Committee forwards Rec & Park requests for two state urban-forestry grants totaling $265,000

The committee took up two Recreation & Park resolutions authorizing the department to apply for and accept state-administered urban-forestry grants. The clerk called Item 1 (a $65,000 urban forestry public-education grant, with a $35,000 match) and Item 2 (a $200,000 urban forestry inventory grant requiring a $200,000 city match).

Karen Monnivert, a Rec & Park planner, told the committee the grants would supplement bond-funded inventory, assessment and outreach — letting the city expand educational materials and do more comprehensive tree health assessments. "This would essentially supplement that program," she said, explaining the grants will help make tree inventory data GIS-ready and support outreach in neighborhoods with pressing safety concerns.

Budget Analyst Deborah Newman said the administrative-code threshold for a fiscal-impact report is $200,000 in city expenditures per fiscal year; because Item 2 requires a $200,000 match, staff prepared a report and recommended approval. Supervisors asked about coordination with DPW for trees on rights-of-way and prioritization in areas with public-safety incidents; Monnivert said outreach plans were still in development but the state had asked for meeting locations and the department would work with constituents to identify priority sites.

Committee action: With no public comment, the committee moved the two resolutions to the full Board with recommendation.

Implication: If approved by the full Board and the state grants are released, Rec & Park said the funds would allow expanded inventory/assessment and improved community outreach ahead of larger bond-funded physical tree work.