Sustainable CT Community Certification Report

This is the Sustainable CT Certification Report of Madison, a Sustainable CT silver certified applicant.

Madison was certified on October 01, 2025 with 635 points. Listed below is information regarding Madison’s Sustainable CT efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable CT contact for Madison is:

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Madison was approved for in 2025 appears below. Please enjoy this opportunity to view and learn from the information and materials provided.

Notes: Submission content was created by Madison, and Sustainable CT makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the submission, beyond that an individual reviewer approved at least some elements of the action for certification. Further, standards for actions below may have changed, and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action. Finally, approved actions here may include some documents and descriptions in support of action elements that were not approved, in addition to elements that were approved. In preparing your own application, please rely only on the action write-ups for the current certification year to guide your submission. Please contact [email protected] with specific questions.

• 1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts

  1.1 Optimize for Equity — REQUIRED for All Certification Levels

  30 Points

  Approved Information: 1.1.1 (20 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 1.1 Tree Advisory Committee Equity Toolkit.pdf
  • word 1.1 Equity Toolkit 13.1 Strategic Plan
  • pdf POCD Equity Toolkit 1.1.1.pdf

  Documentation Details: Each of the three documents attached narrate the process of implementing the equity toolkit to the associated action items.

  Partners: 1.1.1 (strategic plan toolkit): SBrand Solutions 1.1.1 (tree advisory committee) Mad-4-Trees 1.1.1 (POCD): Tyche Planning & Policy Group, SBrand Solutions, various local boards and commissions and residents

• 2. Thriving Local Economies

  2.1 Support Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites

  45 Points

  Approved Information: 2.1.1 (10 points) 2.1.3 (10 points) 2.1.4 (20 points) 2.1.5 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 2.1.3 Town of Madison DECD 2022 Municipal Brownfield Assessment Grant application
  • pdf 2.1.3 Academy School, Madison Brownfields Assessment Grant
  • pdf 2.1.4 Limited Phase II ESA Academy School 2023
  • pdf 2.1.4 HBM Report Academy School 2015
  • pdf 2.1.4 Phase 1 ESA Academy School 2015
  • pdf 2.1.4 Well Receptor Survey Academy School 2024
  • excel 2.1.1 Madison Brownfields Inventory 8.24
  • pdf 2.1.4 GWM Letter Academy School 2024
  • word 2.1.5 Brownfields redevelopment engagement 2025.docx

  Documentation Details: 2.1.1 Municipal Brownfields inventory was updated in August 2024 as shown in excel spreadsheet attached. Also attached is Inventory Map with two locations identified. 2.1.3: Municipal Brownfield Assessment Grant application was submitted in 2022 in the amount of $200K for the assessment of 4 School Street and awarded through attached FAP signed by First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons. 2.1.4 Additional analysis on one priority site-4 Academy St. Initial Phase I ESA completed in 2015 along with Hazardous Building Material Assessment (Attached). Building off these reports, funded by the Brownfield Assessment Grant, the Town initiated and completed three additional assessments in 2023 & 2024 (attached) included a Phase II ESA which further recommended a Ground Water Monitoring Analysis, and a Well Receptor Survey. 2.1.5 Public engagement explanation attached with links to Town website.

  Partners: None

  2.3 Inventory and Promote Local Products and Services

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 2.3.1a (10 points) 2.3.2 (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 2.3.1a Inventory and Maps
  • word 2.3.2 Buy Local Campaign narrative and links
  • word 2.3 Worksheet

  Documentation Details: 2.3.1: Inventory includes links to local businesses, map, and official town links to the Chamber of Commerce and VisitMadisonCT.org website 2.3.2: Narrative includes business outreach campaign, chamber of commerce mission statement, separate attached worksheet

  Partners: 2.3.1 (Business inventory): Madison Chamber of Commerce 2.3.2 (local business campaign): Madison Chamber of Commerce

  2.4 Provide Resources and Supports to Local Businesses

  35 Points

  Approved Information: 2.4.1 (5 points) 2.4.3 (10 points) 2.4.4 (10 points) 2.4.6 (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 2.4.4 CTSBDC-Disaster-Recovery-Toolkit
  • word 2.4.1 Host business roundtable narrative
  • pdf 2.4.4 CTSBDC-Post-Disaster-Checklist
  • word 2.4.1 worksheet
  • word 2.4.3 Narrative business participation in events
  • word 2.4.4 Narrative on toolkit for resiliency
  • pdf 2.4.6 EDC Business retention plan

  Documentation Details: 2.4.1 Host a business roundtable submission includes the attached narrative sharing event invitation and follow-up worksheet attached. 2.4.3 Attached narrative detailing links and articles to annual business sponsored community events. 2.4.4 Attached are the disaster recovery toolkit and the post disaster checklist which are further detailed in the attached narrative. 2.4.6 Attached is a narrative that details the Economic Development Commission's business retention plan.

