Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Ordinance 26-17, an Ordinance of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Amending Title III - Administration, Chapter 32. Departments, Boards, and Commissions, of the Ordinances of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida, by Specifically Adding Article XV. Naturally PSL Community Trust; Providing for Conflict; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
body
Submitted By: Nikki Zheng, Civic Designer, Strategic Initiatives and Innovation
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of Strategic Growth for a Resilient Future.
Executive Summary (General Business): This ordinance authorizes the City to create a non-profit organization for the purpose of acquiring, conserving and activating green space for public benefits through strategic fundraising partnerships and the leveraging of public and private funding.
Presentation Information: Presentation provided by staff.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the enactment of the ordinance and authorize staff to move forward with creating the non-profit organization, Naturally PSL Community Trust.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the enactment of the ordinance and authorize staff to move forward with creating the non-profit organization, Naturally PSL Community Trust.
2. Move that the Council provide staff direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie seeks to increase public access to and enjoyment of City-owned green spaces while proactively increasing the inventory of City land for parks, conservation, and stormwater management. Following City Council interest in July 2025 to develop a City-affiliated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, this ordinance provides staff the formal approval of City Council to incorporate Naturally PSL Community Trust. This Trust serves as a dedicated fundraising entity to the City, allowing the City to leverage both public and private contributions to acquire, conserve, and activate land for the long-term benefit of the community through parks, conservation and stormwater management.
Issues/Analysis: Port St. Lucie has experienced rapid population growth, adding over 50,000 residents since 2020. This growth places significant strain on the City’s park system, open spaces, and stormwater infrastructure. In response to consistent resident feedback since 2023, and with significant resident involvement, the City launched the "Naturally PSL: Green Spaces and Places" initiative. Since its 2025 inception, the City has proactively acquired over 273 acres of land and continues to secure state, federal and philanthropic grants to advance environmental stewardship and community activation.
Data from the 2024 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan update confirms that public support remains high, with 96% of surveyed residents supporting land acquisition to preserve tree canopy and natural areas. However, the City’s ability to meet its adopted Level of Service (LOS) standard, 5.0 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents, is a challenge. While the City exceeded this goal in 2020, current projections show the City hovering at the bare minimum LOS as the population surpasses 302,000. As land becomes increasingly scarce and costly, the City must diversify its funding and management models. Establishing the Naturally PSL Community Trust allows the City to secure alternative funding sources, including private donations, and to expand eligibility for philanthropic grants necessary to acquire, conserve, and activate parkland with community partnership to protect access to nature and provide excellent outdoor recreational opportunities.
Financial Information: The Naturally PSL Community Trust is designed to leverage private funding alongside existing public budget allocations. Initial costs for its establishment include administrative oversight, provided amongst the City Manager’s Office, Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Finance, and the City Attorney’s Office.
Special Consideration: Upon adoption and effectiveness of the ordinance, staff will proceed in taking the necessary steps to incorporate Naturally PSL Community Trust with the Florida Division of Corporations as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, as well as other steps required by applicable law, rules, and regulations. While this entity will be governed by a Board of Directors to facilitate specialized fundraising and grant management, the City of Port St. Lucie shall retain full ownership and legislative control over all land acquired. Additionally, contributions collected through Naturally PSL Community Trust will be maintained as a separately stated fund within the City’s annual audited financial statements, subject to full public accountability.
Location of Project: City-wide
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 26-17
2. Exhibit A: Article XV: Naturally Port St. Lucie Community Trust
3. Naturally PSL Community Trust Presentation
4. NaturallyPSL_Comms Plan
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25218-08
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Carly Fabien, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.