RESOLUTION NO. __________, SERIES 2025
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A RESOLUTION URGING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES/ACTIONS TO ENSURE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT’S TREE CANOPY IS RESILIENT, PROTECTED, AND SUSTAINABLE.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS CHAPPELL, RUHE, RENO-WEBER, OWEN, AND LYNINGER
WHEREAS, urban forests have never been more critical to cities than today, serving as one of the only city infrastructure types that lower temperatures and home energy costs, reduces air and water pollution, and improves human health in many different ways; and
WHEREAS, Louisville needs these services more than ever, as the community is dealing with high heat levels and more severe weather, more frequent and severe storms, drought, and floods; and
WHEREAS, Louisville is working on revitalizing the city, both for existing residents and to stay competitive in the economic realm to attract new residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, Louisville is prioritizing efforts in many areas to address and remedy historical inequitable practices in marginalized communities; and
WHEREAS, the Louisville/Jefferson County Legislative Council (“Council”) provided funding for an Urban Forest Plan (“Louisville Tree Plan”); and
WHEREAS, since January 2024, the Louisville Tree Plan has been underway, completing a comprehensive examination of the Louisville Metro Urban Canopy to gain a full understanding of the planning, budget process, existing conditions, current plans and strategy documents, departmental operations, and elected official priorities; and
WHEREAS, the findings and strategies of the Louisville Tree Plan were presented to the Parks and Sustainability Committee at its March 6, 2025, meeting; and
WHEREAS, given the value and impact a robust tree canopy provides to our community economically, environmentally and socially, the Council is committed to investing in our community forest by implementing the Louisville Tree Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (“COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Council fully supports the Louisville Tree Plan strategies.
SECTION II: The Council urges the necessary Metro agencies to move forward with implementation of the Louisville Tree Plan.
SECTION III: The Council requests the administration follow the Louisville Tree Plan strategies.
SECTION IV: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval or otherwise becoming law.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Sonya Harward Brent Ackerson
Metro Council Clerk President of the Council
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Craig Greenberg Approval Date
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
By: _________________________________
R-142-25 Encouraging Louisville Tree Plan JDF 1023025