University of Wisconsin–Madison students can take their knowledge of sustainability and local governments to the next level with UniverCity Alliance’s new digital badge.
Digital badges provide non-credit, professional development opportunities and highlight specific skills, achievements, and interests. UniverCity’s Sustainable Development for Local Government badge course provides knowledge about Wisconsin local governments, a framework on how to actualize sustainable development used by countries around the world, and sustainable development for the municipal scale.
Lori DiPrete Brown, director of Global Health and Human Ecology as well as the 4W Initiative, said the badge allows everyone – students, local government officials, or community volunteers – to better understand how local governments work and how principles like prosperity, equity, and environmental care can make it better.
“This badge continues UW–Madison’s strong tradition of supporting local communities through programs of extension, education and service,” said DiPrete Brown, who served as cochair of the UniverCity Alliance Advisory Board through June 2025. “It links campus and community expertise for a strong Wisconsin.”
While the badge will first be offered to UW–Madison students, UniverCity Alliance aims to open the opportunity to local government partners and community members who are interested in building on their knowledge.
[UniverCity Alliance Sustainable Development for Local Government Digital Badge FAQ]
“Though they may not work directly in local government, many people are looking for ways to affect positive change in the communities where they live, work, and play,” UniverCity Alliance Managing Director Megan McBride said. “The badge is important because it introduces learners to local government and help understand its role in providing essential services, addressing community challenges, and promoting sustainable and vibrant communities.”
UniverCity Alliance is a network of interdisciplinary leaders across UW–Madison who are inspired to improve local governments and foster innovation in communities of all sizes. Through a partnership program, UniverCity staff connect Wisconsin local governments to university resources to move forward community-identified priorities. Students receive high-impact learning experiences by working on these projects in partnership with the local governments, which receive tangible deliverables.
Paul Robbins, dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, said many people “don’t realize that the beating heart of much of their daily lives is rooted in local government, from family programs to shoveling snow, and from beautiful parks to managing garbage.”
“Learning about local government is crucial. By linking this to the powerful, compelling, and common sense rubric of the Sustainable Development Goals (think: clean air, thriving lakes, access to food and education), this badge welcomes citizens, students, businesses, and communities to think about making local movement responsive, effective, and good for people and other living things,” Robbins said. “We’re hugely excited about this badge, and proud to offer it here at Nelson.”
Over the past several years, UniverCity Alliance has learned from surveys with students that there is a gap in students’ understanding of the way local government works and a challenging in learning this information in a timely manner. Also, local government leaders have requested education on and tools for sustainable development for their comprehensive planning and community development efforts.
Keeping this feedback in mind, DiPrete Brown, Shelly Strom of the Nelson Institute and former UniverCity program manager; and Curt Witynski, former UCA Advisory Board member and retired deputy director of the League of WI Municipalities, created eight modules addressing local government structure and functions, sustainable development goals, and the intersection of sustainable development and local government.
“While undergraduate courses often focus on state and federal government, local governments actually have a much greater impact on our day-to-day activities,” Witynski said. “This badge introduces students to the level of government that has the most impact on our daily lives and suggests ways local governments can function more sustainably.”
Ultimately, this badge is an opportunity for individual learners to explore, reflect on, and participate in local government sustainability efforts.
“Local government is an amazing, often-overlooked, essential element of strong communities,” Strom said. “You can get involved and make a difference.”
Complete this registration form to sign up for the digital badge.
—Abigail Becker