In an effort to improve equitable, community-focused urban forestry outcomes, City Council passed ongoing funding for a Community Tree Program in 2022. Following the budget adoption, the City of Tacoma solicited proposals for a partnership program between the City’s Urban Forestry Program and a local nonprofit. The goal of this Program is to enhance community engagement, education, growth, and stewardship of Tacoma’s urban forest by reducing barriers and expanding programming to underserved and overburdened neighborhoods throughout Tacoma.

Through a competitive bidding process, the Tacoma Tree Foundation was awarded the contract for the Community Tree Program.

Critical components to the Community Tree Program include:

• Community-centered Approach: authentic relationship building with diverse audiences is critical to develop equitable engagement strategies that will allows us to reach, involve, and engage underrepresented and overburdened communities.
• Trainings and Workshops: will aim to expand knowledge and enhance the technical skills of individuals involved in community greening efforts such as planning, tree selection, planting, care, and maintenance of Tacoma’s urban forest.
• “Full Service” Tree Programs: Green Blocks and Branch Out will be annual programs offered through this partnership.
• Volunteer Engagement: a robust number of volunteers and tree stewards are needed to facilitate the preservation, planting, and care of Tacoma’s urban forest.
• Community Outreach and Feedback: generating interest in current and new programming along with conducting surveys will allow us to update approach and service delivery to address community feedback.
• Community Appreciation: Celebration of our community and taking time to reflect on achievements throughout the year is critical for continued engagement.

If you are a community member and would like to get involved in the Community Tree Program, either as a volunteer or to see what programs are available to you, check out our partners at the Tacoma Tree Foundation to see what opportunities are available in your neighborhood.