The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Amended Executive Order 41
Subject: Tree Policy on Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Properties
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (the “Metropolitan Government”) conducts its landscaping activities, including the planting and removal of trees, through the Departments of Water and Sewerage Services, Parks and Recreation, Codes Administration, Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, General Services, Nashville Public Library, and Planning; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government’s urban tree canopy is a utility that improves air quality, manages stormwater, supports public health, provides economic benefits, and increases quality of life for Nashville residents; and
WHEREAS, this utility shall be managed as an asset, with tree protection and expansion programs that also provide flexibility to ensure development can continue throughout Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Executive Order No. 40, former Mayor Megan Barry established the Metropolitan Tree Policy to be coordinated through the Department of Water and Sewerage Services; and
WHEREAS, the objectives of the Metropolitan Tree Policy, previously initiated under former Mayor Megan Barry through Executive Order No. 40, have effectively been realized by virtue of subsequent provisions enacted under Executive Orders and the Metropolitan Code of Laws.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby find, direct, and order the following:
- I hereby reaffirm continued support of the Tree Policy on Metropolitan Government Properties as codified in Chapter 2.226 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws.
- The Departments of Water and Sewerage Services, Parks and Recreation, Codes Administration, Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, General Services, Nashville Public Library, and Planning, through their directors or designated representatives, shall continue to effectively manage the Metropolitan Government’s urban tree canopy as an asset.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: April 26, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor