The University of Southern California Urban Trees Initiative is planting 250 trees in South L.A. neighborhoods to improve shade, combat climate change, and enhance community well-being through collaboration and data-driven approaches.
The University of Southern California (USC) Urban Trees Initiative recently planted the first 27 of 250 planned trees in South Los Angeles neighborhoods, starting in the West Adams area during a community block party. This collaboration between USC, the Koreatown Youth and Community Center, and L.A. Sanitation and Environment brought together university faculty, students, community organizers, and residents to improve local green spaces. The project aims to enhance livability by addressing the need for shade and combating the effects of rising temperatures in underserved communities such as Adams-Normandie, University Park, and Exposition Park.
The initiative, led by the USC Dornsife Public Exchange, emphasizes equitable access to green spaces through data-driven approaches. Experts in geospatial sciences, landscape architecture, air quality, and community engagement work together to ensure a sustainable and inclusive effort. Professor Esther Margulies of the USC School of Architecture highlighted the importance of educating residents about the benefits of trees in mitigating climate change and fostering healthier neighborhoods. These efforts align with USC’s broader “Assignment: Earth” initiative, promoting environmental research and community-driven sustainability.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Urban Trees Initiative and USC’s sustainability “moonshot” spearheaded by President Carol Folt in 2022. This initiative integrates green research, education, and policymaking to address environmental challenges and improve quality of life in Los Angeles. By planting trees in historically underserved areas, the project fosters a collaborative approach to building resilience against climate change while creating greener, healthier communities.
FULL STORY: Initiative expands green spaces in South Los Angeles neighborhoods
Growing ‘Climate Ready’ Urban Trees
A New Mexico research program will assess the health of seedlings to understand which trees will be most resilient to climate risks.
‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)