Orem City to pilot landscaping incentive program for water conservation and tree planting

The Orem City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, focused on two significant topics: the introduction of a landscape incentive program and a resolution regarding the sale of a property by the Alpine School District.

The landscape incentive program aims to promote water conservation through residential and commercial landscape conversions. The program includes a lawn replacement initiative and an irrigation conversion project, with an added incentive for planting trees. The proposed pilot program for Orem would offer $1.50 per square foot for lawn removal and 50 cents per square foot for irrigation upgrades. Additionally, residents could receive $50 for each tree planted, with a cap of five trees for residential projects and ten for commercial ones. The program is designed to enhance community aesthetics while promoting sustainable landscaping practices without requiring the adoption of a water-efficient landscape ordinance.

City officials expressed enthusiasm for the program, noting past successes with similar initiatives, which saw 81 applications and $55,000 in incentives distributed in 2022. The council emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Central Utah Water Conservancy District to ensure the program aligns with city ordinances and community needs.

The second major topic was a proposed resolution allowing the Alpine School District to sell a property built by students as part of their Career Technical Education (CTE) program. The property, located at 765 South 800 West, was constructed by students under teacher supervision and is now under contract for sale. The proceeds from this sale will be reinvested into the CTE program to fund future projects. The council's approval is necessary due to state law requiring consent from all municipalities within the new school district boundaries. Other city councils in the area have already given their consent.

Overall, the meeting highlighted Orem's commitment to sustainable practices and educational initiatives, with plans to launch the landscape incentive program in the spring and support the CTE program's ongoing development.