Parks and Sustainability Committee Meeting – September 3, 2026

The Parks and Sustainability Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 3:03 p.m. in Council Chambers/Virtual. Chair Khalil Batshon (R-25) presided with a quorum present (all six members). The committee received two special presentations on the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and its financial impact, and acted on pending legislation. The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.

Special Discussion: Urban Forest Master Plan Overview (ID 26-1119)

• Cindi Sullivan, President and CEO of Trees Louisville, presented the UFMP. She noted that the plan was funded by a $200,000 Metro Council allocation in 2023 and developed over 19 months with an advisory group of 115 people, an equity council, surveys, and 500+ community engagements.
• Key findings: Louisville's tree canopy ranges from 13% (West Louisville) to 66% (East Louisville). Street tree management is inequitable, with fewer and poorer-condition trees in lower-income areas. The plan aims for every neighborhood to have at least 30% canopy, change mindset to treat trees as vital infrastructure, and create a sustainable urban forest.
• The plan contains 20 findings, 10 strategies, and 33 action items. Sullivan reported that over half of the action items have been started or completed since September 2025. She highlighted a new grant program to help private citizens with hazardous tree removal or pruning, requiring replacement planting, and an urban wood reuse initiative.
• Sullivan referenced a University of Louisville heat mitigation study showing that planting 50% of available spaces can reduce heat by 7 degrees. She shared that Trees Louisville is already working on many action items (e.g., tree risk assessment, urban wood repurposing).
• Committee members expressed support: Councilmember Piagentini noted the plan's strategic agreement but stressed that implementation requires budgeting and phasing. Councilmember Bast raised concerns about the city's own trees in poor condition and the need to lead by example. Councilmember Ruhe asked about tree maintenance cycles and mower damage to young trees.

Special Discussion: Financial Impact Statement Overview (ID 26-1236)

• Michelle King, Executive Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation, and Dr. Mesude Ozyurekoglu, Assistant Director overseeing Urban Forestry, presented the financial impact study prepared at the council's request. They emphasized the study describes one possible operating model, not a requested appropriation.
• The study analyzed seven of the 33 action items that would incur Metro government costs. Six of those have identifiable new costs; one (2.1) is already underway.
• Current recurring urban forestry personnel costs: $2.1 million (covering parks, parkways, and horticulture).
• Action item 1.3 (transferring street tree maintenance from adjacent property owners to Metro) is the largest cost. The proposed model: three management districts, each with two crews of arborists (total 31 new positions, plus an administrator). New recurring annual costs: $4.8 million (street tree maintenance, contractor planting, expanded parks/horticulture). New initial equipment: $5.4 million. Total new cost for action 1.3: $10.3 million ($4.8M recurring + $5.4M equipment). For street trees alone, $3.83 million recurring and $4.3 million equipment ($8 million total).
• Other action items with new costs: 2.1 (urban forestry admin position) $113,000 annually; 3.1 (code enforcement arborist) $113,000 annually; 5.1 (workforce development program) $550,000 annually for two sessions with 20 people; 6.2 (canopy assessment every 5-10 years) $150,000 periodic; 8.1 (tree assistance fund for private properties) $100,000 annually (based on prior experience helping 50 residents at ~$4,000 each).
• Dr. Ozyurekoglu noted a current backlog from emerald ash borer, storms, and 200 monthly service requests. The proposed model would allow a proactive 10-year pruning cycle for street trees (each team handling 2,000 trees per year).
• Councilmember Piagentini acknowledged the large cost but stressed phased implementation and creativity. Councilmember Bast questioned whether current workforce is making a dent or just sustaining reactive work. Councilmember Ruhe inquired about the pruning cycle for newly planted trees and mower damage. Councilmember Chappell requested a future presentation on current urban forestry operations.

Pending Legislation

• O-108-26 (Foraging ordinance): Remained held in committee; no action taken.
• R-142-25 (Resolution urging implementation of UFMP):
  • A motion to return to the table carried by voice vote.
  • Councilmember Piagentini proposed an amendment to Section 3, striking the original language and substituting: "The council requests the administration follow the Louisville tree plan strategies in its planning, with implementation contingent on future approval through a Metro Council budget or operating plan." The amendment carried by voice vote.
  • The amended resolution was then recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to Old Business (to be heard before full Council on September 10, 2026).

Key Outcomes

• R-142-25 was amended (to clarify that implementation is contingent on future budget approval) and recommended for approval. It will go to the full Metro Council on September 10 as old business.
• O-108-26 remained held in committee.
• The committee received the UFMP overview and financial impact study; no formal action was taken on those presentations.
• Councilmember Chappell requested a future presentation on current urban forestry operations, which Parks and Recreation agreed to.