Atlanta City Council debates tree protection ordinance amid community concerns

The Atlanta City Council's Community Development/Human Services Committee convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the city's tree protection ordinance. The meeting focused on a substitute ordinance aimed at enhancing the low-income senior assistance program and addressing tree conservation efforts.

The proposed substitute increases funding for the low-income senior assistance program to $400,000, which will help with hazardous tree removal. It also introduces recompense reductions for single-family and multifamily units based on area median income and the percentage of affordable units. Additionally, the ordinance proposes the hiring of several arborists, with funding split between the Tree Trust Fund and the general fund.

Commissioner Prince outlined the ordinance's key features, including the establishment of a tree registry to prevent unlicensed tree companies from operating in the city and a commitment to assist homeowners with tree-related insurance issues. The ordinance also allows public projects to explore urban forestry options if they cannot meet the inch-for-inch tree replacement requirement.

Despite the proposed improvements, committee members expressed concerns about the timing and content of the ordinance. Some council members argued for more public input before voting, citing ongoing community concerns and the need for further discussion. They emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration in shaping the ordinance, especially given its long history and the diverse opinions surrounding it.

In response, city officials highlighted the urgency of passing the ordinance to align it with the new zoning regulations, which have not been updated in over 40 years. They assured that further amendments could be made in the future to address community feedback.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the substitute ordinance, but the debate over its adequacy and the need for additional public engagement remains a focal point for council members and constituents alike. The committee plans to revisit the ordinance in the coming months, aiming to refine it based on ongoing community input and the evolving needs of Atlanta's urban landscape.