February 2025

City of Sun Prairie Achieves 100% Renewable Electricity

In early 2025, Sun Prairie became the first municipality in Wisconsin to achieve 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations, meeting the goal set in 2022. This means that all city buildings, including City Hall, the Sun Prairie Public Library, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Westside Community Building, along with municipal infrastructure such as EV charging stations, traffic lights, and well pumps, are now powered entirely by clean energy.

The City powers municipal operations with a mix of in-house solar energy and renewable energy blocks from WPPI Energy (Wisconsin Public Power Inc.). Since 2018, Sun Prairie has installed three solar photovoltaic (PV) systems totaling 591 kilowatts (kW), generating over 750 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually. By 2026, an additional 571 kW will bring the city’s total solar capacity to over 1.1 megawatts (MW). To further reduce energy use, the city has upgraded streetlights to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), improved building lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and implemented weatherization measures. Any remaining grid electricity is offset through renewable energy blocks sourced from 46% solar, 45% wind, and 9% biogas.

This shift has cut 5,358 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, advancing Sun Prairie’s sustainability efforts. Next, the City is developing its first Climate Action Plan, which will set 2030 and 2050 emission reduction targets to further its clean energy commitment.

For additional details about Sun Prairie's sustainability efforts, please go to https://cityofsunprairie.com/1189/Sustainable-Sun-Prairie

Interview: Dr. Rose Daily | Sustainability & Resilience Manager

Update on Transit Ridership and Trends

On June 11, 2023, Madison Metro Transit expanded service to Sun Prairie as part of the Transit Network Redesign, a process shaped by community input.

The planning began in late 2021 when city staff gathered public feedback on interest and potential use of local bus service. Based on this input, Madison Metro Transit developed a proposed route connecting Sun Prairie to the Bus Rapid Transit system at the Reiner Road Park-and-Ride. The route was designed to serve major destinations, high-density areas, and existing Shared-Ride Taxi users while ensuring accessibility for buses. Throughout 2022, city staff refined the plan through surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews before City Council approved the final route in the fall.The new Metro service includes three routes tailored to different travel needs, along with Metro paratransit for individuals with physical limitations.

Establishing ridership takes time, typically 2-3 years, with factors such as community awareness, business hubs, and infrastructure influencing usage. Ridership data for Sun Prairie’s local routes and paratransit services is being tracked, with estimates available from August 2024 onward. To review this data, please go to https://cityofsunprairie.com/2001/Community-Impact-Ridership

Interview: David Salmon | Transportation Coordinator

Affordable Housing Fund Policy

The Sun Prairie Affordable Housing Fund Policy, adopted on February 18, 2025, establishes a framework for investing in affordable housing initiatives. The fund aims to support new housing development, rehabilitate existing units, and promote housing stability for residents. "Affordable housing" is defined as costing no more than 30% of a household’s gross monthly income, including utilities.

The policy outlines five key objectives:

increasing affordable homeownership
developing rental units
improving rental housing quality
expanding housing support services
addressing housing inequities

Programs under the fund include grants for housing support services, loans for new affordable owner-occupied and rental housing, home rehabilitation loans, and down payment assistance. Funding is allocated through partnerships with developers, nonprofit organizations, and housing service providers.

The Sun Prairie Housing Committee oversees program administration, evaluates funding requests, and provides annual reports to the Common Council. The city also plans to leverage regional and federal programs to maximize funding impact. Long-term affordability and sustainability remain central goals, with income eligibility based on federal Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds.

Interview: Becky Binz | Housing & Equitable Development Planner

Adoption of the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP)

The City of Sun Prairie has officially adopted the 2025-2029 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), a five-year strategy for enhancing parks, trails, and recreational opportunities. Approved by the City Council on February 18, the plan was shaped by community input and will guide future investments in park improvements, new amenities, and expanded outdoor spaces.