  Partners: 2.4.1 (business roundtable): Madison Chamber of Commerce 2.4.3 (business sponsored community events): Madison Chamber of Commerce

• 3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources

  3.1 Provide Watershed Education

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 3.1.1a (5 points) 3.1.1b (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 3.1.1a Narrative on watershed education
  • word 3.1.1.b Narrative on watershed signage 2025.docx

  Documentation Details: 3.1.1a Narrative attached detailing Conservation Commission interns educational video and pamphlet for residents. 3.1.1b Narrative attached detailing Conservation Commission interns watershed signage program.

  Partners: 3.1.1a none 3.1.1b none

  3.3 Engage in Watershed Protection and Restoration

  35 Points

  CT Success Story

  Approved Information: 3.3.1 (15 points) 3.3.2 (20 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 3.3.2 Narrative on Watershed and source water regulations
  • word 3.3.1 Narrative detailing the Madison Senior Center watershed action project

  Documentation Details: 3.3.1 Narrative detailing the Madison Senior Center project to disconnect impervious parking lot from storm water system. 3.3.2, Narrative detailing existing regulations to protect water quality, including septic pump-out ordinance which exceeds minimum State standards.

  Partners: 3.3.1 NEMO, UCONN Clear, UCONN Students 3.3.2: None

  3.4 Develop an Open Space Plan

  15 Points

  Approved Information: 3.4.1 (10 points) 3.4.2 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • excel 3.4.1 Updated Madison Open Space Inventory
  • word 3.4.2 Worksheet prioritization of open space
  • word 3.4.4a Narrative detailing open space acquired in Madison

  Documentation Details: 3.4.1 2024 Updated Open Space Inventory in excel spreadsheet 3.4.2 Worksheet- prioritization of open space 3.4.4b- Narrative detailing Madison's open space acquisition fund.

  Partners: 3.4.1 (Open Space Inventory): South Central Regional Council of Governments for original data in 2018. 3.4.2 None 3.4.4b-none

  Additional Information: None

  3.5 Create a Natural Resource and Wildlife Inventory

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 3.5.1 (10 points) 3.5.2 (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 3.5.1 NRW map
  • word 3.5.1 NRW narrative 2025.docx
  • word 3.5.2 2025.docx

  Documentation Details: 3.5.1 NRW map from POCD and narrative 3.5.2 Narrative

  Partners: 3.5.1 None 3.5.2 None

  3.10 Facilitate Invasive Species Education and Management

  15 Points

  Approved Information: 3.10.1a (10 points) 3.10.3 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 3.10.1a Narrative on regulation examination for invasives
  • word 3.10.3ab Narrative detailing invasive educational resources

  Documentation Details: 3.10.1a See attached narrative analysis of regulations. 3.10.3a and b: See attached narrative

  Partners: 3.10.1 None 3.10.3 None

  3.12 Enhance Pollinator Pathways

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 3.12.1 (5 points) 3.12.2 (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 3.12.1: Pollinator Education
  • pdf 3.12.1 Madison Pollinator Pathway Presentation
  • pdf 3.12.2 Garden Photos.pdf
  • pdf 3.12.2 Pollinator garden at Rockland Preserve

  Documentation Details: 3.12.1: Pollinator Education and Madison Pollinator Pathway Presentation- Scranton Library presentation, 06/23/21, No Mow May initiative, 3/14/23 3.12.2: Garden Photos and Pollinator Garden at Rockland Preserve- Scranton Memorial Library, Daniel Hand High School, North Madison Church, Meigs Point Nature Center, Rockland Preserve Native Pollinator Habitat, Bauer Park Pollinator Pathways Photos

  Partners: 3.12.1 (Pollinator education): None 3.12.2 (Pollinator photos): None

• 4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems

  4.1 Inventory Tourism and Cultural Assets

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 4.1.1a (10 points) 4.1.1b (5 points) 4.1.2 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 4.1.1 Madison Tourism Website 2025.docx
  • word 4.1.2 CTVisit Madison profile 2025.docx
  • word 4.1.1b Tourism Website promo ads.docx
  • excel 4.1.1a 2025 Inventory.xlsx
  • word 4.1.1a worksheet. Madison Historic and cultural assets

  Documentation Details: 4.1.1a Identify potential tourism and cultural assets-see attached worksheet and supplemental inventory 4.1.1b Promote public resource-dedicated town tourism webpage link with Regan Digital 4.1.2 See attached link to CT Visit webpage.

  Partners: 4.1.1 Rex 4.1.2 none

  4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture

  25 Points

  Approved Information: 4.2.1 (10 points) 4.2.2 (5 points) 4.2.3 (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 4.2.3 Town Funding Committed to the Arts 2025.docx
  • word 4.2.2 Marketing arts and culture
  • pdf 4.2.1 BOS agenda.pdf
  • pdf 4.2.1 BOS minutes item #7.pdf

  Documentation Details: 4.2.1 See BOS agenda and minutes 4.2.2 See attached link for marketing of arts 4.2.3 Arts Barn: link to Arts Barn/summer art programs for children, as well as link to Madison's Approved Budget 2023-2024.

  Partners: 4.2.1 Scranton Memorial library 4.2.2 none 4.2.3 (arts barn): None

• 5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning

  5.1 Integrate Sustainability into Plan of Conservation and Development

  40 Points

  Approved Information: 5.1.1a Include at least four hazard mitigation plan goals into your most recent POCD (5 points) 5.1.1b Incorporate at least three sustainability concepts as policy from the list provided. (35 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 5.1_Worksheet1 2025.docx
  • word 5.1_worksheet_2.2025.docx
  • pdf Madison POCD Adopted 9.5.24

  Documentation Details: 5.1.1a See worksheet 1 5.1.1b See worksheet 2 2024 Adopted POCD

  Partners: 5.1.1 none

  5.3 Develop Agriculture-Friendly Practices

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 5.3.1 (20 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 5.3.2 Promote community access to farming
  • word 5.3.5 Establish funding to preserve farmland
  • word 5.3.1 Regulations that promote active agricultural uses

  Partners: 5.3.1 (5.3.1 Adopt land use policies and regulations): None.

  5.5 Inventory and Assess Historic Resources

  5 Points

  Approved Information: 5.5.4 Certified Local Government status (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf Town of Madison CLG letter 2021

  Documentation Details: 5.5.4 CLG confirmation letter

  Partners: 5.5.4 Historic District Commission

  Additional Information: n/a

• 6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices

  6.4 Support Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment

  10 Points

  Approved Information: 6.4.5 (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • image 6.4.5 8 Meeting House Ln-Memorial Town Hall Charger
  • image 6.4.5 4 School St charger in Municipal Parking lot
  • image 6.4.5 4 School Street second charger in municipal parking lot
  • image 6.4.5 Samson Rock Dr-Scranton Park charger
  • image 6.4.5 Samson Rock Dr second charger at Scranton Park
  • pdf 6.4.5 Electric Vehicle Charger Installations summary
  • pdf 6.4.5 Site plan for Meeting House Ln EV charger location
  • pdf 6.4.5 Evidence of Payment
  • pdf 6.4.5 EV Chargers invoice

  Documentation Details: 6.4.5: EV Charger installations powerpoint-three sites: Samson Rock Dr (Scranton Park); Meeting House Ln(Memorial Town Hall); and School St (Municipal parking lot). Also see attached photos for each site and proof of purchase.

  Partners: 6.4.5 (EV charging station): The charging station was privately funded by Applegreen Electric.

  Additional Information: Installed one level three electric vehicle fast charging station in Interstate 95 Southbound service plaza in Madison open to the public, free of charge. Submission consists of DEEP Public Station map and listing, plus picture of station

  6.5 Promote Public Transit and Other Mobility Strategies

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 6.5.1 (5 points) 6.5.2 (5 points) 6.5.3 (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 6.5.3 RSA Downtown Madison 2022
  • word 6.5.3 worksheet.docx
  • word 6.5.1 Educate residents about alternative transportation
  • word 6.5.2 Narrative Conduct bicycle education program

  Documentation Details: 6.5.1 Educate residents on alternate routes and transportation methods- See attached narrative. 6.5.2 Narrative for bicycle education program 6.5.3 Conduct an bicycle and or pedestrian audit- See attached RSA and worksheet.

