this process rather than relying solely on
the low bid process.
3. Modify requests for proposals,
specification and contract language to
ensure sustainable energy procedures are
an integral part of each project.
4. Adopt purchasing policies for procuring
equipment, computers and appliances
that consider and promote energy
savings (e.g. using ENERGY STAR
procurement policies as guidelines).
Include a policy with standards for
worker safety, handling of chemicals, and
alternative products and equipment.
5. Use a refill purchasing policy, replacing
consumables instead of stocking excess.
6. Continue to use recycled paper wherever
applicable.
7. Encourage use of 100% post-consumer
recycled content products.
8. Continue to encourage use of electronic
documents and email rather than
generating paper copies.
9. Continue to work with vendors to reduce
packaging.
10. Continue to buy local when possible.
11. Reduce or eliminate non-green products
and cleaners.
12. Continue to partner in shared purchasing
ventures.
13. Encourage the City to divest from all
fossil fuels.
38
City Purchasing / General Services Staff - Courtesy of Oshkosh Media
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Review and adopt recycling practices at
all municipal facilities.
2. Install low flow faucet aerators and
high efficiency toilets in all municipal
bathrooms to conserve water.
3. Encourage use of city water, e.g.,
installation of bubblers, hydration
stations, etc.
4. Highlight the savings in number of
plastic bottles kept out of the waste
streams due to use of hydration stations
in City facilities.
5. Increase use of hydration stations in City
facilities.
6. Implement a fleet replacement program
incorporating the use of the most cost
and energy efficient technology available.
7. Install a few electric charging stations at
City Hall.
8. Demonstrate environmentally
safe landscaping practices in areas
surrounding city buildings.
9. Reduce mowing wherever possible.
10. Install rain barrels and rain gardens at
city facilities to reduce runoff.
11. Follow standardized environmental
management procedures, such
as International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) 14001.
12. Continue to implement measures such as
prairie treatment demonstration gardens.
39
HUMAN RESOURCES
1. Hire and promote people with
diverse backgrounds, experiences and
perspectives.
2. Adopt human resource management
practices that support sustainability
objectives, such as allowing “flex time”
or telecommuting, or offering incentives
for use of public transit, biking, and ride-
sharing.
3. Continue to provide a wellness program
and maintain efforts to become certified
as a Well Workplace.
4. Provide all City employees with an
adequate level of compensation to
support themselves, promote employee
retention and reduce turnover costs.
5. Empower employees to think creatively,
generate ideas, and share suggestions on
municipal sustainability.
GOVERNMENTAL
COMMITMENTS
1. Fulfill the U.S. Conference of Mayors
Climate Protection Agreement approved
in 2007 (Resolution 07-262) and the ICLEI
Five Milestones for Climate Mitigation
approved in 2008 (Resolution 08-295) by
developing a Climate Action Plan with
goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
matched with strategies for reducing the
use of fossil fuels.
2. Make use of the carbon reduction targets
set by Milestone 2 of ICLEI.
3. Pursue additional beneficial
commitments to a more sustainable
community and maintain existing
commitments, e.g., Tree City USA and
Bird City Wisconsin.
40
Human Resources Staff - Courtesy of Oshkosh Media
41
42
The physical layout and land use of our
communities is fundamental to sustainability.
Over the past several decades, two main land
use practices have converged to generate
unsustainable trends in urban sprawl. (1)
zoning that separates each type of land use
discouraging mixed-use neighborhoods and
isolating employment locations, shopping
services and housing from one another and
(2) low density growth planning aimed at
creating automobile access to increasing
expanses of land. Community sustainability
requires a transition from poorly-managed
sprawl to Smart Growth planning. This entails
land use practices that create and maintain
efficient infrastructure, ensure close-knit
neighborhoods, and preserve natural and
agricultural systems. In Wisconsin, the Smart
Growth law has begun to move communities
in this direction. Smart Growth’s vision is to
promote denser settlement while providing
mixed uses, open space and transportation
choices – the antithesis of sprawl. The 2040
City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan complies
with the Smart Growth law and reflects this
vision.
Sustainable development not only addresses
the broad view of community land use, but
also the detailed view of sustainable sites
and buildings. Emphasis is on building
with nature in mind, exemplified by the
U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Green Building Rating System and the
EPA’s ENERGY STAR ratings for homes,
appliances, and fixtures. LEED promotes a
whole-building and neighborhood approach
to sustainability. It recognizes performance
in five key areas of human and environmental
health: sustainable site development, water
savings, energy efficiency, materials selection,
and indoor environmental quality. Oshkosh is
constructing LEED certified buildings, several
of which are on the University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh campus and at least one commercial
building, a recently built Kwik Trip on 20th
Avenue. Green rating programs are showing
up more frequently in communities across the
country and have proven to be a reliable tool to
standardize the language of “green” buildings.
Sustainable ideas influence housing also, as
developers begin to employ such concepts as
“life-cycle” design.
LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT
6
43
GUIDE AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE CITYWIDE
DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS AND INCORPORATE
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES INTO BUILDINGS
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
LAND USE
1. Review standards for development
in the Highway 41 Corridor Overlay
District to address sustainability issues
and to potentially allow for mixed-use
development in the corridor.
2. Consider similar overlay districts for the
Highway 21 and Jackson Street corridors.
3. Identify other high traffic corridors
and offer incentives to help redevelop
underutilized commercial buildings, strip
centers, and parking lots.
4. Assign first priority to commercial
redevelopment areas already identified in
the Comprehensive Plan.
5. Continue to promote attractive transit-
oriented, mixed income housing near
new or alongside existing retail and office
developments to reduce travel time to
work and shopping areas.
6. Work to increase the total area of
municipal park land to meet the needs of
the City’s population.
7. Design and promote public spaces that
prioritize human interactions and social
connections.
8. Encourage inclusionary zoning for
affordable housing.
GREEN BUILDINGS
1. Practice and promote sustainable
building practices using the LEED
program, ENERGY STAR, or a similar
system.
2. Build awareness of the Living Building
Challenge as a standard for sustainable
development.
3. Consider requiring green building for
all new city buildings and remodeling
projects. The city can lead by example
by establishing green building policies
and goals, and creating a framework to
implement them.
4. Consider offering incentives for green
buildings or requiring green buildings in
Tax Increment Financing Districts.
5. Encourage the use of solar panels, wind
turbines or other renewable energy
sources on existing and new construction.
POLICIES TO ENCOURAGE
GREEN BUILDING
44
LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS
(LCCA)
1. Promote life-cycle cost analysis as a
necessary component of designing a
sustainable development.
2. Provide educational materials to help
developers and builders know how
to assess the full range of social and
environmental impacts of their projects
so better choices can be made. Life-cycle
costs take into account the full life of a
building project or development – from
its raw material production, manufacture,
transport and actual use to its disposal.
LCCA can be performed on large and
small buildings or on isolated building
systems. Proven methods to account for
LCCA include the LEED Green Building
Rating System or the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO)
14000 Environmental Management
Standard. Another useful tool is Return
on Investment estimates, or cost-benefit
analysis, before expanding infrastructure
networks, i.e., streets, sewer, water,
electricity or communications.