The CORP outlines eight key goals focused on maintaining high-quality parks, improving trail connectivity, enhancing accessibility, preserving natural resources, and fostering community partnerships. It also includes recommendations for parkland acquisitions, upgraded amenities, and targeted improvements across the city. From playground updates to trail extensions and new recreational opportunities, the plan provides a clear vision for the future of Sun Prairie’s outdoor spaces.

To explore the full plan, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/2025-2029CORP.

Interview: Kristin Grissom | Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry

Upcoming Earth Month Highlights

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce all the ways community members can celebrate Earth Month with activities beginning as early as March and ending in April. While Earth Day is observed annually on April 22, Sun Prairie extends the celebration to inspire action all month long. This year’s theme, "Individual Actions Make a Community of Change," focuses on how everyday choices contribute to a more sustainable future.

Featured events include the Wetmore Park Mural Painting, where participants will help create a sustainability-themed mural guided by artists from Developing Artists, Murals & Alliances (DAMA); the 2nd Annual Sustainable Film Series, offering free environmental film screenings followed by expert-led discussions; and the Neighborhood Knowledge Series, a three-part program covering residential solar, electric vehicles, and home energy efficiency with interactive discussions and expert insights.

All events are free and open to the public. For full event details, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/EarthMonth.

Interview: Dr. Rose Daily | Sustainability & Resilience Manager

Administration: February is recognized as Black History Month. On Tuesday, February 4, Mayor Esser will be presenting local Black and African American leaders with a proclamation.

Community Development: Snack your way through Downtown Sun Prairie! The Second Annual Chocolate & Cheese Walk is back, celebrating two of our favorite indulgences—sweet and savory treats from local businesses.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: Jimmy the Groundhog made his prediction and has announced that we will have early spring!

Public Safety: The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the expansion of services from the Madison Fire Department’s Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) Program to the community, beginning Monday, February 3.

Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum: Looking for a unique way to enjoy the Valentine’s season? Dive into the lives of yesteryear’s Sun Prairie residents through their letters to loved ones at this special event!

Sun Prairie Public Library: Storytimes resume the week of February 3rd. More information is available here.

Sun Prairie Utilities: Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) has partnered with Energy Services Inc. (ESI) to provide four energy assistance events around the City of Sun Prairie. The events provide opportunities for residents to set up an appointment for help in filling out an ESI application for energy (heat and power) assistance. Check out details in our section!

Administration

Black History Month

February is officially designated as Black History Month, a time to reflect on the historical injustices inflicted upon Black and African Americans, while also celebrating their significant political, economic, and cultural contributions. This month provides an opportunity to honor the impact Black and African Americans have made throughout history and continue to make in shaping our communities.

In Sun Prairie, Black and African Americans are an integral part of the community, contributing to local, state, and national progress. To recognize this, Mayor Paul Esser will present a proclamation to local Black and African American leaders on Tuesday, February 4, during the Common Council meeting. This proclamation will officially recognize February as Black History Month in Sun Prairie.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on the second floor in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 300 East Main Street. The community is invited to attend in person or virtually.

Watch Virtually

You can watch the meeting in several ways:

Television: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, channel 983 on Charter, or channels 983 and 1983 on TDS.
Online: Stream at sunprairiemediacenter.com or on the Sun Prairie Media Center app.
Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83921782345

Sustainable Technology Series

As part of the City of Sun Prairie's annual Earth Month programming in April 2025, Sun Prairie plans to showcase the adoption of sustainable technologies within our community during the "Neighborhood Knowledge" presentation series. We want to hear from community members who have adopted sustainable technologies in their homes, such as solar panels, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and more.

We are interested in learning about your experiences with these technologies, including any challenges you faced and the benefits you've gained. Additionally, we want to understand if you’ve taken advantage of available tax credits and rebates at the local, state, and federal levels. Your responses will help us highlight the positive impacts of these technologies and inspire others in our community to embrace sustainability. Thank you for sharing your insights!

