To inform a newly-created Dane County Advisory Committee on Data Centers, a policy analysis intern researched hyperscale data centers, including state laws in Wisconsin, economic impacts, electricity and water usage, and additional environmental concerns. The report offered six policy recommendations for Dane County to consider as this issue continues to play out across Wisconsin. […]
Read More… from Assessing local policy options related to large data centers in Wisconsin
To support the City of Beaver Dam’s efforts in updating its position descriptions, two UniverCity Alliance Scholars audited existing job materials, visited the city to understand workflow challenges, created targeted surveys, and ultimately drafted 76 job descriptions. […]
A group of interdisciplinary engineering students reviewed Waupaca’s current shoreland and wetland zoning ordinances, analyzed compliance and DNR and FEMA best practices, and identified possible areas of improvement. Their goal was to reduce the risk of flooding in Waupaca, protect water resources, and maintain program eligibility for sustainability status. […]
As Waupaca’s population increases and its facilities continue to age, the city is interested in designing a public safety square that would include a combined facility for police and fire services. A group of engineering students created five site plans that included drive-through bays for firetrucks, space for full-time firefighters, an impound lot for the […]
Read More… from Envisioning a “Public Safety Square” in Waupaca
Walworth County worked with students to explore local interventions to address gainful employment access, which was identified as a key social determinant of health in recent community plans. Students explored several models for supporting community-coordinated services and resources, and developed a weighted decision matrix to help the county make evidence-based decisions. […]
Vernon County aims to strengthen community sustainability and reduce flood risk through practical conservation education and outreach. This 2026 Sustainability and Conservation Education and Outreach Plan responds to this goal and is intended to narrow the gap between technical conservation priorities and community level understanding and action by using a more active, partnership-oriented approach to […]
Measuring runoff from agricultural fields can inform conservation practices that prevent erosion, harm to the environment, and economic fallout. Engineering students built a runoff monitor prototype using a water sensor that measures the height of the liquid in which it is immersed. […]
To support flood mitigation efforts in Vernon County, a group of engineering students built a stream height measuring device prototype that is affordable and easy to replicate on a large scale. This tool can measure the height of a water source, transit data from a sensor into a microprocessor, and then output the data into […]
Read More… from Developing a more cost-effective stream gauge prototype
Over the course of two semesters, landscape architecture students created a 6.65-mile trail system design that emphasizes restoration, observation, education, and recreation and celebrates the ecological, geological, and cultural heritage that makes Amsterdam Dunes a regional attraction. The trail system includes a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult trails and incorporates features like an outdoor […]
Read More… from Designing public access trails for Amsterdam Dunes
Three groups of journalism students created PR strategy plans for Rocky Knoll Health Care Center ahead of the facility’s 100th anniversary celebration. The students created corporate narratives and brand stories, analyzed competitors, social media, and influencer marketing; drafted media relations strategies and plans, and wrote community impact reports. […]
Read More… from Creating PR strategies for Rocky Knoll Health Care Center’s centennial celebration