The County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office is leading the effort to prepare the county's first Urban Forest Management Plan.

Made up of trees on both public and private lands, the urban forest is an essential part of a healthy, thriving, and resilient community. When spread equitably and supported by other urban greening measures, a well-managed urban forest throughout Los Angeles County can deliver a wide range of benefits, such as healthier soils, biodiversity, habitats, shading from heat, and greater community health and well-being.
The County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) is leading the effort to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) which is a blueprint that will guide the planting of new trees and the protection of mature trees throughout the region. OurCounty, L.A. County's Sustainability Plan, calls for the development of the UFMP to ensure a climate-appropriate, healthy urban tree canopy that is equitably distributed. A key goal for the UFMP is to address inequities in the distribution of trees and tree canopy as well as the benefits they offer. Research shows that lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color often have less tree canopy.
In this article, CSO policy analyst Rebecca Ferdman addresses the following important questions and more:
- Compared to most major urban areas, does L.A. have a relatively healthy urban forest?
- Why are trees so important? Both from an ecological point of view and a quality of life point of view?
- What role do trees play in climate change? How can they help us adapt to rising temperatures, wildfires and the like?
- What can we do to make sure that all residents benefit from vibrant tree canopies?
- What kind of trees should we be planting in our communities?
- Is the iconic palm tree maybe a thing of the past?
- What is driving the County's UFMP and what do you hope to achieve?
To learn more, please read the source article.
FULL STORY: Putting Down Roots

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions