Proposed FY23 Budget Lacks Commitment to Trees

The cover picture of the Proposed FY2023 budget shows banks of trees including cherry trees(?) along the Potomac. Is this reality and how does it match the budget proposed for forestry, natural resources, green space and climate change?

Now is the time to speak up for trees BEFORE the budget is final!

The recently released draft County Manager’s Proposed FY2023 Budget includes insufficient funds to address the many concerns of Arlington citizens to which ATAG has given voice. Forestry and Natural Resources are located within the Department of Parks and Recreation which increased its budget by 5% while Forestry increased by only 1%. This is inadequate to deal with the rapid development demands on trees and provides no funds for updating the obsolete tree canopy/land use survey of 2016.

The Parks & Recreation budget can be seen here. The entire budget can be seen by going to this County Manager webpage. For full information on the Budget process, timeline, and activities look here.

Demand more funds for trees and natural resources - email the County Board and Manager.

Important action dates: These can be seen on TV - see this webpage. Video of all sessions is archived and available on-demand; go to the section “Budget and Tax Rate Hearings and Work Sessions” and choose any of the archived sessions.

Date: Saturday, April 23 Topic: Budget Adoption

Important Work Session dates impacting trees: These can be seen on TV - see this Budget webpage. Video of all sessions is archived and available on-demand; go to the section “Budget and Tax Rate Hearings and Work Sessions” and choose any of the archived sessions.

Date: Thursday, March 3, Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Topic: Department of Environmental Services (Stormwater Fund, General Fund, Utilities Fund, Auto Fund, Printing Fund, Ballston Garage Fund), Housing/Safety Net. Commissions – Environment and Energy Conservation (E2C2), Joint Facilities Advisory (JFAC)

Date: Tuesday, March 15 Time: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Topic: Department of Parks and Recreation, Libraries, Compensation. Commissions – Forestry and Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, Sports

Date: Thursday, April 7 Time: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Topic: Budget Wrap-Up 

Date: Tuesday, April 19 Time: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Topic: Final Budget Decisions / Mark-up 

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