Jamie Gooden, representing the Lexington Healthy Green Neighborhoods coalition, told City Council on April 3 that the group is advancing a set of small‑to‑mid‑scale projects intended to support the city’s comprehensive plan goals on green infrastructure, walkability and stormwater.

Gooden described a cross‑sector steering committee that includes Rock Ridge Conservation, the Lexington City Tree Board, Main Street Lexington, Washington and Lee University, VMI, Boxerwood and other local partners. He said the initiative received roughly $20,000 in startup funding from Rock Ridge Community Health Foundation and a health clinic and used those funds for coordinator support, tree nursery start‑up, a tree giveaway and other pilot activities.

Why it matters: the coalition’s work focuses on neighborhood‑level tree canopy, shore‑line stabilizing plantings on Woods Creek, removal of invasive species, and pilot recycling improvements — efforts officials said are intended to reduce stormwater runoff and improve public health and walkability.

Examples of current and planned work the coalition described:
- Tree plantings at Jordan’s Point and along Woods Creek; a “great tree giveaway” last year distributed 51 trees to households, with a waiting list for the next round.
- Removal of invasive species along Woods Creek and coordination with Friends of Woods Creek and W&L on trail segments and monitoring.
- A planned tree nursery at Public Works and public seating installations tied to Woods Creek improvements.
- Recycling research and data collection work in concert with the county and local businesses and exploration of potential KPI metrics for a revamped program.

Gooden said the coalition is using memoranda of understanding where appropriate with the city and partner institutions and that several projects are already in execution. Councilmembers thanked the group and asked staff to share any draft recommendations for public reuse or operations, particularly for recycling and Woods Creek projects.

Ending: The coalition asked the council to note the initiative as a local implementation partner for the comprehensive plan and indicated it will return with more detailed recommendations as pilot projects complete initial phases.