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY
1. Partner with utility companies,
ENERGY STAR, and others to offer
energy efficiency education programs
or incentives to improve energy use in
buildings. Buildings account for 40% of
energy consumed in the U.S. Strategies
to reduce energy consumption are
widely available on numerous websites,
including the city’s sustainability website.
COOL ROOFS
1. Consider a green or white roof pilot
project on a city building. Green roofs or
living roofs typically have native grasses,
flowers, shrubs and vegetation planted
into a layer of soil over a waterproof
membrane. Other common features
include gravel paths, patios, irrigation
systems and photovoltaic arrays. Green
roofs absorb and clean rainwater,
provide insulation, create habitats for
wildlife, and help to lower urban air
temperatures. White roofs are another
option. White roofs are painted white or
use a white membrane or tiles to reflect
solar radiation off the roof, reducing the
building’s thermal load.
45
Oshkosh Facilities Maintenance Building - courtesy of Sue Panek
MATERIAL RECOVERY
1. Provide incentives to promote the
recovery of all recyclable building
materials including not only construction
waste from new building projects, but
also what exists on site.
2. Promote adaptive reuse and renovation
of older buildings while retaining historic
integrity. Many of these were made of
stone and brick which are long-lasting,
have a good fire rating, and contain
thermal retention properties.
LOCAL MATERIALS
1. Promote the use of building materials
and products found in the immediate
area and surrounding region. Buying
and using local quality building materials
strengthens the local economy, creates
local identity, and decreases out of the
region transportation costs.
AFFORDABLE AND SOCIALLY
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
1. Work with public and private housing
providers to offer a mix of housing types
affordable to low and moderate income
owners and renter.
2. Continue to employ programs
subsidizing owner and rental
rehabilitation and first time homebuyers,
such as the Community Development
Block Grant Program (CDBG), the Home
Rental Rehabilitation Program (HOME),
Wisconsin Housing and Economic
Development Authority (WHEDA) and
local housing authority programs.
3. Encourage life-cycle or adaptable design
to help people live independently
throughout their lives. This type
of design includes fixed accessible
features, such as wider doors and
halls, open floor spaces and clear traffic
patterns; and adaptable features, such
as wall reinforcement for grabbers and
removable base cabinets for future knee
space.
4. Continue to promote affordable and
socially sustainable housing for all
segments of the population.
46
47
Waite Grass Carpet Company - now living units owned by the Oshkosh / Winnebago
County Housing Authority - courtesy of Sue Panek
48
The local food movement is aimed at connecting consumers back to the land, providing fresh and
nutritious food, protecting the environment and supporting the local economy.
Growing Oshkosh is a nonprofit urban farm founded in 2012 with the hopes of bringing fresh,
healthy, local and affordable food to downtown Oshkosh, as well as to local schools, social service
agencies, at-risk neighborhoods and throughout the entire community. They specialize in sowing,
growing and sharing quick-growing, nutrient-dense crops, but it is their educational mission that is
at the core of everything they do, especially their youth education programs. Their “beyond organic”
and sustainability-focused urban farm brings to market thousands of pounds of food each year and
all the food grown in their 14 elementary school gardens are free to students, families, staff and
neighbors.
LOCAL FOOD
7
49Opposite: Oshkosh Farmers Market - Courtesy of Michael J. Cooney
PROMOTE LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION, SALES AND
CONSUMPTION
LOCAL FOOD OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
FARMLAND PRESERVATION
1. Support the preservation of agricultural
lands in the city’s extraterritorial growth
area from premature conversion of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses.
2. Work with private land owners and
developers to provide conservation
easements for long-term local food
production.
3. Explore the use of other agricultural
and green space preservation programs,
such as Purchase of Development Rights
(PDR) and Transfer of Development
Rights (TDR), as well as the use of
conservation subdivisions.
4. Partner with the Future Farmers of
America and encourage cooperative
efforts with schools in efforts to preserve
farmland.
5. Explore the use of acquired lands the City
of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority is
land banking for future redevelopment,
for interim neighborhood gardens.
6. Whenever possible, use land-banked
sites to reduce the city’s costs to maintain
these properties.
PRIVATE AND INSTITUTIONAL
GARDENS
1. Work with Growing Oshkosh
Inc. in demonstrating sustainable
urban gardening with greenhouses,
aquaculture, and educational outreach to
the city schools.
2. Partner with University of Wisconsin-
Extension, Fox Valley Technical College
and other local organizations to prepare
a brochure related to setting up an urban
food plot within applicable city/county
regulations.
50
SUSTAINABLE GARDENING
PRACTICES
1. Partner with the University of Wisconsin
Extension and other groups in promoting
best practices to protect people, water,
and wildlife through workshops and
printed materials.
2. Work with local education institutions
to support the establishment of a
demonstration community garden
to illustrate sustainable practices
and provide tours and educational
opportunities for the community.
3. Promote the urban chickenkeeping
ordinance for single and two family
residential uses.
4. Promote the urban beekeeping ordinance
and educate residents on urban
beekeeping.
GREENHOUSES
1. Encourage local greenhouses to
implement organic and environmentally
sensitive methods.
2. Work with greenhouse owners to donate
starter plants for community food plots
in mixed-to-low income neighborhoods.
3. Ensure the zoning ordinance facilitates
establishment of greenhouses in
residential as well as other districts.
MUNICIPAL CODE REVISIONS
1. Revise the zoning ordinance to address
community gardens as permitted or
conditional land uses in all zoning
districts.
2. Support the creation and implementation
of ordinances that permit responsible
composting.
51
LOCAL FOOD SALES
1. Support establishment of neighborhood
markets.
2. Continue to support Oshkosh Farmers
Market Inc. and other locally-raised and
produced food.
3. Continue to support food sales from
stands and trucks within current city,
county and state regulations.
4. Work with the groups who are interested
in establishing a food co-op at a
downtown location.
PUBLIC EVENTS
1. Promote locally grown/produced goods
at public events held in Oshkosh.
2. Offer incentives to local producers
such as discounted vendor licenses and
permits.
3. Promote biodegradable food service
products if disposable utensils and plates
are used at public events.
FOOD EDUCATION
1. Employ the city’s sustainability
website and media services to provide
opportunities for citizens to learn about
the importance of growing, preserving
and buying local and organic food,
local food safety, (such as advisories
on mercury in Winnebago fish), and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions
by eating lower on the food chain
(vegetarian).
2. Work to expand educational
opportunities through the library,
schools, University of Wisconsin-
Extension, greenhouses, local media and
other available educational outlets.
3. Develop a best-practices brochure for
composting.
4. Encourage the use of recyclable bags for
food shopping, and reusable straws and
utensils for food consumption.
