William Cocchi has been a successful Mayor for the City of Mansfield since 1992. In 2007 he formed the Mansfield Tree Board, adopted a tree ordinance, and exceeded budget requirements to meet the requirements for certification in the Tree City USA program. The City of Mansfield and Mansfield Elementary School partner each year for a community Arbor Day event. In addition to annual Tree City recertification the City has also received the Growth Award for three consecutive years in 2008-2010.
Mayor Cocchi has supported all Mansfield Tree Board projects with 100% success with Council approval for grants, planting, and tree care projects. The City was a primary partner for funding and in kind support for a GFC Making the Shade grant project at Mansfield Elementary School and a Newton County Clean & Beautiful GreatWays Grant for street tree planting. The City developed a memorial tree planting site at the Community Center and has partnered with the tree board to get 75+ trees planted. Mansfield Council adopted a 2011-2021Comprehensive Plan with an emphasis on tree planting to restore lost canopy. The City has been awarded a 2011Urban Community Forestry Grant for a street tree inventory, management plan, and future plan for tree restoration.
Mayor Cocchi has provided the support and developed partnerships that have made it possible for a wide variety of volunteers in a small, rural community to develop a strong Urban Forestry program.