  Partners: 6.5.1 Town of Guilford and River Valley Transit 6.5.2 (Bike Safety Rodeo): Madison Beach and Rec, Madison Senior Center, Madison Police Dept., Madison EMS< Boy Scouts of America Troop 494 and Troop 490, St. Margaret's Church, Bikes for Kids, Shoreline Greenway Trail, and Vintage & Exotic Bike Exhibit were all sponsors of this event. 6.5.3 (needs assessment): none

• 7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations

  7.9 Participate in and Promote the C-PACE Program

  20 Points

  Approved Information: 7.9.1: Pass a municipal resolution to opt-in to C-PACE, sign a legal agreement with C-PACE, and post a link to information about C-PACE on your municipality’s website. (20 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • image 7.9.1 Evidence of CPACE on town website 2025.JPG
  • pdf 7.9.1 Madison-Green Bank Municipal fully executed agreement

  Documentation Details: 7.9.1 Evidence of CPACE link on town website-see last link on Energy & Efficiency committee page.

  Partners: 7.9.1 (Implement and Promote C-PACE Agreement): Madison worked alongside CT Green Bank to secure the C-PACE Agreement.

• 8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education

  8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event

  5 Points

  Approved Information: 8.1.1 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 8.1.1: Event 1 Supplemental Material
  • pdf 8.1.1: Event 2 Supplemental Material
  • excel 8.1.1 Worksheet 2025.xlsx
  • pdf 8.1.1: Event 3 Supplemental Material
  • pdf 8.1.1: Event 4 Supplemental Material

  Documentation Details: 8.1.1, New Action Credit, Sustainability Events, 05/21/22, 08/10/22, 04/29/23, 05/06/23.

  Partners: 8.1.1 (sustainability event): Mad for Trees, Friends of Hammonasset, The Rotary Club, The Lions Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts.

  8.3 Train Municipal Representatives

  5 Points

  CT Success Story

  Approved Information: 8.3.1 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 8.3.1 Worksheet 1.docx
  • pdf 8.3.1 Meeting minutes.pdf

  Documentation Details: 8.3.1 Worksheet 1 detailing training; copy of meeting minutes documenting length of meeting and attendees.

  Partners: 8.3.1 Berchem & Moses PC

  8.6 Collaborate with Other Municipalities on Sustainability Actions — REQUIRED for Gold Certification

  15 Points

  CT Success Story

  Approved Information: 8.6.1 (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 8.6 Worksheet

  Documentation Details: 8.6 Worksheet- This worksheet outlines the collaboration between Guilford and Madison which resulted in the creation of a food scraps drop-off at the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station. Created in May 2023, this new initiative aligns with Action 9.4.2.

  Partners: 8.6.1 (Collaborate with other municipality): Guilford collaborated with Madison on the food scraps drop-off at the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station.

• 9. Strategic Materials Management

  9.4 Compost Organic Waste

  15 Points

  Approved Information: 9.4.1 (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • image 9.4.2- Transfer Station Food Scrap Recycling Program

  Documentation Details: 9.4.2- Transfer Station Program: Guilford and Madison residents can drop off food scraps at their transfer station for free, and the food scraps are sent to Quantum Biopower. Information can be found on the Town of Madison website at https://www.madisonct.org/1258/Food-Scraps 9.4.2- Curbside Pickup Program: From March 2023 to March 2024, Guilford and Madison ran a pilot curbside food scraps pickup program for about 350 residents. Food scraps were sent to Quantum Biopower. Information can be found on the Town of Madison Facebook page and the ReduceTheTrashCT website dedicated to the program: https://www.facebook.com/madisonct.org/ and https://reducethetrashct.com/gmprogramdetails/

  Partners: 9.4.2 (Implement a program): Guilford jointly pays for the composting drop-off site because it is located at the Guilford-Madison Transfer Station (more information on this collaboration in 8.6.1). Blue Earth partners by collecting food scraps from the transfer station. CT DEEP partnered by funding the curbside program through the Sustainable Materials Management grant.

• 10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities

  10.3 Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces

  25 Points

  CT Success Story

  Approved Information: 10.3.3 (20 points) 10.3.4 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 10.3.4: Vehicle Idling Prevention
  • pdf 10.3.3 town of Madison- Tobacco Free Public Spaces Ordinance

  Documentation Details: 10.3.3: Tobacco Free Ordinance. Rolling action credit, ordinance reviewed 08/03/23, original ordinance implemented 03/23/15 10.3.4, New Action Credit, Signs were posted, 06/21, 02/23, 06/23

  Partners: 10.3.3 (Tobacco free ordinance): None 10.3.4 (Idling prevention signage): None

  10.4 Develop and Promote Community Growing Spaces

  15 Points

  Approved Information: 10.4.1 (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf 10.4.1: Community Growing Space