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MANAGING WASTE
The City of Oshkosh collects recyclable and
solid waste materials and disposes of them
in partnership with Winnebago County. The
county is a member of a 25-year tri-county
agreement with Brown and Outagamie
counties, begun in 2002. As the conclusion
of this agreement occurred in 2018, it will be
increasingly important to reduce the solid
waste stream volume and postpone the siting
of a new landfill in Winnebago County for
as long as possible. Single-stream recycling,
established in 2009, has already shown an
increase in recycled items, as well as cost
savings with usage of automated equipment.
Materials collected from residences through
the single-stream recycling program are
transferred to the Tri-County Single-Stream
Recycling Center in Outagamie County for
sorting and sustainable redistribution.
While recycling is an important factor in
a sustainable community, promoting the
reduction of initial use and reuse of materials
is a preferred method. Area residents and
businesses have many options, ranging
from grinding masonry materials from
demolished buildings for reuse in road
construction projects, to utilizing resale and
thrift stores for both donations and purchases,
to composting yard waste to feed a family
garden. As technology advances and new
markets are created, we can expect to see
a significant increase in options for waste
reduction and uses of recovered materials.
Currently, prescription drugs can be disposed
of at a drop-off box at the Oshkosh Police
Department. Leaf waste is spread on farm
fields. The yard waste collected is sent to
the urban biodigester system. Information
on proper disposal of hazardous waste and
e-waste can be found on the city website.
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55Opposite - View of tipping room floor - Courtesy of Winnebago County Solid Waste
PROMOTE WASTE MANAGEMENT AWARENESS AND
REUSE OF MATERIALS, INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
ITEMS RECYCLED, REDUCE INITIAL CONSUMPTION,
AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF MATERIAL
DIVERTED TO LANDFILLS
MANAGING WASTE OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
EDUCATION
1. Minimize waste creation by improving
public understanding of source reduction
as the most preferred method of waste
management.
2. Educate and promote reduction,
reuse, recycling, and recovery of waste
materials through information on the
City’s Sustainable Oshkosh website.
3. Provide information such as a green
business list to increase consumer
product awareness and environmentally
preferable purchasing.
4. Distribute updated information such as
an annual mailing included with water
bills about proper disposal of hazardous
waste, prescription drugs, electronic
waste, and other banned items through
the Sustainability website and events
such as the farmer’s market.
5. Identify cost-saving benefits of waste
reduction, as well as environmental gains
for local residents and businesses.
WASTE REDUCTION
1. Improve institutional and business waste
reduction and recycling programs.
2. Educate restaurants on the potential
cost savings and waste reduction by
allowing customers to ask for single use
disposables like straws, napkins, and
plastic silverware.
3. Work with restaurants to eliminate the
use of Styrofoam containers.
4. Encourage use of reusable shopping bags
and other multi-trip containers to reduce
usage of plastic bags and single-use
containers.
5. Promote alternatives to paper usage, as
well as 100% post-consumer recycled
content when feasible.
6. Provide information and incentives to
promote recovery, reuse, and recycling of
demolition debris and building scraps at
construction sites through programs such
as WasteCap.
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RECYCLING
1. Consider recycling containers in public
areas and at public events next to waste
barrels. Ensure that single-stream
recycling containers are well marked and
visible.
2. Encourage ‘away from home’ locations,
such as gas stations and convenience
stores, to also provide recycling
containers.
3. Continuously review the municipal
recycling program for updated methods
or technologies to improve the system.
4. Educate the public on what items are and
are not appropriate for recycling streams.
5. Finalize and distribute a one-page
educational handout on resources,
websites, etc. directing residents to more
information on recycling.
COMPOSTING
1. Provide education on setting up and
maintaining compost bins at home,
community gardens, and the workplace
for organic waste (e.g. grass, leaves,
brush, leftover fruits, vegetable waste,
and garden debris).
2. Communicate with local employers who
have existing compost programs to share
best practices across the city.
3. Continue to promote use of monthly
pickup collection and drop-off sites for
community composting of leaves and
other organic materials.
4. Continue partnering with the renewable
energy facility biomass digester to
convert community organic waste to
electricity and heat with the local dry
anaerobic biogas system.
5. Explore the municipal collection of
organic waste. Communicate with
other areas of the state and country
to determine how to get over hurdles
related to curbside compost pickup.
57
Interior of Oshkosh City Garage - Courtesy of Sue Panek
CONSUMER REUSE
1. Encourage reuse of furniture, clothing,
household, building and decorating
items through local thrift stores (e.g.
Goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul, Habitat for
Humanity ReStore) or online forums (e.g.
Freecycle, Craigslist, eBay).
NON-BIODEGRADABLES
1. Encourage use of cloth or reusable
shopping bags by educating retailers and
shoppers about advantages of reusable
bags. Promote reusable bag programs
providing customers with a monetary or
other incentive to participate.
2. Encourage restaurants to use bio-
degradable single-use take out containers
instead of non-biodegradable containers.
3. Educate the community about water
bottle waste and high quality of city tap
water.
4. Promote sale of safe multi-use containers
and encourage restaurants and retailers
to provide means for customers to refill
bottles with city water.
ELECTRONICS
1. Provide education regarding statewide
collection and recycling system for
consumer electronic devices, including
their ban from landfills or incineration.
2. Promote diversion of e-waste to
responsible recycling or disposal
facilities. Promote e-waste recycling
events at local businesses on the
Sustainability website.
3. Encourage establishment of a local
collection and disposal site for e-waste.
4. Partner with local electronics stores to
create awareness on recycling programs
available for e-waste products.
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Winnebago County Solid Waste - Courtesy of Sue Panek
PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-
COUNTER DRUGS
1. Continue to encourage and facilitate the
collection and disposal of unwanted/
excess prescription and over-the-counter
drugs.
2. Work with law enforcement to establish
additional collection sites beyond
the drop box at the Oshkosh Police
Department.
3. Educate the public on the need to keep
these items out of the wastewater and
landfill systems.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
1. Continue to promote the availability
of the household hazardous material
facility at the Winnebago County
landfill. Investigate expanding hours for
additional drop off times.
2. Remind residents on a regular basis that
items such as tires, batteries, and waste
oil should be taken to the landfill for
proper disposal.
SPECIAL EVENTS
1. Create a pilot project to make an
established community zero-waste event
by using products that are bio-based,
recyclable, or compostable using glass,
bioplastics and paper products instead of
plastic. Expand to include all community
events.
2. Partner with the Chamber of Commerce
to create incentives to promote zero-
waste events.
LITTERING
1. Encourage citizens/visitors to pick up
litter in parks, public places, along
waterways, during special events, and in
the general community.
2. Continue to enforce littering laws and
encourage carry in, carry out.
3. Continue to evaluate public spaces and
events for adequate waste and recycling
receptacles.
4. Increase public awareness on the
locations of plastic bag recycling
containers and on what plastics these
locations accept.
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Winnebago County Landfill - Courtesy of Sue Panek
60
SAFE AND HEALTHY
COMMUNITY
Food, water, and shelter are the basic
physiological components necessary for life.
