Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the application for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant with no cost-share requirement. If funding is awarded, the City of Madison Streets and Urban Forestry Division is authorized to accept the grant and amend the 2024 Capital Budget to show an increase in state sources funding by $500,000 for the creation of at least two, but no more than three, apprentice positions over a period of three years. At the end of the three-year grant period, Streets anticipates funding the continuation of the program through the Urban Forestry Special Charge (non-General Fund).
Title
Authorizing the City of Madison’s Streets and Urban Forestry Division to apply for and accept a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for $500,000 and, if awarded, amending the Streets 2024 Capital Budget and authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign the resulting grant agreement.
Body
WHEREAS, the impacts of climate change are being experienced more frequently across the United States; and
WHEREAS, a diverse and thriving urban forest is well-recognized as one of the tools for cities to combat the effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison and the Streets and Urban Forestry Division manages approximately 100,000 trees along City streets; and
WHEREAS, urban trees need regular maintenance from trained arborists to reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, a gap exists between the employer or client demand for professional arborists and individuals pursuing career pathways into arboriculture; and
WHEREAS, there is also a noticeable lack of gender and ethnic diversity within the arboriculture field; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is dedicated to developing an inclusive and diverse workforce; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is committed to mitigating the effects of climate change in our city through infrastructure improvements, including street trees; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison’s Streets and Urban F...
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