The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Jan. 6 unanimously approved an Urban Forestry Master Plan billed by staff as an aspirational road map to expand and protect the city’s tree canopy. Mayor Trentales introduced the resolution, which authorizes the city manager to execute agreements needed to implement the plan subject to budget appropriation and fund availability.

The plan was presented as long‑term and resource‑intensive. City staff warned commissioners the level of canopy called for would require “tens of millions of dollars” and that funding — not plantings — is the principal challenge to implementation.

Residents and environmental advocates who spoke during public comment praised the plan’s emphasis on mature‑canopy preservation but pressed the commission for stronger enforcement and financial protections. Susie Bailey, speaking for a local residents’ group, asked the city to consider higher penalties tied to appraised value and to use stop‑work orders for repeat, flagrant violations. Artist and lifelong resident Stephanie McMillan said an approved development in her neighborhood could remove “50 or more mature trees,” urging more robust on‑site preservation.

Commissioners described the plan as an important resilience and public‑health measure. Commissioner Glassman and others noted the plan recognizes mangroves and other living shorelines as natural infrastructure and encouraged pilot projects where city property could host mangrove plantings. The commission approved the resolution with no recorded objections.

What happens next: The plan’s adoption allows staff to begin implementation planning, but major elements — including strengthened enforcement mechanisms and dedicated funding streams — will require future budget choices by the commission. The resolution emphasizes that specific projects and agreements will depend on appropriations and grant availability.