Sun Prairie, WI

Firmly Looking Forward

Grounded in Strong Investments, This City’s Future Looks Bright

Located just northeast of Madison, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is gaining recognition for its forward-thinking approach to community building. With a population nearing 40,000, this dynamic city is balancing the pressures of regional growth with a commitment to affordability, sustainability, and place-based development.

Strategies to House a Growing Population

“We’re doing a couple of different things,” says Becky Binz, Housing and Equitable Development Planner, when asked how the city is tackling the affordable housing crisis. “We’re investing in Habitat [for Humanity]’s Town Hall Crossing neighborhood, the largest Habitat neighborhood in the state of Wisconsin, which is pretty cool that it’s located in Sun Prairie.”

In addition to supporting homeownership through the Habitat partnership, the city is utilizing tax increment financing (TIF) to facilitate the development of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) rental properties. Binz explains that by combining TIF with federal funding, the city can help offset rising construction costs and encourage development. “We’re focusing on tools we can control, like zoning regulations, to allow a greater variety of housing and accelerate the development process.”

Sun Prairie’s city council has also extended TIF districts by an additional year, generating $5.9 million for the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. This fund supports a comprehensive range of programs, including renter and owner-occupied rehabilitation loans, down payment assistance, housing development loans, and services such as case management and housing outreach.

The goal, Binz emphasizes, is to support households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). In 2025, that threshold is $103,850 for a family of four in Dane County. “It’s a lot higher than people expect; that’s considered low-income in our region.”

Reimagining Zoning for Healthy Neighborhoods

Much of the city’s housing strategy is based on its updated 2019 Comprehensive Plan. “We created a vision of what we call healthy neighborhoods,” Binz says. “That means a mix of housing types, single-family, duplexes, ADUs [accessory dwelling units], townhomes, apartments, at a variety of price points.”

However, there’s a disconnect between the vision and the regulation. “Our zoning code was last updated in 1989,” she points out. “It’s not in alignment with our current vision, so most developments require a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.” Updating the zoning code is now a key priority to make it easier for developers to create diverse and affordable housing options.

Equitable Access and Regional Growth

Improved infrastructure is central to Sun Prairie’s growth. “The most exciting thing for us is the launch of our local transit service in 2023,” says David Salmon, Transportation Coordinator. “It’s the first time Sun Prairie has had its dedicated bus routes.”

Previously served only by a single Madison Metro line to a park and ride facility, the city now has two routes that circulate locally and connect to Madison’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This expansion means that residents can now access jobs, schools, healthcare, and grocery stores more easily and affordably, for just $2 each way. “We had 10,000 transit trips in April alone,” Salmon shares. “That’s huge for a community our size.”

Sun Prairie is also preparing for a major regional project: the addition of an interchange at Hoepker Road as part of WisDOT’s reconstruction of the I-39/90 corridor. “It’s going to improve access to our commercial district and spur additional neighborhood development,” Salmon explains.

Pedestrian safety has also been a focal point, particularly after several tragic fatalities in 2020 and 2021. “We’ve added RRFB [Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon] crossings and upgraded traffic signals,” Salmon says. “We’re using AI-powered traffic cameras that collect real-time data, tracking vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians.”

A standout feature: the cameras will hold a red light if someone is still in the crosswalk. “I saw it in action with a person in a wheelchair, and it was one of those moments where you know this technology is saving lives.”

Making Room for People

“Our sidewalks are too narrow, only three feet wide in places,” says Colleen Burke, Economic Development Specialist, referring to the 200 and 300 blocks of East Main Street. “It’s not safe, and it limits our ability to do placemaking and provide outdoor seating.”

That’s changing. A current project will eliminate parking on one side of the street, freeing up 10 feet of width to expand sidewalks and enhance the pedestrian experience in Downtown Sun Prairie. The project originated from a local business owner’s observation during the COVID-19 pandemic and has evolved into a comprehensive downtown revitalization effort.

The city is also reclaiming space lost in a 2018 natural gas explosion. On the southwest corner of Bristol and Main, a new 93-unit apartment complex with over 9,000 square feet of commercial space is nearly fully leased. A 63-key hotel and another 90-unit residential development are on the way.

“Cannery Square has become our town square,” says Burke. The city has relocated the farmers’ market to Market Street, where it now averages 34 vendors per week. “It’s full for us,” she adds. Murals are also popping up through a new mural festival, using the wall space of local manufacturing partner Washington Mills as an outdoor gallery. “It’s our first of three years,” Burke says. “The idea is nine murals facing a public lot, a restaurant, and residents living in the area, anchoring public art downtown.”

Fiber Connectivity and Digital Equity

While rural areas across Wisconsin continue to struggle with digital infrastructure, Sun Prairie is ahead of the curve. “We were one of the first communities in the state to have gigabit service,” says Taylor Brown, Economic Development Director. “Our local utility began fiber-to-the-home programs in the early 2000s.”

That legacy infrastructure, sold to TDS in 2017–18, has positioned the city for full fiber coverage today. “We have some of the best home-to-fiber connections in the state,” Brown adds.

Culture, Creativity, and Community Resilience

Sun Prairie’s cultural revitalization is deeply rooted in its heritage, especially as the birthplace of artist Georgia O’Keeffe. “There’s been a resurgence in art,” says Burke. “It’s a place-making effort, but also a tourism and economic development strategy.”

The city is supporting grassroots cultural organizers through open dialogues about infrastructure, capacity building, and financial support, without stifling authenticity. “We want to help without taking it over,” Burke says. “Good arts communities need to stay grassroots.”

Sun Prairie is also utilizing wayfinding and beautification efforts to enhance underutilized spaces, such as walkways and parking lots. “All of our downtown parking is free, and we want to keep it that way,” Burke adds. “So, we’re being very thoughtful about how all people are able to move around and through the area.”

Later this year, the city will launch the Sun Prairie Loop, a bicycle trail modeled after Madison’s Capital City Trail. “It’ll be the longest trail loop in the Madison area,” Salmon says proudly. “We were just promoted to Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community. It’s part of our broader strategy to be livable, sustainable, and attractive to both residents and visitors.”

Sustainability in Action

When it comes to climate goals, the city is leading by example. “Earlier this year, Sun Prairie became the first in the county to achieve 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations,” says Rose Daily, Sustainability and Resilience Manager.

New municipal developments, such as the expanded public library and utility facility, will be equipped with solar and geothermal systems and will also achieve LEED certification. At the same time, the city is incentivizing green development in the private sector. “We’re awarding points to developers for clean energy systems and high-efficiency HVAC or green building certifications,” Daily explains. “It’s part of our affordable housing loan program.”

Sun Prairie is also promoting state and federal programs, such as Focus on Energy and the Inflation Reduction Act, which offer rebates and tax incentives for sustainable upgrades. “We’re tying sustainability to affordability,” Daily says.

While state codes limit the ability to mandate green construction, Daily is working on a countywide voluntary “stretch code” to reward developers for exceeding the minimum standards. “We’re trying to adopt one standard across Dane County, so developers know what to expect no matter where they build.”

A Regional Mindset

As part of the greater Madison metropolitan area, Sun Prairie embraces regionalism. “We don’t operate in a vacuum,” says Brown. “What happens in Madison, or neighboring Cottage Grove, impacts us—and vice versa.”

The city is closely collaborating with Dane County, Madison Metro, and regional partners on a range of initiatives, from transportation to housing. “Our transit service is provided through a contract with Madison Metro,” Salmon explains. “It’s a win-win. We get affordable access, and Madison gets fewer cars on the road.”

Sun Prairie also plays an active role in the Dane County Regional Housing Strategy (RHS), an initiative launched years before the housing crisis reached national headlines. “We’re on the executive implementation committee,” says Binz. “We’re working on a countywide outreach plan and a zoning best practice guide so even smaller municipalities can modernize their codes.”

The Road Ahead

Sun Prairie is a city in motion—with big ideas, cross-sector collaboration, and a deep commitment to livability and equity.

From expanded sidewalks and public art to green building standards and regional transit links, the city’s leadership is showing what’s possible when policy, creativity, and community come together. Whether it’s a bike ride along the new loop trail, shopping at the farmers market, or catching a rapid bus to Madison, Sun Prairie is making every detail count in its journey toward building a vibrant, inclusive future.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

What: A vibrant and fast-growing city, known for its strong sense of community, thriving local economy, and commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Where: Located in Dane County, Wisconsin, just northeast of Madison, and is considered part of the Madison Metropolitan Area.

Website: www.cityofsunprairie.com