Label
PUBLIC SERVICE
Urban Beautification
Megan Robson (x 2306)/Sara Stacy (x 2305)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $65,000 from the Toledo Urban Forestry Commission Trust Fund for the Division of Urban Beautification - Forestry Operations to supplement the Re-Tree Toledo grant award with the Professional Services of a Communications Consultant; authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for said purpose; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
This Ordinance authorizes expending an amount not to exceed $65,00 from the Toledo Urban Forestry Commission Trust Fund to supplement the Re-Tree Toledo grant money ($35,000) authorized for the services of a communications consultant. This consultant would assist with communication & public engagement strategies surrounding the implementation of the RE-TREE grant program.
The Re-Tree grant awarded on April 11, 2024 authorized $6.1 million to help close Toledo's tree equity gap through a comprehensive plan to plant and maintain trees in disadvantaged communities. The grant will ultimately plant 10,748 trees by the end of year 5. To allocate the most dollars towards tree planting only $35,000 was budgeted towards a communication plan and strategy. Public engagement and community outreach is necessary for the success of this grant program. The Re-Tree Toledo grant period is March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2029. In Year 1 & 2, the communications consultant will help achieve the following objectives and milestones:
* Collaborate with Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful to create a Tree Ambassador program that will direct opportunities and outreach to residents in priority census tracts.
* Create a media campaign that shares the benefits of trees including: improved air quality, reduced energy costs, increased property values, reduced crime rates, and enhanced quality of life. Neighborhood engagement will include workshops with local institutions and organizati...
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