United Way of Dane County

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Lasting, positive change happens when strong community programs are paired with sound public policy. 

We understand how public policy shapes the lives of our neighbors and creates the conditions for people to thrive. That’s why we use our local knowledge and research to inform decision-makers at the local, state, and national levels. 

We also mobilize our community and partner network to help design and support solutions guided by measurable results. 

Developed in consultation with community leaders and our diverse network of nonprofit, business and philanthropic partners, United Way of Dane County’s public policy priorities align with our Plan for Community Well-Being, which focuses on the areas of Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. 

Our four priority areas for 2026 and 2027 each play a critical role in improving family well-being, addressing inequities in our human services systems, and strengthening community health across Dane County. 

United Way's Policy Agenda

Affordable Housing  

Our goal is to expand availability, accessibility, and quality of affordable housing for low-income households, especially families earning 30 percent or less of area median income, with policies that: 

  • Introduce local zoning and financing reforms that make it easier to build more homes of all types and promote equitable housing growth 
  • Increase investments and incentives for affordable housing development 
  • Expand eviction prevention and family homelessness services 
  • Reduce racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership 
  • Coordinate housing with childcare, employment, and health supports 

Childcare  

Our goal is to increase access to high-quality, affordable, and culturally responsive childcare and early education for low-income families, supporting both children’s development and parents’ ability to work with policies that: 

  • Expand public investments and subsidies for affordable childcare 
  • Increase access to childcare in underserved areas and during non-traditional hours 
  • Increase compensation and training opportunities for early childhood educators 
  • Coordinate childcare with housing, employment and health supports 

Healthcare  

Our goal is to protect and improve access to affordable health insurance and quality healthcare with policies that: 

  • Protect tax credits that serve to keep health insurance premiums affordable 
  • Expand mental health services for all ages  
  • Grow and diversify the healthcare workforce 
  • Coordinate healthcare with housing, employment and childcare supports 

Food Security  

Our goal is to ensure access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for all families, especially in underserved neighborhoods with policies that: 

  • Strengthen and protect food assistance programs such as FoodShare and WIC 
  • Expand grocery, farmer’s markets and local food access in Dane County food deserts 
  • Promote culturally appropriate nutrition outreach and education 
  • Coordinate housing, health and food access policies for holistic community wellness 

Intersecting Policy Strategies 

Across all four policy priorities in this agenda, United Way of Dane County will engage in the following strategies: 

  • Policy Alignment: Coordinate local advocacy work with federal and state efforts for greater impact 
  • Civic Engagement: Center the voices and stories of people with lived experience in conversations with policymakers 
  • Multi-Sector Partnerships: Collaborate across housing, early childhood education and health sectors 
  • Convening: Leverage the strength and effectiveness of convening existing coalitions and partners to achieve United Way’s policy priorities 
Download the 2026-2027 Public Policy Agenda

How can you take action?

One of the best ways to affect public policy is to take action yourself. Register to vote, contact your local and national politicians. Make sure your voice is heard! Check our the links below to help make a difference in your community.

Local

Register to Vote/Get Information About Upcoming Elections

Dane County Elected Officials

State

My Elected Officials

Wisconsin State Legislature

Federal

Congressman Mark Pocan

Senator Tammy Baldwin

Senator Ron Johnson

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