Dane County Executive Melissa Agard Announces Workgroup on County Property Utilization
October 14, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive
Will Look to Improve Efficiency, Save Taxpayer Dollars
MADISON – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced today she is creating a workgroup to examine all county-owned land and facilities. The group will look at how government office and service spaces are being used, with the goal of making operations more efficient, saving taxpayer money and providing better services for residents.
“This workgroup will give us the information and data we need to modernize our operations, reduce costly inefficiencies, and ensure our public spaces reflect how residents access Dane County services today,” said Agard. “Taxpayers deserve a government that adapts and plans for the future, and this initiative helps us do just that.”
The study will analyze current building usage, identify opportunities to consolidate programs and co-locate services, and develop strategies to reduce maintenance and operating costs. It will also consider how changes in work patterns, such as hybrid and mobile work, are shaping access to county services.
Key goals of the workgroup include:
- Improving Efficiency: Identify opportunities to consolidate programs and co-locate services to reduce duplication and improve access for residents.
- Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Reduce operational and maintenance costs by aligning facility use with actual needs, and avoid unnecessary future capital expenses.
- Modernizing Government Workspaces: Providing collaborative spaces that reflect today’s workforce while ensuring the county maintains a high level of service and Dane County service provider partners can collaborate with county employees on service delivery for residents
- Advancing Sustainability: Shrink the county’s physical footprint to lower energy use, cut emissions, and meet climate goals.
- Unlocking Community Opportunity: Explore options for repurposing or selling surplus facilities, returning properties to the tax rolls or supporting community redevelopment.
Earlier this year Agard directed the Department of Administration to compile a list of county-owned buildings and rented spaces. Decisions about building usage can have complicating factors such as historical designations and co-ownership with other government entities. The work group can fully examine all of these challenges and make recommendations on reducing the county footprint where possible.
Agard also directed the Dane County Land and Water Department to map out all of the land currently owned by Dane County. This will help the workgroup evaluate the holdings with the Land and Water team to ensure the properties still align with current needs and future park planning.
“Good government is responsive government,” Agard said. “By taking a close look at our facilities, we can make smarter investments, free up resources for critical services, and create spaces that are welcoming, efficient, and sustainable for generations to come.”
The evaluation of county assets will be conducted in phases beginning in 2026, starting with a comprehensive evaluation of the entire inventory of county land and facilities and their current utilization. Recommendations for consolidation, renovation, or divestment will follow, along with a roadmap for implementation. Agard will announce members of the workgroup later this year.