US Mayors Urge USDA to Preserve Funding for Urban Tree Programs

US Urban Forestry Funding Faces Uncertainty, Putting Community Benefits at Risk

United States cities are finding themselves at a crossroads as federal funding for urban forestry, instrumental in improving urban living conditions, faces potential cuts. The Urban and Community Forestry Program by the USDA has been crucial in fostering community involvement, lowering urban temperatures, and helping local businesses thrive, while also significantly reducing urban crime rates. However, recent freezes and cancellations of financial support have left 500 rural and urban communities, impacting over 220 million residents across 70% of the nation’s congressional districts, in a state of uncertainty.

The halted $1.35 billion funding was earmarked for urban forestry projects that play a vital role in supporting essential community services such as places of worship, hospitals, and educational institutions. This sector, which contributes over $60 billion annually to the U.S. economy and provides over 300,000 jobs, is at risk. The importance of urban forestry has long been recognized, including by former President Trump through the Trillion Trees Initiative, given its role in enhancing air and water quality, mitigating extreme weather impacts, and creating economic opportunities through increased green space.

In response to these funding challenges, a bipartisan coalition of 23 U.S. mayors has appealed to USDA Secretary Rollins to safeguard this essential financial support. The mayors of Allentown and Boise, Idaho, emphasize the substantial benefits this funding brings to their communities.

Allentown, struggling with poor air quality that makes it the number one asthma capital in America, has utilized a $923,000 grant to increase its tree canopy. This initiative is aimed at enhancing air quality not only in Allentown but also in neighboring Pennsylvania regions such as Salisbury, Whitehall, and Bethlehem. Trees across the country are estimated to prevent 670,000 asthma cases yearly, and Allentown’s use of this funding exemplifies its critical need.

Boise has been awarded $1.1 million to expand its tree planting efforts, aligning with the city’s sustainability objectives. This funding supports planting in areas with high heat and insufficient tree cover, providing natural cooling and economic benefits. The program's collaboration with local groups has produced remarkable community outcomes, offering residents shade that reduces cooling costs during hot summers and stimulates the regional economy.

Both cities highlight the tangible returns from investing in urban forestry, with the USDA’s grants amplifying community impact through strategic use of federal funds. For every dollar spent on these initiatives, communities receive five dollars back, predicting a potential $7.5 billion in returns from the $1.35 billion investment. Nonetheless, the continuation of this vital funding remains precarious.

Efforts are underway to urge federal authorities to recognize the essential nature of this investment, emphasizing that it serves public health and community welfare rather than mere aesthetic enhancement.