City staff told the Vallejo Beautification Commission that the city has secured a $1.7 million U.S. Forest Service grant to support trees, irrigation and workforce development for a multi-year waterfront greening plan.

The grant, staff said, targets tree planting and related infrastructure; irrigation was highlighted as an early priority. Staff said the city has contracted Gates and Associates for the design work, and that the project will be delivered in phases as funding becomes available.

Why it matters: The grant provides a significant infusion of federal funds for urban greening in shoreline parks and corridors. Staff stressed the project is a planning- and design-focused phase now and that actual construction and tree planting will depend on subsequent funding and scheduling.

Staff said the grant includes a workforce development component and that the city council has already accepted the award. A staff member told commissioners, “We received a million 7 from the U.S. Forest Service, to build in trees and things that support trees,” and said a design timeline will be published once consultants submit a schedule.

The design contract covers a continuous stretch from the south end of Independence Park up to the bridge; the full corridor will be implemented over multiple years as funds are obtained. Staff recommended inviting the project team to brief the commission once the design timeline is available so the commission can advise the council on planting details and decorative elements.

No formal action was taken by the commission; staff said they will return with timeline updates and public-meeting dates tied to the project’s public process.