The Portland City Council's Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee convened on September 11, 2025, to discuss the adoption of the Portland Urban Forest Plan, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing public health, climate resilience, and environmental justice. This plan, developed over several years with extensive community input, seeks to guide the preservation and growth of the city's urban trees.

Interim Director of Portland Parks and Recreation, Sonia Szymanski, opened the meeting by emphasizing the collaborative nature of the plan's development, which involved contributions from community members, local businesses, and various city bureaus. The plan is designed to provide a unified vision for urban forestry in Portland, establishing clear goals and strategies for tree management and community engagement.

Belinda Eudelman, the project manager for the Urban Forest Plan, outlined its key components, including a commitment to increasing tree canopy coverage across neighborhoods and addressing disparities in tree distribution. The plan includes over 50 actionable items, each assigned to specific city bureaus for implementation. Notably, it aims to create a comprehensive street tree maintenance program and enhance educational opportunities for community involvement in urban forestry.

The plan's development was informed by a public comment period that garnered largely supportive feedback, although some concerns regarding private property rights were raised. These insights have been integrated into the recommended draft, which reflects a heightened urgency regarding climate change and the critical role of trees in mitigating its effects.

The Urban Forestry Commission, which plays a key advisory role, unanimously recommended the adoption of the plan, highlighting the pressing need for action in light of increasing climate risks. Commissioner Melinda McMillan reiterated the importance of the urban forest as a vital tool for public health and environmental sustainability.

As the committee prepares to present the plan to the full city council, the discussions underscore a collective commitment to enhancing Portland's urban landscape and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The anticipated adoption of the Urban Forest Plan marks a significant step toward fostering a healthier, more resilient city for all residents.