The Oakland City Council has adopted its first Urban Forest Plan, a 50-year roadmap focused on equitable tree care, canopy preservation, and environmental justice to benefit underserved communities.

The Oakland City Council has unanimously approved the city’s first Urban Forest Plan, marking a historic commitment to the care, maintenance, and equitable growth of Oakland’s urban forest. The Plan, a 50-year roadmap, aims to preserve the city’s 68,000 public trees, increase tree canopy coverage, and address disparities in tree distribution. Developed with significant community input, the Plan aligns with Oakland’s Equitable Climate Action Plan and General Plan, emphasizing the importance of environmental justice. Key initiatives include tree maintenance, planting in underserved communities, updating ordinances, and fostering public-private partnerships to create green jobs and educational opportunities.
Oakland’s tree canopy, although more expansive than in many neighboring cities, has been declining and is unequally distributed, with frontline communities disproportionately affected. To address this, the Plan prioritizes tree planting in areas burdened by pollution, identified through CalEnviroScreen, and establishes an implementation team to secure funding and oversee its execution. A $1 million CAL FIRE grant supported the Plan’s creation, which included a Tree Canopy and Landcover Assessment, public engagement, and the planting of 700 trees in underserved neighborhoods. Nearly 2,500 residents contributed feedback to shape the Plan’s equitable vision.
With $8 million in USDA Forest Service funding secured through the Inflation Reduction Act, Oakland is set to implement key elements of the Plan over the next four years, including tree pruning and planting in priority areas. Public Works Director Josh Rowan highlighted the urgency of resuming proactive tree care, halted since the 2008 recession, to ensure cost-effective and sustainable urban forest management. The Plan not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also positions Oakland to pursue additional funding opportunities for long-term ecological and public health benefits.
FULL STORY: Oakland City Council Unanimously Adopts the City’s First Urban Forest Plan

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Inferior US Vehicle Standard Threaten European Safety
EU vehicles are much safer than U.S. vehicles due to better standards. The U.S. wants its standard to be considered ‘equivalent’ for import purposes. A European Transport Safety Council report examines the conflict.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits
The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland