“Faulconer to trim forestry budget as climate-plan pledge to plant more trees fails to bloom” – San Diego Union Tribune
“San Diego City Council ‘Disappointed’ With Mayor Faulconer’s Budget Revisions” – KPBS
Contrary to requirements in San Diego’s Climate Action Plan, Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s revised FY19 budget continues to slash San Diego’s Urban Forestry program. The over $800,000.00 reduction in funding will provide tree maintenance only ONCE EVERY 21 YEARS!
Please help us Save Our Shade! There are two things you can do NOW to take action against Mayor Faulconer’s cuts.
1-Attend the budget committee meeting on Wednesday May 23rd at 9am in Council Chambers
2-E-mail Mayor Faulconer and City Council! Encourage council members to remind Mayor Faulconer of the benefits trees provide AND the requirements of San Diego’s own Climate Action Plan!
Remind them that trees:
- Provide shade and cool our community
- Encourage shopping and have positive economic impact
- Calm traffic
- Are an important part of storm water mitigation
We are asking for:
- Tree maintenance be funded at current levels – $900,000.00
- The free tree program, important to the CAP, remain funded at $300,000.00
- Two additional horticulturists be funded and hired – $200,000.00
Additional information and e-mail addresses for City Council can be found here.