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A Presentation of the Village of Oak Park Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Definition and Measurement Framework
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Introduction
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Village staff and consultants will present definitions and methodologies for measuring biodiversity, green infrastructure, and enhanced management as part of the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan.
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Recommended Action
There is no recommended action at this time, as this is a presentation and discussion.
Prior Board Action
The Village Board adopted a Resolution approving a professional services agreement with Greenprint Partners for the development of a Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan in an amount not to exceed $120,035 on September 9, 2025 (RES 25-248).
Background
On August 1, 2022, the Village Board adopted Climate Ready Oak Park, a comprehensive and long-range plan developed in response to the global climate crisis. In the plan, the Village commits to establishing 30% of land as green infrastructure or enhanced park management by 2030.
The Office of Sustainability and Resilience issued an RFP on June 6, 2025, for the development of a Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan that would establish a baseline of green infrastructure and enhanced park management existing in the Village and identify strategies to reach the 30% by 2030 goal set in Climate Ready Oak Park.
To develop a plan to meet the 30% commitment, the Village must first gain a better understanding of what counts towards that goal, develop a methodology for measuring progress towards the goal, and develop an existing baseline. Under Phase 1 of the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan, Greenprint Partners developed a Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Definition and Measurement Framework that will guide the baseline and opportunity analysis in Phase 2. The Framework was developed in consultation with Village departmental staff, inter-governmental partners, and community stakeholders.
Timing Considerations
This presentation is the culmination of Phase 1 work under the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan. The Definition and Measurement Framework will inform baseline and opportunity analysis occurring in Phase 2 and strategy development occurring in Phase 3. The full plan will be complete in Summer 2026.
Budget Impact
The Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan is part of the work budgeted in 2025 and 2026 for the Office of Sustainability and Resilience (GL# 2310.41020.101.570859.0000).
Operating Impact
The Office of Sustainability and Resilience manages the project and contract. To date, Sustainability staff have spent approximately 40 hours working on the project.
Other Village departments, including Public Works, Neighborhood Services and Development Services, have been involved in reviewing drafts and providing input. Approximately 16 hours of staff time has been spent for this review.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Definition and Measurement Framework was shaped by critical insights from Village departments, partner organizations, and community stakeholders. Input shared via stakeholder interviews, a topic-based focus group, and two pop-up events informed working definitions of GI and EPM, clarified community priorities, and identified early insights that will guide the project's next phase of work and more extensive community outreach. The Definition and Measurement Framework was presented to the Environment and Energy Commission on February 4, 2026.
Staff Recommendation
There is no recommended action at this time, as this is a presentation and discussion.
Alternatives
This is a presentation and discussion. There are no alternates to present at this time.
Anticipated Future Actions
Village staff will present the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Study and Plan’s outcomes and recommendations to the Board.
Prepared By: Malcolm Mossman, Sustainability Coordinator
Reviewed By: Lindsey Nieratka, Chief Sustainability Officer
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Definition and Measurement Framework Presentation Deck