Security, health and well-being are the basic
safety needs of humans. Friendship, family
and community are the basic social needs.
Environment, social justice and economics
are the pillars of sustainability. The City of
Oshkosh is a community where residents and
the local government strive to meet basic needs
in a sustainable fashion.
The City of Oshkosh has strong public works,
police and fire departments to provide public
safety and support for its citizens. Winnebago
County, the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard provide
boater safety on Lake Winnebago and the
Fox River. The Winnebago County Health
Department is an important partner with the
City on various initiatives. Winnebago County
also has a strong emergency management and
first responder network.
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The City has many medical, dental,
rehabilitation, and assisted living/retirement
centers, including Aurora Health Center and
Ascension NE Wisconsin Mercy Hospital.
From Little Oshkosh and Pollock Pool to
the Oshkosh Seniors Center, there are many
opportunities for recreation and socialization
for all ages. Oshkosh is home to many parks
located throughout the city, with Menominee
Park on Lake Winnebago being the largest.
Over 60 religious facilities are located in
Oshkosh. Cultural and social venues are
myriad, including Leach Amphitheater, the
Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Public
Museum, the Grand Opera House, the Paine
Art Center, and the Experimental Aircraft
Association (EAA) Museum. Oshkosh,
Wisconsin’s Event City, is home to a monthly
downtown Gallery Walk, Waterfest, Irish Fest,
Oktoberfest, and the Celebration of Lights.
Oshkosh has seen much progress since
the original 2012 Sustainability Plan. The
Downtown YMCA recently underwent a major
expansion. The City recently added bike lanes
on Irving Avenue, and has continued work
towards the completion of the Riverwalk.
These recent successes are examples of positive
catalysts for community health.
Oshkosh provides educational support at
many levels, and is home to not only the
Oshkosh Area School District but also the
Fox Valley Technical College, the University
of Wisconsin-Oshkosh plus many parochial
schools. The Chamber of Commerce, Chamco,
and the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors
Bureau support both the social and economic
bases of the city. All of these entities and
many more make Oshkosh a safe and healthy
community in which to live.
63Opposite - Courtesy of Sue Panek
PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT,
CULTURAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY, AND PROVIDE
A SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY FOR OUR
CITIZENS
SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS
1. Maintain well-staffed, trained, and
equipped police and fire departments at
the level required for our community’s
size and needs.
2. Maintain partnerships and collaboration
with the Winnebago County Health
Department to improve and maintain
community and environmental health
through the county.
3. Maintain safe drinking water, sewage
treatment and stormwater capacity
sufficient for the population as also
mentioned in the Environmental
Conservation chapter of this plan (pgs.
31-33).
4. Continue human services programs
supported by community partners.
5. Continue to support literacy and the
arts by furthering partnerships with the
Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh
Public Museum Gallery Walk, and other
community entities.
6. Continue to support the many agencies
and programs that provide benefits to
our citizens, such as Wisconsin Interfaith
Needs Response, Meals on Wheels,
Habitat for Humanity-Oshkosh, the
Oshkosh Area Community Food Pantry,
ADVOCAP, the Housing Authority, and
GO-HNI.
7. Assist with efforts to create a more
permanent warming shelter and ensure
safe, healthy, and affordable housing
options for all income levels.
HEALTH AND URBAN LAND USE
1. During the Site Plan Review and
approval process, encourage
development that promotes sustainable
lifestyles by mixing residential, retail
areas, and employment centers with
safe walking/biking paths and access
to bus routes, and require adequate
landscaping.
2. Encourage housing developments that
reduce isolation foster community spirit,
include a diversity of occupant age,
social, and cultural groups, and remain
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affordable to a variety of income groups.
3. Continue to implement recommendations
from the Pedestrian and Bicycle
Circulation Plan.
4. Continue to promote development that is
accessible and walkable under our new
zoning process.
5. Examine and address connectivity across
Highway 41 and railroads.
6. Support efforts of the Public Works and
Transportation staff to ensure that public
facilities, crosswalks, and pedestrian
signals comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
7. Create safety awareness and educate
Oshkosh residents on the importance of
snow removal from sidewalks.
8. Consider the role of social connections
and inclusion in public spaces.
ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
1. Encourage physical fitness among all age
groups.
2. Continue to maintain athletic fields,
courts, and playgrounds in our parks, as
was done through improvements to the
Ferry Crossing baseball diamond and the
Stevens Park tennis courts.
3. Continue to support the Pollock
Community Water Park.
4. Encourage and support the efforts of the
Seniors Center, YMCA, Oshkosh Area
School District, University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh and various organizations in
events such as the Tour de Titan and
other walk/bike/run events.
5. Support additional work on the
Riverwalk and bike trails.
6. Implement recommendations of the
City of Oshkosh Pedestrian and Bicycle
Circulation Plan to provide residents
with safer conditions for biking and
walking.
7. Encourage outdoor alternatives such
as walking and biking for family
togetherness.
8. Encourage use of our available natural
resources for water sports and events
(e.g. Dragonboat Races and sailing
regattas).
9. Acquire additional acreage to create
parkland in areas currently deficient in
green space.
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HEALTHY LIVING
1. Continue to support the health and
welfare of City residents through
programs such as the Committee on
Aging, the Seniors Center, the Boys and
Girls Club, Safe Routes to School (SRTS),
healthcare screenings, mental health
support, and free clinics.
2. Create a cross-sector Health in All
Policies team and advocate for a Health
in All Policies ordinance.
3. Advocate for policies, systems, and
environmental changes that will improve
health for all residents.
4. Encourage the implementation of
employer wellness programs and
wellness partnerships between employers
and the community. For example, ensure
that all City of Oshkosh employees have
access to healthcare screenings, mental
health support, and free health clinics.
5. Encourage local employers to meet
criteria for Well City designation.
66
The Oshkosh / Winnebago County Housing Authority convered the former Waite Grass Carpet Company
buildings into affordable living units and units became available in December, 2018.
67Both Images (opposite and this page) - Courtesy of Sue Panek
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TRANSPORTATION
AND MOBILITY
Sustainable transportation generally refers to
enhancing alternatives to the automobile–
public transit, bicycling, walking and rail – to
reduce pollution, conserve energy and decrease
traffic congestion. The City of Oshkosh offers
Go-Transit, its own public transit system. At
the time of the plan update, the system offered
10 routes to various locations in the City and
Neenah. In 2014, over half (53%) of Go-Transit
riders were between the ages of 30-64. The
system has seen around a million riders yearly
for the past five years. The system currently
operates within walking distance (400 meters
or 1/4 mile) of about 90 percent of the city.
In addition to the hybrid buses in service,
seven new clean diesel buses were added to the
fleet in June 2018 with three more scheduled to
be added in 2019 to replace the ten 2003 models
removed from service in 2018. The City has
added bus shelters at the rate of about one to
two per year to new locations throughout the
City. Improvements to the existing downtown
transit station and plaza by coordinating plaza
design with surrounding streetscaping and
street furniture to create a multi modal facility
is being planned.
