MADISON — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today officially released “Dane County in Action: A Strategic Vision Delivering Results the Dane County Way,” a new strategic plan that will guide the priorities and direction of Dane County government in the years ahead.

County Executive Agard first unveiled the strategic plan during her first-ever State of the County Address last week at the Alliant Energy Center, where she highlighted the administration’s focus on long-term planning, collaboration, accountability, and delivering results for residents across Dane County.

The full strategic plan is available HERE.

“This strategic plan reflects both where Dane County is today and where we want to go moving forward,” said County Executive Agard. “Dane County is at a pivotal moment. We are growing rapidly, facing real challenges, and being called on to meet this moment with urgency, compassion, and vision.”

The plan is built around four strategic pillars that will guide the administration moving forward:

  • Community Services Delivery
  • Economic Development
  • Justice System Improvement
  • Environmental Leadership

“Together, these pillars reflect our commitment to collaboration, compassion, and planning ahead for the next generation,” Agard said during last week’s address.

Agard emphasized that the strategic plan is intended to serve as more than a vision document, describing it as a roadmap for action across county government.

“A plan only matters if it leads to action,” Agard said. “That is why we are building implementation teams across departments to break down silos, improve coordination, and make sure county government is moving in the same direction.”

The plan also includes a focus on measurable outcomes and accountability across county operations.

“Too often in government, good work can happen in separate lanes,” Agard said. “This strategic plan is about bringing people together around shared goals, shared accountability, and measurable results.”

During the State of the County Address, Agard highlighted accomplishments and initiatives tied to each pillar, including environmental conservation and clean energy investments, justice reform efforts like Community Court and the ATTA program, major economic development initiatives at the Alliant Energy Center and Dane County Regional Airport, and expanded investments in behavioral health, affordable housing, and community services.

“This is about building a county government that plans ahead, adapts, and continues moving Dane County forward together,” Agard said. “That is the Dane County way.”

The strategic plan will help guide county operations, budgeting, collaboration between departments, and future policy initiatives moving forward.