Aldermen introducing plan to create panel aimed at cutting cost on Chicago tree trimming
In response to a watchdog report that Chicago’s tree-trimming program is needlessly costly and inefficient, aldermen want to set up a panel to monitor it.
The Urban Forestry Advisory Board would be made up of experts and policymakers who would develop a plan and recommend legislation to better run the forestry program.
“For years, the City has struggled to adhere to a coherent management plan for our urban forest,” Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, said. “We maintain an inefficient tree-trimming system, lose trees due to disease and opaque removal processes, and reinforce long-standing inequities in the delivery of City services. The UFAB will convene policymakers from across agencies and experts in the field to collaborate on these and other pressing urban forestry issues, especially in the absence of a Department of Environment.”
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City Inspector General Joseph Ferguson in 2019 said the city could save up to 60% on the average cost per tree trim.
Waguespack, Ald. George Cardenas and Ald. Samantha Nugent will introduce the ordinance creating the board to the City Council next week.
Twitter @_johnbyrne
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