• Healthy trees can increase property values up to 20%, resulting in an increased city tax base.

• Trees are the only capital investment that increase in value over time.

• Careful species selection and proper planting techniques will prevent sidewalk damage, lawsuits and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs.

• Policies that ensure coordination of utilities would prevent site preparation "mistakes" that cost the City millions in repair costs.

• Policies that encourage upfront planning for trees, including careful infrastructure design, can save the City millions compared to planting trees as an afterthought.

• Environmental benefits of a healthy urban forest such as prevention of soil erosion and easing of stormwater runoff can be converted into dollar savings

• Homeowners and businesses can save 10-40% on air conditioning bills as a result of strategically-placed shade trees (PG&E estimate).

• A shade tree planting program will help the City meets its 10% energy use reduction goal.

• Opportunities exist for the City to apply for state and federal urban forestry funds for research, education, outreach and tree planting programs.

• A volunteer training program to train hundreds of volunteers to plant and care for trees throughout the city would leverage millions of dollars worth of urban forest care.

• A neighborhood tree planting program would provide opportunities for citizens to donate time and resources.

• With adequate funding, this program could oversee the development of a creative, community-wide financing strategy for urban forest development and maintenance, ensuring a healthy urban forest for our future and easing the City's financial burden.

• Beautification efforts attract new industry and business.

• Shoppers are attracted to beautiful, shaded shopping centers.

• The landscape industry will receive millions of dollars in business (up to $90 million if 1 million trees are planted by 2000).

• Many additional benefits can result from a citywide effort to grow and care for a thriving urban forest. Many of these benefits can be converted into dollar savings for yet additional economic benefits.