How to care for S.F.'s 110,000 street trees and 130,000 park trees was the subject of a hearing last week called by Supervisor Scott Wiener. The Department of Public Works is engaged in a controversial program to transfer care to property owners.
San Francisco's trees are in desperate need of some TLC. According to Joshua Sabatini, a "lack of funding has historically plagued the [city's] urban forest, resulting
in sick trees, trees that topple and a thinner canopy compared to other
cities." With a recent report by AECOM estimating the cost of maintaining the existing trees, and planting a modest 2,900 more per year, at between $22.6 million to $31.3 million annually, Supervisor Scott Wiener "is attempting to figure out how to reform The City's tree care system."
A plan to transfer maintenance duties to individual property owners, "is drawing complaints from property
owners and city officials," says Sabatini. "'By any measure, this is not the right way to take care of our street
trees and results in wildly inconsistent maintenance,' said Wiener, who
has supported The City taking back care of all the street trees."
The AECOM study identified three other options to ensure consistent funds for maintenance: a special assessment district, a parcel tax or a general obligation bond.
FULL STORY: Supervisor Scott Wiener seeks better care for urban forest in The City

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.
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