The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Executive Order 44
Subject: Metropolitan Landscape Coordination Program
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (the “Metropolitan Government”) conducts its landscaping activities through the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, General Services, Nashville Public Library, and Water and Sewerage Services; and
WHEREAS, the Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability Report, the Livable Nashville Committee recommendations, the Sustainability Advisory Committee Report, NashvilleNext, the Metropolitan Tree Advisory Committee, the Open Space Plan, and the Urban Tree Canopy Assessment performed by the Department of Water and Sewerage Services (collectively, the “Community Reports”) identified the importance of green space, trees, and plant material within the Metropolitan Government for their environmental, economic, and social benefits; and
WHEREAS, in order to preserve, develop, expand and enhance Nashville’s natural beauty, the Metropolitan Government must effectively manage and support its landscape, including, but not limited to, its trees, plant material, and green space; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Executive Order No. 42, former Mayor Karl Dean established a Metropolitan Landscape Coordination Program to be overseen by the former Department of Public Works, which included the hiring of a horticulturist; 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 Metropolitan Beautification and Environment Commission coordinates the efforts of volunteers, city departments, business and community groups, and government agencies to provide environmental programs, beautification projects, as well as training and educational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the Department of General Services created a Landscape and Stormwater Infrastructure Manager position to direct landscaping activities on the properties they manage; and
WHEREAS, the objectives of the Metropolitan Landscape Coordination Program, previously initiated under former Mayor Karl Dean through Executive Order No. 42, have effectively been realized by virtue of subsequent provisions enacted under Executive Orders and the Metropolitan Code of Laws regarding departmental responsibilities, the establishment of additional positions within these departments, and the engagement of the Metropolitan Beautification and Environment Commission.
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:
1. I hereby continue the Metropolitan Landscape Coordination Program (the “Program”), which shall be overseen by the Department of Water and Sewerage Services and include a horticulturist whose position shall supplement, not replace, the responsibilities of other Metropolitan Government positions.
2. The horticulturist shall conduct outreach activities and serve as a contact for Metropolitan Government departments, agencies, staff, boards, commissions, committees, outside organizations, and the community.
3. The Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, Nashville Public Library, General Services, and Water and Sewerage Services, through their directors or designated representatives, shall continue to effectively manage and support their landscaping.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: January 17, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor