The Dane County Government is a local Wisconsin governing body that consists of 26 departments and offices,
14 committees, and 55 boards and commissions. Dane County Government focuses on the fair and appropriate
use of land, the health and safety of its citizens, and the wealth and vitality of the region. This
government administers many local services and functions such as the county courts, property titles,
emergency management, and public works. It is also responsible for wonderful programs such as the Open
Space Plan, Dane County Cultural Affairs Calendar, Design Dane!, and many more.
The Dane County Government keeps the county running smoothly and securely in calm and turbulence times.
The Dane County Sheriff's office, for example, keeps
the peace and enforces justice. The Clerk of Courts
supports the judicial system, and helps the citizens prepare for their civic duties. The
Register of Deeds conserves and organizes
the County's records where you can also obtain a marriage license, deed, or even genealogical
records. The Emergency Management department prepares and
responds to disasters. You can find information on Dane County's Hazard Mitigation plans, the Emergency
Warning System, and the EMS division on the home page.
The Dane County government not only secures the present but looks to make a better future.
The current County Executive, Kathleen Falk, has helped
lay the groundwork for many intelligent initiatives. One such initiative,
Design Dane!, is focused on
encouraging sensible zoning and efficient funding to strengthen both rural and urban areas of Dane County.
Another project called Task force for the Aging of
Dane County focuses on researching the influence of the aging baby boomer generation, and its influence
on future economic, social, and community developments. In this way Dane County will be prepared for its
aging populations' needs rather than merely reacting to problems as they occur. Another proactive project
is Transport 2020 to
find alternative transportation for Dane County’s working class and tourist populations and to help develop
the Dane Train Proposal. The Dane Train Proposal recommends an innovative rail/road vehicle that would
service Madison's attractions and downtown areas.
The programs that Dane County pioneers are diverse but guided by a single purpose -- the enhancement of the
life of its citizens. For instance, the Parks Division's
Open Space Plan is dedicated
to identifying new areas of Dane County for the creation of parks and recreational areas. Another project
is the DCCA Art Calendar,
a compilation of images from local artists. Revenues from the sale of these calendars support the
commission's multitude of other cultural projects. My
Fair Lakes is a web campaign from the Lakes and Watershed Department to inform citizens of the benefits
of working towards cleaner lakes and streams. A final project, the Tree
Board, informs the public and government on the proper planting and care of trees.