Submitted By
Marcella Bondie Keenan, Chief Sustainability Officer
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Participate in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Program
End
Overview
Overview
A motion to approve the Village’s participation in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Program.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Motion.
Background
The National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Program was launched in 2015 to engage cities and communities in monarch and pollinator conservation. Between 2015 and 2020, the program welcomed over 600 mayors and heads of local and tribal government who engaged 6 million people and restored more than 6,500 acres of monarch habitat. Since the monarch's migration spans the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the pledge expanded to these countries through new tri-national partnerships in 2017.
There are three steps to taking and implementing the pledge:
1. Take the pledge and specify at least 3 action items that Oak Park will initiate during 2023. See the attached list of example action items.
2. Take action. The National Wildlife Foundation, the sponsoring organization, will provide sample communications materials.
3. Report progress and submit an annual report by 12/1.
The Village of Oak Park first participated in this annual pledge in 2017, issuing a proclamation and planting monarch habitats on public properties. In 2021, the Village installed a certified Monarch Waystation at the Public Works Center. In 2022, the Village adopted Climate Ready Oak Park, which includes the goal “Protect and Enhance Biodiversity.”
The deadline for submitting a pledge is April 30, 2023.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact is associated with the pledge. Associated activities have already been budgeted and/or will be reviewed through the Village’s procurement process.
DEI Impact
The interrelated issues of climate change and biodiversity loss disproportionately adversely impacts several marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, children, older adults, and individuals with limited proficiency in the dominant language.
According to the CMAP Community Snapshot for Oak Park <https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/documents/10180/102881/Oak+Park.pdf>, Oak Park has only 1.2 accessible acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, in comparision to an average of 3.57 acres for Cook County as a whole. Additional data collection and analysis is needed to identify potential population-based disparities in access to open space that connects Oak Parkers with native plants and animals. Data collection efforts that involve community science methods provide an opportunity to engage impacted populations. Furthermore, staff plan to engage impacted populations in any physical installation, programs or policy changes that result from participating in this initiative. Finally, by acknowledging the importance of the monarch butterfly species, which lives part of its lifecycle in Mexico, endorses DEI priniciples by honoring the Village’s growing Latine population.
Alternatives
• Not adopt the motion.
• Seek additional information from staff. Note, the deadline for participation in this year’s program is April 30, 2023.
Previous Board Action
On February 21, 2017, the Village Board approved a motion to approve a proclamation for Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Day (ID 17-428).
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
None
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Following approval of the motion by the Village Board, direct staff to work with commissioners and community partners to complete the pledge and initiate monarch conservation actions.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
Other governmental bodies will be invited to collaborate with the Village on monarch conservation actions.