Welcome to Civitas

Civitas is based on the principle that people of good will and ability are more likely to become involved in their communities if they have information and an understanding of how local government operates, where the money comes from, how it is spent and how decisions are made. To date, approximately 140 Dane County citizens have been taken behind the scenes of local government by our outstanding faculty of 50 of the most experienced administrators and former elected officials in Dane County.

If you would like to nominate someone or yourself for Civitas, please click on the Apply button in the toolbar above.

Click here to see a video of the presentation by Todd Berry, president of Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, to the Feb. 8, 2006, Civitas forum (42 minutes). Videos of all presentations are available to Civitas participants.
Democracy depends on citizens who are informed and involved in the civic life of their communities.  Civitas is an exciting educational and informational approach to stimulating greater civic understanding and involvement in Dane County.


Where Our Education Dollars Go
(Tuesday, Jul 22)
Forum at 12:00pm Registration at 11:30am
At this forum, participants will learn where educational dollars are spent. It will include an overview of labor costs and policies, what goes into administrative costs, the capital and maintenance budgets, state and federal mandates, and a description of how program decisions are made.
Our Keynote Speaker
BrianPahnke, Assistant State Superintendent for Finance and Management
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
How We Pay For Schools: Local Funds And The Property Tax
Civitas Forum: How We Pay For Schools: The State's Role
Civitas Forum: How We Pay For Schools
Civitas Forum: How Does Wisconsin Compare On Property Taxes?
Civitas Forum
Where Do Property Taxes Go?
Civitas Forum: Property Taxes
Editorial: All politics are local
Civitas: Not your high school civics class!

Civitas is a joint effort of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Wood Communications Group

Civitas would like to sincerely thank our Platinum Sponsors for their support

Civitas would also like to sincerely thank our Titanium Sponsors for their support

Civitas is a joint effort of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Wood Communications Group