A Sustainability Plan 2025

Abstract

Graduate urban planning students partnered with the Village of Elm Grove Sustainability Committee to create a long-range sustainability plan tailored to the community's values, priorities, and environmental goals. Through public surveys, focus groups, case study research, and analysis of Village policies and programs, students developed recommendations focused on energy efficiency, stormwater management, waste reduction, green infrastructure, sustainable development, and community education. The project organized strategies into short-, medium-, and long-term actions to help Elm Grove build on its strong community support for sustainability while protecting natural resources, improving quality of life, and creating a framework for future environmental leadership. This project was recognized with a planning excellence award from the American Planning Association Wisconsin Chapter.