Council Committee Discusses Energy Improvement Fund and Urban Tree Initiatives

Map Lexington tree canopy by census track. Source: Lexington, KY Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.

In Tuesday’s Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW) Committee, Councilmembers will hear presentations on the Energy Improvement Fund and Lex Grow Trees, a campaign and grant program to support trees in Lexington.

Energy Improvement Fund

James Bush, Energy Initiatives Manager, will present an update on projects funded by the Energy Improvement Fund. The Energy Improvement Fund exists in the City’s budget to fund clean-energy projects on LFUCG buildings and properties.

Since July of 2023, the fund has placed solar panels on the Tates Creek Community Center and the Parks and Recreation South Base Maintenance Center. The Masterson Station Park Maintenance Building is in the process of installing a solar panel, and Fire Station #22 has an RFP out for solar panel installation.

You can view the presentation starting on page 31 of this packet.

Lex Grow Trees Update

Director of Environmental Services Jennifer Carey and Urban Forestry Manager Heather Wilson will present an update on Lex Grow Trees. In 2022, Council allocated $1.5 million for tree canopy growth and support. Projects that have come out of this fund include:

• The creation of the Tree Canopy Ad Hoc Committee

• Increased funding for the Hazardous Street Tree Cost-Share Program

• The creation of the Lex Grow Trees Grant Program, which will fund community-driven projects around tree planting and protection.

You can view the presentation staring on page three of this packet.

The Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, March 12th at 1pm in Council Chambers. You can attend in-person or watch live on LexTV.