  Documentation Details: 10.4.1, Rolling action credit, established 04/2011, currently active

  Partners: 10.4.1 (community garden space): None

  10.5 Support Equitable Food Access and Local Farmers

  15 Points

  Approved Information: 10.5.1 (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 10.5 Host a Farmers Market.docx
  • word 10.5 Farmers Market Publicity 2025.docx

  Partners: 10.5 Four Root Farm and Summer Hill Catering

  10.7 Improve Outdoor Access for All

  30 Points

  Approved Information: 10.7.2 (30 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 10.7.2 Narrative on improving two open space parcels.docx
  • pdf 10.7 Surf Club Accessible Playground Emails.pdf
  • pdf 10.7 BOS BOF minutes.pdf

  Documentation Details: 10.7.2 Narrative, BOS/BOF minutes, email correspondence for matting

  Partners: 10.7.2 State funding, residents, girl scout troop, Craft Design & Build LLC

• 11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing

  11.1 Implement an Affordable Housing Plan

  30 Points

  CT Success Story

  Approved Information: 11.1.1 (5 points) 11.1.2 (10 points) 11.1.3 (15 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 11.1.2_Worksheet_1. 2025.docx
  • pdf Madison Housing Snapshot
  • word 11.1 Create a housing committee 2025.docx
  • pdf 2024 Housing Data Profiles Madison
  • pdf 4.3.25 Madison Housing Forum Presentation
  • pdf 4.3.25 Madison Housing Forum Flier
  • image Photo of Housing Data Presentation
  • pdf Madison's Adopted Affordable Housing Plan
  • word 11.1_Worksheet_3 2025.docx
  • word 11.1.3 Narrative
  • word 11.1.3 Wellington Request for Town Support
  • pdf Recorded Tax Abatement Agreement
  • pdf 11.1.3 BOS minutes.pdf
  • pdf Approval Letter Wellington Solar Panels.pdf
  • pdf Approval Letter Wellington Solar Panels - 2nd REQUEST 11.20.24.pdf

  Documentation Details: 11.1 Housing committee members 11.1.2a 2024 Housing Data Profiles & Completed Worksheet 11.1.2b Housing Forum Meeting P&Z Commission Flier & Agenda; Housing Snapshot FactSheet; Powerpoint Presentation & Photo from meeting presentation 11.1.3 Madison's Affordable Housing Plan; Worksheet 3 identifies date Plan was adopted and strategies from the Plan that have been completed.

  Partners: 11.1 (Housing Committee): None 11.1.2 P&Z Commission, Affordable Housing Committee, Economic Development Commission, Board of Selectmen (and neighboring community housing committee members came too!) 11.1.3 Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Affordable Housing Committee, Hope Partnership & Caleb Group

  11.3 Implement Policy for Sustainable, Diverse Housing Options

  40 Points

  Approved Information: 11.3.2 (20 points) 11.3.3 (20 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word Section 11.3.2 Zoning Regulations Section 19 Definitions.docx
  • word 11.3.3 Allow increased density for affordable housing in Residence Zones

  Documentation Details: Section 11.3.2 Zoning Regulations Section 19 Definitions: Family definition found on Page 7. FAMILY: any number of individuals related by blood, marriage, or civil union living together as a single housekeeping unit; a group of not more than six persons, whether or not related by blood, adoption, marriage, or civil union may be considered a family for purposes of establishing a permitted use of a Dwelling Unit.

  Partners: 11.3.2 (Zoning Regulations): None 11.3.3 none

• 12. Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention

  12.2 Increase Public Awareness and Support for Efforts to End Homelessness

  5 Points

  Approved Information: 12.2.2 (5 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • word 12.2.2 develop and post information on homelessness

  Partners: 12.2.2 (homelessness online resources): None

  12.3 Collect and Share Homelessness Data

  10 Points

  Approved Information: 12.3.1 (10 pts)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • excel 12.3 UPDATED 2025.xlsx

  Documentation Details: 12.3.1 Homeless in Madison: excel sheet on known homeless population in Madison, CT.

  Partners: 12.3.1 (homelessness data): Madison Youth and Family Services and Madison Senior Services

• 13. Innovative Strategies and Practices

  13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action

  10 Points

  Approved Information: 13.1.1 Town Strategic Plan (10 points)

  Supporting Documentation:

  • pdf Madison-Town-StrategicPlan.pdf

  Documentation Details: Madison's Town Strategic Plan - 2023-2033

  Partners: none