Reflecting on how far we've come
By Allison Carlson, Executive Director
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with our Executive Committee about WLGCC’s beginnings and the progress that has been made since then. It’s no small feat to start an organization from scratch, especially one that serves different types of communities across the state with varying needs. Please enjoy the discussion below.
Allison: I’m curious, what has most surprised you about launching the Coalition?
Erick Shambarger (Board President, City of Milwaukee): I was most surprised about how easily the Coalition came together and grew its membership. Local governments have been leading on climate action and have a distinct voice in sharing our perspective with State policy makers and agencies. So it was a happy surprise when so many communities, large and small, joined the Coalition in our first year.
Kathy Kuntz (Board Treasurer, Dane County): I’ve been surprised by how much common ground our local governments have. We all have a tendency to think our issues are unique but in lots of cases other local governments – rural and urban counties, big and small municipalities – are coping with similar challenges. Every time a new issue resonates across the WLGCC members I feel a jolt of surprise (which is often followed by a sense of satisfaction that we’re collaborating).
Lewis Kuhlman (Board Secretary, City of La Crosse): Similar to Kathy, what most surprised me since starting this Coalition is the commonalities that communities share in terms of what struggles we’re seeing and what initiatives we’re excited about. It’s been great to get perspectives that I hadn’t thought of, and hearing sustainability professionals from different backgrounds sharing their concerns about land use planning—one of my areas of focus—has been really affirming. Despite the different sized communities, every member has something to contribute
Allison: Your comments all resonate with me as well - oftentimes we have so much more in common with each other than we think we do. Next question - what about the Coalition makes you the most proud?
Erick: I’m proud that WLGCC doesn’t just deal in platitudes. We are able to build consensus among our members and articulate clear recommendations on policy and practices to state agencies and commissions.
Kathy: I’m most proud of the local governments outside of the big population centers in Wisconsin that have joined this Coalition. It’s pretty easy for Dane County or Milwaukee to sign onto a Climate Coalition, but I know that can be more complicated in more purple or even red areas of Wisconsin. I’m proud of the numerous local government officials who have recognized that the climate crisis is impacting their communities and that working on solutions is in the best interest of their constituents. Their participation makes our Coalition stronger and participating gives those leaders a voice in discussions they probably wouldn’t be able to participate in otherwise.
Lewis: I am most proud of the Coalition getting an Energy Innovation Grant to help communities throughout Wisconsin undertake greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. While some member communities already have done GHG inventories, it’s been great to work together to lift up others. It’s especially rewarding that we didn’t give up on this opportunity. The Coalition had applied in the previous round of funding, learned from our mistakes, and put together a stronger application to win funding.
Allison: Lots to be proud of! Switching gears a little, what excites you the most about the future of the Coalition?
Erick: By working together, the Coalition is helping Wisconsin once again become a leader on clean energy and climate policy. Through collaboration, we are more effectively deploying federal resources on climate and removing barriers to action.
Kathy: I’m excited about the issues ahead of us. We’re part of a statewide discussion about the future of net metering for solar arrays, for example. And we’re working with utilities on data transparency, so that everyone understands the status of our transition to clean energy. We’re also part of a group working on our out-of-date building codes. Each of these issues affects whether or not a local government can achieve ambitious climate goals and in every case we’re stronger addressing these issues together. So I’m excited to be in those conversations and for all the ways our communities can accelerate climate action in Wisconsin.
Lewis: What most excites me about the future is that the WLGCC is being relied on as a trusted resource by higher level agencies and organizations. As an individual community, it’s difficult to see your impact in the State, but together we’re able to make noticeable differences.
Allison: Very well said, everyone. Thank you for your time today and for all of the work you’ve done to advance our collective efforts!