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Oshkosh has had a long history of rail
transportation. The Canadian National
Railway and Wisconsin and Southern Railroad
run through the City. Rail transport is often
employed for freight and every ton-mile of
freight moving by rail instead of truck reduces
greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds or
more. On June 13, 2018 two spur lines served
by the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad
opened in the Southwest Industrial Park
connecting local businesses to the national rail
system.
The Oshkosh Pedestrian and Bicycle
Circulation Plan was approved by the Oshkosh
Common Council in 2011. The plan has
recently undergone an update in 2017-2018.
This plan has had extensive public input and
incorporates a broad range of policies affecting
bike routes, bike parking, pedestrian ways,
connectivity with transit and trails, funding,
education and intergovernmental cooperation.
The Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory
Committee was established to oversee
implementation of the plan. Since the plan’s
inception, several streets including Irving
Avenue and Westhaven Drive have received
bike lanes.
The Tribal Heritage trail over the I-41 Bridge
connects the Wiouwash trail to the Riverwalk
on both sides of the Fox River. This trail
provides another means of recreation and
transportation on foot or by bicycle through
the area. On the southern side of the river the
trail will continue along the former Municipal
Golf course to Rainbow Park. The Boatworks
Redevelopment project loop between the
Wisconsin Street Bridge and the Oregon Street
was open and scheduled for completion in the
fall of 2018. Three sections of the downtown
loop remain to be completed; the Dockside
tavern to Main Street, Main Street to Pioneer
Island, and Rainbow Park to the Senior Center.
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Bicyclist on the Wiowash Trail - Image courtesy of Sue Panek
ENHANCE MOBILITY ALTERNATIVES TO THE
AUTOMOBILE; DESIGN SAFE, EFFICIENT AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE; AND CONNECT TO OTHER
LOCAL AND REGIONAL NETWORKS
TRANSPORTATION OBJECTIVE
POLICIES
SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
1. Assist in marketing the City’s Go-Transit
system to broaden the scope of ridership.
2. Partner with East Central Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission
(ECWRPC) to examine and update the
2011 Oshkosh Transit System – Transit
Development Plan (TDP).
3. Assist GO-Transit in determining how to
further refine their data gathering system
and capture data to improve traveler
information, comfort, convenience and
customer service.
4. Educate riders on the app for phones that
allows the customer to track bus locations
in real time.
5. Implement electronic fee collection on all
GO-Transit buses.
6. Explore other service options, such as
van-pooling and shuttle type service.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
1. Encourage GO-Transit to continue
replacing buses at the end of their service
lives with new clean diesel or hybrid
options.
2. Partner with GO-Transit, Planning
Services and neighborhood associations
to determine best locations and
implement new covered bus shelters.
3. Encourage planned improvements to the
existing downtown transit station and
plaza by coordinating plaza design with
surrounding streetscaping and street
furniture to create a multi modal facility.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
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TRIP REDUCTION PROGRAMS
1. Employ integrated land use planning
and sprawl reduction policies to make
destinations more pedestrian, bicycle and
transit friendly.
2. Encourage rideshare programs and
telecommuting.
3. Encourage new Park and Ride locations
in addition to the four existing locations
near the City.
FOSSIL FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE
ALTERNATIVES
1. Assist in the planned implementation
of EV charging stations in the City in
addition to the eight EV charging stations
already installed in and within 10 miles
of Oshkosh.
2. Explore incentives for businesses to
provide access to EV charging stations
and alternative fuels, especially bio-diesel
and its future fuel cousins.
7. Provide incentives and flexibility for city
employees and local businesses to use
transit.
8. Design marketing programs to attract the
general public, such as fare capping.
9. Explore route alternatives for the
Intercity Bus service to increase usage.
REGIONAL TRANSIT
AUTHORITIES
1. Support statewide efforts to permit
transit agencies to create their own
funding authorities to improve mass
transit options.
2. Consider pervious paving materials
where feasible and where clay subsoil
does not inhibit drainage.
3. Incorporate landscaping for aesthetics
and stormwater control, LED lighting,
bike racks and other items to conserve
energy and protect the environment.
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PLANNING
1. Partner with the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Committee on implementation and
further updates of the updated Bicycle
and Pedestrian Circulation Plan.
2. Continue to examine the benefits and
potential of a Complete Streets Policy for
Oshkosh.
3. Support the implementation of bicycle
and pedestrian-friendly amenities as
listed in major plans such as Imagine
Oshkosh and the Corridors Plan.
RIVERWALK
1. Examine ways to improve and beautify
the Riverwalk and encourage increased
use of the Riverwalk over time.
2. Work with the Parks Department and
abutting property owners to encourage
shoreline restoration through the use of
appropriate shoreline plantings.
3. Research alternative environmentally
friendly materials for remaining sections
of the Riverwalk.
FREIGHT RAIL
1. Partner with the Canadian National
Railway and Wisconsin and Southern
Railroad to protect the rail corridors and
ensure that the right-of-way needs of
the railroads are met while reducing the
number of conflict points for the City.
2. Partner with the Planning Services
Division, neighborhood associations,
and residents to create and implement
the Railroad Mitigation Plan for areas
affected by the railroads.
PASSENGER RAIL
1. Encourage establishment of passenger
rail service in the Oshkosh area by
promoting reopening of a train line
between Green Bay and Milwaukee
through Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du
Lac.
RAIL TRANSPORTATION BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN
FACILITIES
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WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
1. Assess neighborhoods for their
walkability by determining what goods
and services are within an easy and
safe walking distance to allow residents
and employees to meet their needs
on a regular basis, and recommend
improvements where there are
deficiencies.
2. Review zoning policies for their potential
to allow mixed-use and compact
development.
3. Provide input for the Sawdust District
redevelopment and if possible support
the use of traditional neighborhood
design and transit-oriented development
standards.
4. Encourage strict enforcement of speeding
and other traffic laws to ensure streets
are safe for all travelers—motorists,
pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Opposite two images and left image this page - Courtesy of Sue Panek
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
STREET DESIGN AND
MAINTENANCE
1. Continue to promote and build
infrastructure to serve a range of users—
pedestrian, bicyclists, transit riders and
motorists.
2. Incorporate elements of green design
when reconstructing or building
new streets, e.g., LED street lighting,
landscaping, native vegetation,
wider terraces, narrower pavements,
biodegradable paint, sustainable
infrastructure (example permeable
pavers) and pedestrian amenities.
3. Explore newer types of construction
material such as permeable pavers
and road design to reduce stormwater
impacts or increase the lasting quality of
a street.
4. Continue an aggressive street cleaning
program to protect water quality,
maintain pavement, and reduce the
burden on the sewer system.
5. Address polluted run-off issues related
to salt usage and other methods of snow
and ice removal.
6. Develop a local erosion control ordinance
and continue to enforce state-required
erosion control practices during street
construction.
7. Continue working with City Departments
to finalize and implement a formal tree
policy for street reconstructions.
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
1. Synchronize traffic signals with speed
limits to avoid unnecessary stops and
idling of cars.
