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Municipal improvement districts (also called local improvement <br /> districts) can be formed to assess landowners within the district for <br /> improvements, including tree management. A majority of landowners in the <br /> district may vote to assess themselves based on linear feet of frontage, number <br /> of trees owned or property value. <br /> Permit fees can be charged for permits to plant, prune, or remove trees <br /> along a street. While fees can be used to supplement an existing program, they <br /> should be approached cautiously. Charges may have two undesirable side <br /> effects: people may plant, prune or remove trees without a permit, or people <br /> may be less willing to care for trees at their own expense. <br /> Surcharges can be applied to service fees that cities collect for municipal <br /> utilities, liquor sales, trash collection services, etc. Cities without revenue <br /> generating operations can add a surcharge to business or dog license fees, <br /> parking meter rates, traffic fines, or volunteer fire department subscriptions. <br /> STATE FUNDING <br /> Although there may not be funding currently available at the state level, cities may <br /> decide to apply their political influence to promote a state administered urban <br /> forestry fund. This may be a fund for which cities submit competitive proposals. <br /> Sources of state funds or assistance may include state forestry programs, parks <br /> departments, departments of natural resources, land use commissions, <br /> environmental agencies, and community development programs. <br /> FEDERAL FUNDING <br /> The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 authorizes the <br /> U.S.D.A.Forest Service to assist in planning and conducting urban forestry <br /> programs in cooperation with state foresters or equivalent officials. Federal funding <br /> is often limited to programs that solve regional problems or pilot projects that serve <br /> as models for other locations. Projects with a multiplier effect are generally <br /> preferred by these funding sources. Examples include: projects that stimulate the <br /> local economy and generate private sector funding, and projects that demonstrate <br /> successful approaches and encourage similar efforts in other communities. <br /> Community Development Block Grants are designed to increase the <br /> decision - making authority of local governments in the area of community <br /> development. Block grants are intended to help develop viable urban communities <br />