Complete the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/243364911534052

Community Development

Chocolate & Cheese Walk – Downtown Sun Prairie

Snack your way through Downtown Sun Prairie! The Second Annual Chocolate & Cheese Walk is back, celebrating two of our favorite indulgences—sweet and savory treats from local businesses.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Check-In Location: Sun Prairie Historical Museum (115 E. Main Street)
Attendees will receive a chocolate box to store their treats and an event map to guide their stroll.

Tickets

Standard Ticket: $20 (plus processing fees)
Family Pack (4 tickets): $70 (plus processing fees)
Purchase Tickets: chocolatecheesewalk2025.eventbrite.com
Online sales close: Saturday, February 22, at 9 AM

Proud Sponsors

This event is made possible by:

- Bank of Sun Prairie

- Beans n Cream Coffeehouse

- Forever Yours Jewelry

- Glass Nickel Pizza Co. - Sun Prairie

- Burn Boot Camp - Sun Prairie

- Specific Health Massage

- Syverson Automotive LLC

- Sun Prairie Utilities

Join the Fun!

Bring your family, friends, or come solo to experience a delicious adventure through Downtown Sun Prairie. Tickets are limited, so get yours before they’re gone!

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Jimmy Predicts Early Spring!

Sun Prairie’s beloved weather prognosticator, Jimmy the Groundhog, has spoken—an early spring is on the way! This morning, a lively crowd gathered in Downtown Sun Prairie to witness the annual tradition, and Jimmy did not see his shadow, signaling warmer days ahead.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate! The crowd's enthusiasm and community spirit make this tradition special year after year. A special thanks to all the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors who helped make this event a success!

See you next year for another prediction from Jimmy!

Public Safety

CARES Program Expands Service to Sun Prairie

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the expansion of services from the Madison Fire Department’s Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) Program to the community, beginning Monday, February 3. This expansion is made possible through an agreement between the City of Sun Prairie, the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government and Dane County.

Background

CARES Team

The CARES teams consist of a Madison Fire Department community paramedic and a Journey Mental Health crisis worker, both trained to respond to non-violent behavioral health emergencies that do not require law enforcement. Services are available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The expansion of services to Sun Prairie comes at a critical time as data highlights a significant need within the community.

Sun Prairie

In the first quarter of 2024, Sun Prairie Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to 42 incidents involving individuals with mental health concerns who could have benefitted from CARES, while the Police Department responded to 32 similar incidents. Based on calls-for-service data from 2021 to 2023, the City projects an annual demand of 123 CARES-related calls.

For more information about the CARES program, please visit https://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/emergency-medical-services/community-alternative-response-emergency-services-cares?fbclid=IwY2xjawIMhG5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZubxBZdrJw6F6JrLNT7MMfWwWrObVujwlJyaDDc1MOyMAgExTqqN8q2Mw_aem_nYyhegWI92wD-6sUZC97fQ

Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum

The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events through the winter months. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum. 

Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.

The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.

Announcements:

Love on the Prairie Historical Letter Readings

Looking for a unique way to enjoy the Valentine’s season? Dive into the lives of yesteryear’s Sun Prairie residents through their letters to loved ones at this special event!

The Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum is partnering with the Sun Prairie East and West High School Forensic Speech Teams to bring you an evening of letters brought to life on Friday, February 7^th. Museum doors open at 5:30pm for light refreshments and readings will begin at 6:00pm. This event is free to the public and recommended for ages 12 and older.

Sun Prairie Public Library

Youth Services

Storytimes resume the week of February 3^rd. More information is available here: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/storytimeinfo

I Love My Library: Reading Challenge & Fundraiser

January 29^th- March 1^st

Log your reading online and share with family & friends to earn virtual reading badges, virtual donation badges, and physical prizes. Help our library meet our goal of 50,000 minutes and $2,000. Our community will track their reading digitally on Beanstack and share their progress with family & friends. Your donation supports enhancements to our library, plus you'll inspire our community to read more. You can make a difference — every dollar raised and minute spent reading counts. Earn virtual badges and real prizes along the way!

Family Fun: Shadows & Hearts

Thursday, February 6 from 2-3:30pm, Community Room

Geared for those in K-5, but all ages are welcome! We'll have crafts and other fun activities all about shadows and hearts! No registration. Drop in anytime between 2:00 to 3:30 PM

Grow with Chess

Monday, February 10 from 5-6pm, Storytime Room

Growth Chess is back for some chess! Each month Growth Chess center coaches will break down games for players between absolute beginners to competitive players.

After the lecture there will be time to play other players in the community. Information will also be available about upcoming different classes, camps, and tournaments offered at the new Growth Chess Center right down the road from the library.

Teen Creativity Club

Tuesday, February 11 from 4-6pm, Storytime Room

Join Melissa for Creativity Club. Projects we'll be doing: Paint Night, air-dry clay, knitting and crocheting, shrinky dinks, beading, mystery bag crafts, and more. Registration is recommended and available here. When you register, you'll automatically be signed up for all sessions. It is okay if you are not able to come to all sessions. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade.

Teen Writers and Readers

Sunday, February 16 from 2-4pm, Storytime Room

Creative writers, poets, songwriters, and new writers welcome! We work together to make our writing even better. Give input and receive tips on your own work. We also talk about books and writers who inspire us!For teens in 6th -12th grade.

LEGO® Club

Thursday, February 20 from 2-3:30pm, Community Room

Build with the library’s LEGO® collection! Bring your creativity, but leave your LEGO®s at home! For school-age children only (Kindergarten - 5th grade). Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. We'll take photos of their creations and post it to our Facebook Page. Registration is required and is available here.

Adult Services

Local Author Series: Mary Behan

Monday, February 3 from 6-7:30pm, Community Room

Come and meet local author Mary Behan! Behan will discuss her latest novel, Finding Isobel, which is a story of Isobel Babic, an intrepid adoptee in search of her real parents. Behan is also the author of Abbey Girls (2015), A Measured Thread (2020), and Kernels (2021). Book sales and signing will follow the event. Registration is not required, but please register here if you would like an email reminder prior to the event.

Ren's Silly Little Craft Series: Self-Love Zines

Wednesday, February 5 or Wednesday, February 12 from 6:30-8pm, Community Room

Celebrate yourself by writing a love note to carry with you. Learn how to make your own one-page zine as a part of Ren's Silly Little Craft Series! All supplies will be provided.

Open to adults 18+. Space is limited. Registration required. Register on our events calendar at www.sunlib.org. Please only register for February 5 OR February 12.

Medicare 101

Tuesday, February 11 from 6-7pm, Conference Room

Confused about Medicare? Retirement specialist Jake Zimmermann can help! In this free, educational program, Mr. Zimmermann will discuss the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C and D) and how people can pay for health care after retirement. To reserve a spot for this program, please register here, or call 608-999-1000 to RSVP by phone.

Galentine's Day Trivia Night

Thursday, February 13 from 6-8pm, Community Room. (Doors open at 5:30pm).

Gather your friends, show off your pop culture smarts, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and snacks! Celebrate Galentine's Day with pub-style trivia! Compete in teams of 2-6 people. A prize will be awarded to the winning team. Doors will open at 5:30 PM, and trivia will start promptly at 6:00 PM.

This program is open to gals and those you appreciate gals (18+). Space is limited. To register, please use the form here. Please include your team name and the number of people on your team when registering. Only one person per team needs to register.

Sun Prairie Utilities

Energy Assistance Events

Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) has partnered with Energy Services Inc. (ESI) to provide four energy assistance events around the City of Sun Prairie. The events provide opportunities for residents to set up an appointment for help in filling out an ESI application for energy (heat and power) assistance.

