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Albany announces parcel tax measure to fund sidewalks and street-tree program
Summary
City staff told the commission that the city council approved placing a parcel-tax measure on the November ballot expected to raise about $750,000 annually, roughly $500,000 of which staff estimate would support street-tree management and planting.
City staff told the Urban Forestry Commission that the city council voted to place a parcel‑tax measure on the November ballot to fund sidewalks and street‑tree programs, with staff estimating the measure would generate about $750,000 annually and that approximately $500,000 could be directed to street-tree work.
Staff said the tax would allow the city to finance a larger initial investment in lighting and sidewalks and then pay it down over time, enabling larger coordinated projects rather than piecemeal fixes. Commissioners discussed using some of the expected funding to fund a short-term planting strategy on Solano Avenue and to create a subcommittee to provide planting guidance once the funding is secured.
Staff framed the parcel tax as a significant step to enable more proactive, structured maintenance of street trees and sidewalk rehabilitation. Commissioners welcomed the funding prospect and noted the urgency of developing a planting and maintenance plan to use funds effectively if voters approve the measure.
