Board Adopts Chairwoman Nicholson Proposal to Study Solar Power Usage at New Coggs Building

MILWAUKEE – Today, December 21, 2023, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution, authored by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones, which directs the County to conduct a study on the integration of solar photovoltaic systems (solar panels) into the upcoming Coggs Building parking lot project. Chairwoman Nicholson and Supervisor Coggs-Jones released the following statements:

“This resolution has a natural synergy with the new Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center. The decision to break ground on the Center in October was rooted in our vision to make Milwaukee County a healthier community for all. Both initiatives propel solutions to health equity as we act to close the gap in disparities to better meet the needs of the community,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “Implementing the use of solar power not only reduces the County’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources, but also minimizes CO2 emissions. These elements collectively contribute to long-term cost savings which will help create opportunities for investments in County services, advancing our pursuit of equity.”

“This study is an important first step to help Milwaukee County achieve a more sustainable future. I am hopeful that the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, named after my trailblazing grandmother, will become a beacon of environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, while also serving as a blueprint for new County projects moving forward,” said Supervisor Coggs-Jones.

The incorporation of solar power into current and future projects aligns with the County’s commitment to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 45% reduction from 2005 emission levels by 2030. Chairwoman Nicholson played a pivotal role in sponsoring the legislation that set these ambitious environmental goals in motion.

The Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center is slated to become the headquarters for the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. Designed as a centralized hub, the building will serve as a welcoming space for delivering health and human services to the public, eliminating physical barriers preventing families and individuals from accessing vital health resources and services.

The resolution asks for a report to be presented to the County Board by March of 2024.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.