2. Consider additional roundabouts where
they could work. Fifteen roundabouts
have been installed in the city to date.
PARKING FACILITIES
1. Consider bio-filters and other
sustainability practices when rebuilding
or developing parking facilities.
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An action plan provides direction for accomplishing the objectives of the Sustainability Plan. For the
2012 Action Plan, the Sustainability Plan Steering Committee has selected policies for each objective.
These are intended to be implemented in the short, medium and long term according to the order
they are listed. The action items will be reviewed by the City’s Sustainability Advisory Board, who
will set targets, assign responsibilities, and prepare an annual report. The annual report will show
progress not only of Action Plan items, but of the many other policies in the Sustainability Plan that
may be guiding day to day activities. The Sustainability Advisory Board will also update the Action
Plan annually with input from staff, City Council, and citizens.
Goal: Improve the quality of life in the City of Oshkosh by incorporating sustainability practices to
meet the environmental, economic and social needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs.
ACTION PLAN FOR
2019
79
2019 Sustainability Advisory Board Goals
Government Action
Action Items Responsible Individuals Completion Target
1
2
3 December, 2018
4 December, 2018
5
6
7
Education & Outreach
Action Items Responsible Individuals Completion Target
1
2 December, 2018
3
5
6
7
8
9
Support Menominee Park Shoreland Project through volunteer cleanups
Recycling/clean up (Putting bins at Farmers market, city parks, Washburn, etc.)
Michelle
Sustainability Plan update
Fossil Fuel Divestment - Long Range Finance and City Council
Ongoing
SAB, Staff
Margy
SAB, Michelle
Finalize Native Plant Brochure
Coordinate SAB's Faciliatation of Rain Barrel workshop Vic, Staff
SAB, StaffExplore potential for use of permeable pavers on various sites Ongoing
Create education program for kids/public on energy, composting, rain gardens
SAB
SAB, Staff
IMPLEMENTATION
Opposite image - Middle Village green space build - October, 2015
25x25: a rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for America – to get 25 percent of our energy
from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025.
adaptive reuse: the process of using old structures for purposes other than those initially intended.
alternative transportation: in this document alternative (and/or sustainable) modes of transportation
include transportation by public transit (bus or rail), bicycle, walking, or alternative fuel vehicles.
American Planning Association (APA) Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability: an extensive
set of sustainability policies for communities based on the four principles of the Natural Step
framework.
benchmark: a standard by which something can be measured or judged; in this document, targets set
for reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
biodegradable: capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other biological means
biodigester: a container in which methane, or biogas, is captured in the processing of organic
material by anaerobic bacteria. The gas is often used for heating, lighting or cooking.
biofilter: a filter system using microorganisms to convert organic compounds of a pollutant to carbon
dioxide, water and salts
biofuel: a fuel, such as wood, methane or ethanol, composed of or produced from biological raw
materials.
biomass: plant material, vegetation, or agricultural waste used as a fuel or energy source.
Bird City Wisconsin: a designation by a partnership of state birding groups indicating a community
has met certain criteria for making itself healthy for birds. Oshkosh was one of 15 communities
designated early in 2011.
brownfield: abandoned, idled or under-used property where expansion or redevelopment is
complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination.
business incubator: facility established to nurture young (startup) firms during their early months
or years, usually providing affordable space, shared offices and services, hands-on management
training, marketing support and often access to some form of financing.
GLOSSARY
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carbon footprint: a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by an
entity, e.g. a country, company, household or individual, through day to day activities over a given
period of time.
climate action plan (CAP): a customized roadmap to reduce global warming pollution by a target
a city has identified. The CAP includes an implementation timeline for reduction measures, costs
and financing mechanisms, assignments to city departments, and actions the city must implement
to achieve its target. The inventory and quantification of existing climate protection measures
helps guide a city to understand where it can get the greatest emissions reductions. The majority
of measures in a CAP fall into energy management, transportation, waste reduction and land use
categories.
climate change: any change in global temperatures and precipitation over time due to natural
variability or to human activity. Present thinking is the Earth is getting warmer because of an
accumulation of greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere primarily attributed to combustion of
fossil fuels and deforestation.
community garden: a garden cultivated by a group; in this document usually an area designated by
the city or county where garden plots are rented to community members on an annual basis to plant
vegetables and flowers.
compost: a mixture of decaying organic matter, as from food wastes, leaves or manure, used to
improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
conditional land use: in a zoning district, a land use permitted with additional requirements tailored
to the site.
conservancy area: an area protected from development because of special environmental
characteristics
cool, green or white roof: an “environmentally friendly” roof intended to conserve energy by
employing a white reflective or insulated coating, or being planted with vegetation.
ecology: the study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment
energy conservation: reduction in the amount of energy consumed through economy, elimination of
waste, and rational use.81
energy independence: generally means using less foreign oil, but also refers to areas off the grid and
employing renewable energy sources such as wind or solar.
ENERGY STAR: a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help businesses and
consumers save money by making energy-efficient product choices.
e-waste: any refuse created by discarded electronic devices and components or substances involved
in their manufacture or use.
Facility Improvement Measures (FIMs): standards to improve building and system performance,
such as reducing electricity, water or natural gas usage.
flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) or dual-fuel vehicle or flex-fuel vehicle: an alternative fuel vehicle with
an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with
either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in a common tank.
Focus on Energy: a program for eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective,
energy efficient and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives
help to implement projects that otherwise would not get completed or complete projects sooner than
scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote
in-state economic development, protect the environment and control the state’s growing demand for
electricity and natural gas.
food co-op: a grocery store organized as a cooperative. Food cooperatives are usually consumers’
cooperatives owned by their members. Food cooperatives follow the 7 Cooperative Principles
(voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic control, member
economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information,
cooperation among cooperatives and concern for community) and typically offer natural foods.
fossil fuels: fuels formed by natural resources such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead
organisms. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are non-renewable
resources because they take millions of years to form, and reserves are being depleted much faster
than new ones are being made.
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Full Cost Accounting (FCA): generally refers to the process of collecting and presenting information
about environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits/advantages (collectively known as the
“triple bottom line”) for each proposed alternative when a decision is necessary. It is a conventional
method of cost accounting tracing direct costs and allocating indirect costs.
geothermal energy: thermal energy generated and stored in the earth. Thermal energy is energy that
determines the temperature of matter. The Earth’s geothermal energy originates from the original
formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, from volcanic activity, and from solar
energy absorbed at the surface. The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature
between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in
the form of heat from the core to the surface. Use of geothermal energy heating of buildings with
ground source heat pumps has been steadily increasing.
green: in this document, green is shorthand to refer to any environmentally preferable product,
activity, service or process.
green power: a subset of renewable energy representing renewable energy resources and
technologies providing the highest environmental benefit. The EPA defines green power as electricity
produced from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources.
