Openlands urges Chicagoans to take City's survey about trees

Tell the mayor to invest in protecting the environment

The City of Chicago has a public survey to collect information on the priorities for the people of Chicago. Together, we can call for investment in nature-based solutions that reduce flooding, combat extreme heat, improve physical health, and decrease our utility bills.

The Ask:
The City of Chicago is conducting a public survey to gather information on the budget priorities. Join Openlands in filling out the survey and pasting the below environmental budget priorities in Question 20.  

Budget Priorities for Question 20:

• Continue the funding of the Tree Inventory so Chicago can have a proper inventory of all street trees and improve tree equity across the city.
• Fund staff positions within the Department of Environment that enforce laws against environmental pollution.
• Full funding for the Bureau of Forestry to fill all current staff vacancies.  
• Funding for a new enforcement and training position within the Bureau of Forestry. 
• Allocate funds for green stormwater infrastructure maintenance so projects that protect communities from flooding can continue to be maintained

The Background: 
Every year, the City of Chicago develops a new budget that outlines its spending plans. This budget gives funds to all types of city services, including environmental protection programs that co-benefit people and the planet. 

The Need:
Planting and maintaining trees protects neighborhoods. Trees soak up rainwater that causes floods, shade against heat waves, and improve our air quality. At the same time, trees add benefits like increasing neighborhood safety and reducing heating and cooling bills. However funding for planting and maintenance of trees is continually reduced. We need to invest in protecting our tree canopy and other green stormwater infrastructure that directs water away from our homes and sewers. 

In addition, the Department of Environment was recently reestablished, but it still lacks the staff to properly review concerns about air, water, and land pollution. The Department of Environment should be equipped to enforce the strongest standards against polluters in Chicago and protect our environmental health. 

Take the survey now to share your thoughts on what you want to see the City focus funding on. 
Take the survey
 
Openlands | 25 East Washington Suite 1650 | Chicago, IL 60602 US