The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
There’s a reason so many people are choosing to call Dane County home.
We have a strong economy, excellent schools, world-class educational institutions, beautiful natural spaces, and communities where people want to put down roots and raise their families. We have innovative businesses creating new opportunities, a thriving agricultural community, and a quality of life that makes Dane County one of the best places to live in Wisconsin.
And people are taking notice.
New population estimates from the Wisconsin Department of Administration show that Dane County continues to lead Wisconsin in population growth. As of January 1, 2026, our population reached 621,365 residents, an increase of nearly 60,000 people since the 2020 Census.
That represents a 10.7% increase since 2020. Even more remarkable, Dane County accounted for approximately 35% of all population growth in Wisconsin during that period.
We are growing faster than any other county in the state, both in the number of new residents and the percentage increase in population. And our region’s appeal is even receiving international recognition, with National Geographic recently naming Madison one of the 25 best places in the world to visit in 2027.
These numbers tell an important story about the strength of our community and the opportunities that exist here. They also reinforce the responsibility we have as local leaders to plan thoughtfully for the future.
When families choose to move to Dane County, they are making an investment in their future. They are looking for a community where they can build a good life. We owe it to them, and to the people who have called Dane County home for generations, to make sure those opportunities continue to grow alongside our population.
One of our most pressing challenges is housing.
As more people move to Dane County, demand for housing continues to increase. We need more housing options that meet the needs of people at every stage of life, from young professionals and growing families to seniors who want to remain in the communities they love.
That is why my proposed 2027 Dane County Budget includes a continued investment in our Affordable Housing Development Fund. This will help support the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout our county.
Housing affordability has a direct impact on our workforce, our businesses, and the economic vitality of our communities. Teachers, nurses, first responders, service workers, and young families should be able to afford to live in the communities they serve.
As our population grows, we must also continue investing in the infrastructure that supports our daily lives. That includes maintaining our roads and bridges, improving transportation connections, and ensuring our public services can meet the needs of a growing population.
Our Dane County Regional Airport is a great example of the opportunities that come with growth. The airport continues to experience record passenger numbers and expanding air service, connecting our residents and businesses to destinations across the country. Continued improvements to the airport will help support our growing economy for years to come.
We are also moving forward with plans to redevelop the Alliant Energy Center campus, an important economic asset that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and creates opportunities throughout our region.
These investments are essential to ensuring Dane County remains a place where businesses can grow, workers can succeed, and communities can thrive.
Of course, one of the things that makes Dane County so special is our natural environment. Our lakes, parks, trails, farmland, and open spaces are central to our identity and quality of life. As we welcome more residents, protecting these resources becomes even more important.
That’s why Dane County continues to prioritize land conservation, farmland preservation, and water quality improvements. My proposed 2027 budget includes another strong investment in our Conservation Fund, building on efforts to protect valuable natural spaces and preserve the character of our communities.
We have an opportunity to be thoughtful about how and where we grow, working closely with our cities, villages, and towns to support development that meets community needs while protecting the resources we all value.
And that collaboration will be increasingly important in the years ahead.
Regional planning estimates suggest Dane County could approach 900,000 residents by 2050. That is a remarkable amount of growth, and the decisions we make today will shape what our county looks like for the next generation.
I am proud of the progress Dane County has made, I am confident we are well-positioned to meet the challenges before us, and I am optimistic about what comes next.
As County Executive, I want to build on that success and make sure our growing population translates into greater opportunity and a strong quality of life for everyone. The next chapter of Dane County’s story is already being written. By planning thoughtfully, investing wisely, and working together, we can make sure it is one that future generations will be proud of.
Melissa Agard is Dane County executive.