Customers often buy green power to avoid negative environmental impacts and for its greenhouse
gas reduction benefits.
green or sustainable business: an enterprise having little or no negative impact on the global or local
environment, community, society, or economy; a business that strives to meet the triple bottom line.
green team: in this document, green team is used to describe a team of city department
representatives chosen to lead sustainability initiatives for the City of Oshkosh.
greenhouse gas (GHG): natural and manmade gases in the earth’s atmosphere allowing incoming
solar radiation to pass through the atmosphere and warm the earth, while trapping radiant heat
given off by the earth. The radiant heat absorbed by these gases heats the atmosphere. This
is a natural process known as the “greenhouse effect” that keeps the earth habitable. The four
primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO) and
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Since the onset of the industrial period, human activities have lead
to sharp increases in the levels of GHGs in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and
contributing to rising global temperatures.
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greenhouse gas inventory: an audit of activities causing greenhouse gas emissions, such as
electricity use, transportation and waste generation. The inventory provides baseline data for local
governmental operations and community scale activities to help target projects and programs to
reduce emissions.
greenhouse gas reduction target: a specific quantified emissions reduction goal, usually a percentage
by which greenhouse gases will be reduced from base year levels by a chosen target year.
greenhouse gas “sink”: the physical site where carbon is stored, e.g., atmosphere, oceans, vegetation
and soils and fossil fuel deposits.
Health in All Policies (HiAP): A transformative, collaborative approach to improving a community
by incorporating health, sustainability, and equity considerations into decision-making across
government agencies and policy areas.
Health in Planning: How the built environment, like zoning policies, comprehensive plans, bicycle/
pedestrian accommodations, and parks, can improve community health and provide increased
opportunities for health.
hybrid vehicle: a vehicle using two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term
most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion
engine and one or more electric motors.
hydration station: an indoor or outdoor site provided with drinking fountains, water coolers or other
means to obtain drinking water.
hydropower/hydraulic power or water power: power derived from the force or energy of moving
water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Prior to development of electric power,
hydropower was used for irrigation and operation of various machines, such as watermills, textile
machines, sawmills, dock cranes, and domestic lifts.
Inclusionary zoning: A type of incentive zoning that requires developers to reserve a portion of
housing units for low and moderate income residents, often with restrictions on resales that specify
purchase by low or moderate income households. Inclusionary zoning programs may be based on
mandatory requirements or development incentives, such as density bonuses, expedited permits and
approvals, relaxed design standards, or fee waivers or reductions. (http://whatworksforhealth.wisc.
edu/program.php?t1=109&t2=126&t3=86&id=341)
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International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI): an association of over 1220
local government members who are committed to sustainable development. It provides technical
consulting, training and information services to build capacity, share knowledge and support local
government in the implementation of sustainable development at the local level.
impervious surface: mainly artificial structures--such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways
and parking lots) covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, and stone--and
rooftops. Soils compacted by urban development are also highly impervious.
Industrial Ecology (IE): the study of material and energy flows through industrial systems. The
global industrial economy can be modeled as a network of industrial processes that extract resources
from the earth and transform those resources into commodities which can be bought and sold to
meet the needs of humanity. Industrial ecology seeks to quantify the material flows and document
the industrial processes that make modern society function. Industrial ecologists are often concerned
with the impacts that industrial activities have on the environment, with use of the planet’s supply
of natural resources, and with problems of waste disposal. Industrial ecology is a young but growing
multidisciplinary field of research which combines aspects of engineering, economics, sociology,
toxicology and the natural sciences.
infill: use of land within a built-up area for further construction, especially as part of a community
redevelopment or growth management program or as part of smart growth. It focuses on the reuse
and repositioning of obsolete or underutilized buildings and sites.
invasive species: non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction
causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive
species can be plants, animals, and other organisms, e.g., microbes. Human actions are the primary
means of invasive species introductions.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO): promotes the development and
implementation of voluntary international standards, both for particular products and for
environmental management issues.
ISO 14000/14001: a series of voluntary standards in the environmental field under development by
ISO. Included in the ISO 14000 series are the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard and
other standards in fields such as environmental auditing, environmental performance evaluation,
environmental labeling, and life-cycle assessment. The EMS and auditing standards are now final.
The others are in various stages of development.
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land banking: the practice of acquiring land and holding it for future use.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): a rating system developed by the United
States Green Building Council (USGBC) that sets definitive standards for what constitutes a green
or environmentally preferable building. The certification system is self-assessing and designed for
rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings. It evaluates
environmental performance of the entire building over the building’s life cycle. LEED certifications
are awarded at various levels (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) according to a point-based scoring
system.
light-emitting diode (LED): a semiconductor light source. LED bulbs draw considerably less power
and are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent and halogen bulbs. They can last 10 or more years
under normal usage.
Life-Cycle Design: a framework recognizing each step in product development from extraction
of raw materials through final disposal of all residuals. It focuses on discovering and reducing
environmental impacts.
Life-Cycle Cost (LCC) or Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA, also known as life cycle analysis,
ecobalance, and cradle-to-grave analysis): a technique to assess environmental impacts associated
with all the stages of a product’s life from-cradle-to-grave , i.e., from raw material extraction through
materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or
recycling.
McKinstry Study: a study commissioned by the City of Oshkosh to audit municipal buildings and
create a plan for energy savings.
mixed-use development: development which incorporates both residential and commercial uses.
nanomaterials: materials which have structured components smaller than one tenth of a micrometer
in at least one dimension. Materials with one dimension in the nanoscale are layers, such as a thin
films or surface coatings. Some of the features on computer chips are in this category.
native vegetation: plant species native to the northeastern Wisconsin bioregion, usually suited to
their habitat and including all forms of vegetation, e.g., trees, bushes, grasses, forbs, etc.
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Natural Step, The: a framework founded in Sweden, now worldwide, promoting sustainable
communities through four principles: reduction of fossil fuel, reduction of chemicals, protection of
natural eco-systems, and social justice. Wisconsin has 28 Natural Step or “eco” communities.
organic: of, relating to, or derived from living organisms. Organic foods are those produced using
methods not involving modern synthetics such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers, not containing
genetically modified organisms, and not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical
food additives.
Pay-As-You-Throw policy: substituting variable rate pricing for flat rates, meant to provide an
incentive to households to divert an increased portion of its discards away from traditional disposal
to recycling.
payback: the period of time elapsed before an investment is recouped
Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change: A way of modifying the environment to make
healthy choices practical and available to all community members. By changing laws and shaping
physical landscapes, a big impact can be made with little time and resources. By changing policies,
systems and/or environments, communities can help tackle health issues like obesity, diabetes,
cancer and other chronic diseases. (http://plan4health.us/policy-systems-and-environmental-change-
strategies/)
Polycyclic Aromic Hydrocarbon (PAHs): a group of organic contaminants formed from incomplete
combustion of hydrocarbons, such as coal and gasoline. PAHs are an environmental concern because
they are toxic to aquatic life and because several are suspected human carcinogens. They are present
in coal tar sealants often sprayed or painted on asphalt pavement to protect and beautify driveways,
parking lots and other asphalt surfaces.
potable water: water suitable for drinking
programmable thermostat: a thermostat designed to adjust the temperature according to a series of
programmed settings taking effect at different times of the day. Programmable thermostats may also
be called setback thermostats or clock thermostats.
