Forum examines Wisconsin’s smart growth law

A group of 12 students at UW–Madison is looking at Wisconsin’s smart growth law, which requires every local government in the state to adopt a community plan by 2010.

The students have explored some of the questions raised by the controversial law, including whether the requirements for smart growth place undue burdens on local governments, whether Madison-based environmentalists are seeking to control the rural natural resources of the state, and whether the law will really control growth and development in Wisconsin.

The students, all seniors in an environmental studies seminar, will present their findings at a free public forum titled “How Smart is Wisconsin’s Smart Growth Law?” from 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. Check Today in the Union for room location.

Since September, the students have studied and compared the patterns and factors of opposition to the law and its requirements, local governments’ positive and negative experiences with implementing the law, and how communities have reached out to educate citizens about their options and opportunities under the law.

The group’s professor, Harvey M. Jacobs, hopes the effort will yield valuable lessons for the future of environmental management in Wisconsin. He expects the forum to trigger many questions and a lively discussion.

For more information, contact Jacobs at (608) 262-0552 or hmjacobs@wisc.edu.