What you need to bring

Applicants must provide the following information and copies of documents during the meeting:

Names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household.
If renting, please bring a copy of your lease.
Heat and electric account numbers and vendor names.
Proof of all household gross income for the month prior to the appointment (January income for the February dates and February income for the March dates).
- Examples include check stubs for wages, unless employed seasonally, then ESI needs a W2. Benefit letter or bank statement for Social Security. 1099's for things like annuity, IRA, pension. 2023 or 24 taxes if done for self-employment or rental income.

Schedules for the events

Locations and dates for application assistance include:

Thursday, February 6, 2025
- Appointments between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Sun Prairie Utilities, 125 W. Main St.
Thursday, February 20, 2025
- Appointments between 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
- Appointments between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
- Westside Community Services Building, 2598 W. Main St.

Contact Information

Please call ESI at (800) 506 - 5596 at least 24 hours before the event of your choice to set up an appointment or ask questions. Provide the date, location, and time you are available.

ESI estimates average one-on-one appointments take fifteen to twenty minutes, and staff will be available at the events until appointments are finished.

Don't wait until the winter moratorium ends to get help. Fill out an application soon!

Random Acts of Kindness Donation Drive

Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) is hosting it’s annual donation drive in honor of Random Acts on Kindness Day on Feb. 17! All donations collected this year will help families/individuals who need household supplies. SPU staff will give your donations to Sunshine Place on Valentine’s Day (2/14), and the community resource center will share the donations in it’s food pantry.

Items needed are new, unopened, full-sized:

Body wash
Cleaning supplies/sponges
Dish soap
Laundry soap
Paper towels
Shampoo and conditioner
Toilet paper

Donation drop-off is at the SPU office during open hours.

Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Community Guide

Have Sunshine Place seen our new 2025 Sun Prairie Community Guide?!

Stop by our visitor vestibule between 8am - 9pm to pick up your physical copy! The guide provides everything you need to explore and learn about Sun Prairie! Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, this guide is your go-to resource for local events, businesses, services, and everything that makes Sun Prairie a great place to live, work, and play.

Click here to access the digital version.

Sunshine Place Purse Bingo

Join Sunshine Place on Wednesday, February 12th at the Roundtable for Purse Bingo. All proceeds benefit Sunshine Place. We promise a night of beautiful prizes, food, and FUN!

Doors open at 5 p.m.. Food will be available between 5-7 p.m.. Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m..

Tickets and info at https://sunshineplace.org/calendar-events/

Every bingo game winner will take home a purse from designer brands like Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and more! Tickets are $35 and include 8 games of bingo plus a raffle ticket for door prizes. Purchase your ticket by clicking the button below. Register by February 10th to receive an extra raffle ticket!

Food, drink, bingo daubers, and additional raffle tickets and bingo cards will be available for purchase at the event.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole, consisting of all 8 seated City Council members, addresses multi-committee issues, reviews the annual budget, manages real estate transactions, engages in long-term planning, has the authority to sanction Council members and officials, and handles matters not assigned to specific committees. Chaired by the Council President, it convenes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, with meeting times occasionally subject to change (refer to the events calendar for specific times).

Check out the latest Committee of the Whole meeting (1/21/2025)

Check out the latest Common Council meeting (1/21/2025)

Sun Prairie Media Center

Sun Prairie Media Center consists of three main entities, each with its own individual mission:

KSUN: The mission of KSUN is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original video programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. KSUN programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

KIDS-4: The mission of KIDS-4 is to promote media literacy to the youth population of Sun Prairie as well as to teach students all aspects of producing original video and audio content. Students enrolled in KIDS-4 become more discriminating consumers of media, better communicators, better collaborators, and receive vital hands-on experience on a wide range of media-making tools.

103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio: The mission of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original radio and podcast programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

Check out the abundance of quality community programming at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/