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City accepts University and Rockefeller grants for tree planting and youth climate action
Summary
The council accepted two University of Nebraska grants for tree‑planting programs and a $50,000 Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Youth Climate Action Fund grant to support youth‑led climate projects; staff outlined timelines and the application window.
City planning staff described two related tree‑planting grants from the University of Nebraska — a $54,488 award for a “Trees for Streets” streetscaping program and $127,376 for a “Trees for Neighbors” homeowner assistance program — intended to reduce urban heat in the Southside Terrace/Indian Hill area. Kelly Johnston Dorsey of the Planning Department said the initiatives respond to an Urban Heat Watch finding that parts of the neighborhood can be up to nine degrees hotter than other areas.
The Council also heard from Margaret Purdue in the Mayor’s Office about a $50,000 Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Youth Climate Action Fund grant to support youth‑led projects aligned with the city’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Purdue said the application period runs through Sept. 8, with mid‑November notifications and funds to be expended by mid‑April. Council members praised the focus on heat mitigation and youth engagement and indicated support for moving the grants forward.
What’s next: Planning staff will launch outreach to eligible residents for tree replacements and to youth‑serving groups for microgrants; the Mayor’s Office will host information sessions and co‑design workshops for applicants.