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Purchase of Development Rights (PDR): a strategy for protecting natural and farmland from
development. Development rights are one of the many rights, such as mineral rights or timber rights
that come with a parcel of land. When a landowner sells development rights, the right to develop or
subdivide a parcel of land is permanently relinquished. The landowner retains all other rights, such
as the right to farm or timber the property, and must continue to pay property taxes. Landowners
often sell or make a charitable donation of development rights to land trusts, or local and state
government agencies.
radon: a colorless, odorless, short-lived radioactive gas that can seep into homes and become a lung
cancer risk.
rain barrel: a barrel used as a cistern to hold rainwater, often a component of a community’s
stormwater reduction strategy.
rain garden: a shallow (2”-18”) depression, typically planted with colorful native plants, strategically
located to collect, infiltrate and filter rain falling on hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, alleys, or
streets to minimize negative impacts of excessive runoff from these surfaces on lakes and streams.
Regional Transit Authority (RTA): a legislatively created organization with the sole purpose of
operating a transit system within a given jurisdiction, usually with the ability to tax and bond for
operating and capital expenditures.
RENEW Wisconsin: a nonprofit organization promoting clean energy strategies for powering the
State of Wisconsin economy in an environmentally responsible manner.
renewable energy: any naturally occurring, theoretically inexhaustible source of energy, e.g.,
biomass, solar, wind, tidal, wave, and hydroelectric power, not derived from fossil or nuclear fuel.
roundabout: a circular road structure where several roads meet, often replacing stop and go lights.
Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS): a program enabling community leaders, schools and parents across
the United States to improve safety and encourage more children, including children with disabilities,
to safely walk and bicycle to school. In the process, programs are working to reduce traffic congestion
and improve health and the environment, making communities more livable for everyone.
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seasonal load control: a program in which utility companies offer a lower rate in return for having
permission to turn off gas or electricity for short periods of time by remote control. This control
allows the utility to reduce peak demand.
single stream recycling: a system in which all paper fibers and containers are mixed together in a
collection truck, instead of being sorted into separate commodities (newspaper, cardboard, plastic,
glass, etc.) by the resident and handled separately throughout the collection process. In single stream,
both the collection and processing systems are designed to handle this fully commingled mixture of
recyclables, with materials being separated for reuse at a materials recovery facility.
smart growth: community growth consciously seeking to avoid wastefulness and damage to the
environment.
Social connectedness: strength of relationships with others in the community
solar energy: radiant light and heat from the sun harnessed by humans using a range of ever-
evolving technologies.
stratospheric ozone layer: atmospheric ozone relatively concentrated in the lower stratosphere in
a layer between 9 and 18 miles above the Earth’s surface. It plays a critical role for the biosphere by
absorbing damaging ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths 320 nanometers and lower. Also known
as ozone layer.
subsurface drainage chamber: the use of underground pipes and other fittings to direct the flow of
water from unwanted places to another place.
sustainable: can mean slightly different things depending on the context in which it is used. In this
document it means “use of a resource so the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.”
Sustainability is defined as “meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs.”(1987 U.N. Conference)
Tax Incremental Financing District (TIF): an economic development tool for Wisconsin, allowing
a municipality to promote growth in a specific district by borrowing on the district’s future growth
in taxable property value. In Wisconsin, TIFs may be created for three types of projects: blight or
environmental remediation, industrial development, and mixed-use development. Tax revenue from
improvements in the district pay back debt until all project costs are repaid.
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telecommuting: a work arrangement in which employees enjoy flexibility in working location and
hours. The daily commute to a central work place is replaced by telecommunication links. Many
work from home, while others utilize mobile telecommunications technology to work from coffee
shops or other locations.
total maximum daily load (TMDL): a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant a water
body can receive and still safely meet water quality standards.
tot lots: small parks or playgrounds usually located in an urban area.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR): a tool used to manage land development. TDR is the
exchange of zoning privileges from areas with low population needs, such as farmland, to areas of
high population needs, such as downtown areas. These transfers allow for the preservation of open
spaces and historic landmarks, while allowing urban areas to expand and increase in density.
Travel Green Wisconsin: a Wisconsin Department of Tourism program promoting smart,
environmentally friendly business practices. The program is the first state-sponsored sustainable
tourism certification program in the nation and has become a model for sustainable travel efforts
across the nation.
Tree City USA: a program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the
USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, providing direction, technical
assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs in
thousands of towns and cities that more than 135 million Americans call home.
Triple Bottom Line: a method of “true cost accounting,” which considers the impact of production
and operating decisions in terms of ecological and social value, as well as economic value.
U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement: participating cities commit to take the
following three actions to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities; urge
their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat
the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol --
7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse
gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system.
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urban growth boundary (UGB) or urban service area: a regional boundary, set in an attempt to
control urban sprawl by mandating the area inside the boundary be used for higher density urban
development and the area outside be used for lower density development. An urban growth
boundary circumscribes an entire urbanized area and is used by local governments as a guide to
zoning and land use decisions.
Vision Oshkosh 2010: an A. Nelessen Associates report which identified and analyzed emerging
trends and community issues, articulated core community values, developed a community vision
based on communities’ core values, established a vision action plan to implement the vision, and
defined a method to revisit and update the vision and action plan
WasteCap Wisconsin: a nonprofit, industry-supported 501(c) (3) organization providing waste
reduction and recycling assistance to businesses. WasteCap assists and encourages companies to
effectively drive costs out of their operations through improved solid waste management practices.
Services are made possible through membership, sponsorship, and grants.
watershed: an area of land where all water beneath it or draining off it has a shared destination of
river, lake or stream.
Well City USA: an initiative designed to engage entire business communities in improving the health
and well-being of their workforce. Similar in approach to Well Workplace, the primary requirement
for achieving a Well City USA designation is when a minimum of 20 employers who collectively
employ at least 20% of the city’s workforce become designated Well Workplaces within a three-year
period. Each employer must complete WELCOA’s Well Workplace Award application documenting
their progress in developing and delivering their worksite wellness initiatives.
Well Workplace: a seven-step, benchmarking initiative by the Wellness Council of America
(WELCOA) which gives organizations a roadmap to successfully build results-oriented wellness
programs into their working environments while avoiding common pitfalls.
wind energy: the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy. Examples are using
wind turbines for electricity, wind mills for mechanical power, wind pumps for pumping water or
drainage, or sails to propel ships.
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Wisconsin Energy Independent Community: a voluntary agreement between the State of Wisconsin
and communities adopting the State’s 25x25 goals (a rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for
America – to get 25 percent of our energy from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by
the year 2025).
zero waste: reuse or recycling of all natural and man made materials back into nature or the
marketplace rather than landfilling or similar disposal options for these materials.
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