Council authorizes $131,000 from tree planting trust fund to plant roughly 62 trees in FY26 canopy revitalization project

The council authorized a $131,000 transfer within the city’s tree planting trust fund on Sept. 11 to support the fiscal‑year‑26 Tree Canopy Revitalization Project. Staff said the funds will plant and establish an estimated 62 trees in priority areas identified through a data‑driven canopy study and heat island mapping.

Mayor and staff described the program as part of a broader effort to improve shade along pedestrian corridors and in neighborhoods with low canopy coverage; the funding includes establishment and a two‑year warranty to increase survivability. Public comment from former councilmembers asked for stronger action in certain neighborhoods and raised questions about earlier plantings and maintenance responsibility.

Why it matters: Urban canopy planting helps mitigate heat islands and improves pedestrian comfort, environmental quality and neighborhood livability. Council emphasized planting in priority corridors and intersections where data showed highest need.

Ending: Staff will implement site selection and planting over the coming planting season and will report back on establishment and monitoring.