Council approves pilot reforestation program for Downtown Spokane

The Spokane City Council unanimously approved a resolution requesting the mayor and Park Board establish a pilot program to reforest Downtown Spokane and expand urban canopy coverage, with the Downtown Spokane Partnership and downtown business representatives expressing support.

Raylynn Barton, representing the Downtown Spokane Partnership, told the council the organization "supports this resolution and Spokane's commitment to reforestation and urban canopy expansion, particularly in the downtown core." Barton urged outreach to property owners and technical support from urban forestry.

Clayton McFarland, a property manager and broker representing downtown businesses, said the pilot addresses prior barriers to replacing street trees, including unclear water-line responsibility and high replacement costs. "We're excited about this pilot program. It, hopefully can be codified by an ordinance once we as a business community and a property owner community can give you results that this actually works to replace trees," McFarland said.

Councilmembers noted the city previously received a federal grant intended to increase canopy cover and said expanding eligibility and coordination downtown would leverage those funds. Councilmember Bridal and others emphasized that improved canopy can yield heat mitigation, property-value and neighborhood-quality benefits.

The resolution passed 6-0. Councilmembers and business advocates said they intend to pursue follow-on work to clarify maintenance roles and water infrastructure responsibilities before and during the pilot.