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2. Briefly explain how this will benefit the community: <br />As stated in the Tree Task Force recommendations, there are manifold benefits of a healthy urban forest with a <br />mature tree canopy: <br />1. Increased property values <br />2. Reduced utility bills due to shading/screening <br />3. Increased health: trees remove pollutants from air, resulting in reduced health impacts from conditions <br />such as asthma <br />4. Beautification <br />S. Storm water management: trees (especially mature trees with a shade - producing canopy) can play an <br />important role as a passive storm water management strategy. <br />3. Estimated expense (provide a range): $125,000 for new tree plantings (based on 2016 tree pricing) <br />4. Briefly summarize any proposals or discussions from the past that are related to this priority, if applicable. <br />Lakewood's Tree Task Force has presented recommendations (summarized on the City web page at this link) for <br />increased tree plantings as part of a comprehensive urban forestry strategy. <br />5. Briefly describe any preliminary discussions you have had with colleagues, the administration and /or relevant <br />department directors about this priority, if applicable. <br />• Many City Council colleagues have expressed support for the general goal in recent years <br />• Mayor Summers and Directors have demonstrated support through a steady increase in tree planting and <br />maintenance investments. <br />21 Page <br />