Number
251418
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
250001
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Public Works to develop plans for use of the City’s urban wood.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Public Works to develop and present to the Common Council a pilot program for alternative, innovative uses for the City’s urban wood beyond partnership with Kettle Moraine Hardwoods.
Body
Whereas, Urban wood is defined as lumber produced from trees or other sources that were removed for reasons other than harvest of their lumber, typically from urban settings like city streets; and
Whereas, Use of urban wood has occurred for many years, and during the 1990’s small-scale networking efforts began to coalesce around the upcycling of urban wood; and
Whereas, These efforts ramped up considerably with the infestation of the emerald ash borer, which killed millions of trees across the United States, and in the Midwest in particular; and
Whereas, In the years that followed, the U.S. Forest Service began providing funding to launch local networks, demonstration projects, and educational programs to get industry members connected and customers interested in urban wood; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin chapter of the Urban Wood Network is one such organization; and
Whereas, On an annual basis, the Department of Public Works removes thousands of trees from around the city, representing thousands of tons of wood; and
Whereas, Before 2012, these trees were hauled to landfills for disposal, and the City paid landfill tipping charges; and
Whereas, In 2012, the City began working with partners to upcycle these trees into firewood and other wood products, including an on-going partnership with Kettle Moraine Hardwoods; and
Whereas, To date, there has been no recent bid process for the City’s urban wood or exploration of possible alternatives to the City’s partnership with Kettle Moraine Hardwoods; and
Whereas, It is in the City’s interest to understand the retail value of the wood it produces annually, which can then inform decisions regarding the use of the City’s urban wood and partnerships for its upscaling going forward; and
Whereas, The 2026 Budget was adopted by Common Council File Number 250001 on November 7, 2025; and
Whereas, Amendment 78 directed the Department of Public Works to develop and present to the Common Council a pilot program for alternative, innovative uses for the City’s urban wood beyond partnership with Kettle Moraine Hardwoods; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works is directed to develop and present to the Common Council a pilot program for alternative, innovative uses for the City’s urban wood beyond partnership with Kettle Moraine Hardwoods; and, be it,
Further Resolved, That the Department shall present its findings to the Common Council within 3 months of adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 181259-1
Christopher Hillard
1/8/2025