1 week Ago
As proud U.S. mayors, our biggest priority is the health and prosperity of the people living and working in our communities.
We pursue this goal in partnership with the federal government. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is a key part of this work — planting and caring for trees in cities and towns encourages civic engagement, boosts foot traffic, reduces temperatures during the summer months, generates positive economic impact for local businesses, and significantly reduces city crime . But most of the money for this work has been frozen until recently or has already been canceled.
The continued uncertainty and risk of future cancellations is putting our communities and this critical work in limbo. The impact is widespread: 500 rural and urban communities — home to more than 220 million Americans who live in 70% — of the country’s congressional districts — received this funding. We know firsthand that investing in community greening is essential for the safety and sustainability of communities.
Discontinuing these grants threatens the safety of our communities. The $1.35 billion awarded for urban forestry projects by the USDA not only supports America’s cities and towns, but our houses of worship, hospitals, schools and other essential community organizations.
It is a crucial investment for the urban forestry sector, which contributes more than $60 billion annually to our economy and employs more than 300,000 workers. We all rely on and need urban forestry services, which President Trump recognized in his first term when he championed the Trillion Trees Initiative. Trees are responsible for improving air and water quality, protecting residents from deadly heat and severe weather, increasing green space that boosts property values, and creating local economic opportunities.
This is why, as mayors on the frontlines of protecting our communities, we joined a bipartisan group of 23 fellow mayors from across the U.S. and sent a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins urging her to protect and honor this critical funding.
Our two cities — Allentown and Boise, Idaho — pursued this funding because we know it makes our communities healthier and improves the quality of life for residents. In Allentown, poor air quality has been a major public health challenge, contributing to our status as the number one asthma capital of America and the city with the highest number of asthma-related emergency department visits. City officials are working hard to reverse this course and are using a $923,000 award to increase the tree canopy to improve the air quality in neighborhoods that need it most.
Trees are a cost-effective solution to improving air quality in Allentown and have long-term benefits that extend to the city’s neighbors in Salisbury, Whitehall, Bethlehem and all over Pennsylvania. Nationwide, trees prevent an estimated 670,000 cases of asthma each year, and Allentown is just one of many communities in need of this intervention. Boise received $1.
1 million in federal funding to accelerate its tree planting program, an important part of the city’s overarching sustainability goals. Boise officials are building a resilient city full of opportunity and looking to lower utility costs and protect residents’ unparalleled access to outdoor space and recreation. The funding is invested into planting trees in areas of high urban heat and low tree canopy.
This program was created in partnership with local organizations and residents, and there have been incredible outcomes in the community as a result of these funds. Boise’s tree canopy provides much-needed shade, which naturally cools homes during our hot summers, saving residents and businesses money — all while expanding beyond Boise to revitalize the regional economy. Both cities are examples of how trees are tangible, proven investments providing life-saving benefits.
The USDA’s urban and community forestry grants have become a powerful way for cities and partners to stretch federal funding, often doubling or even quintupling their impact. For every dollar spent on trees, communities see a return of five dollars, meaning this investment of $1.35 billion, and the nearly two million trees that will be planted and cared for, may be able to deliver $7.
5 billion in benefits to Americans and their children for years to come. No matter how you cut it, investing in urban trees makes sense, but this funding and its benefits are at a serious risk of disappearing. We urge the USDA, the White House and Congress to join us in preserving this critical infrastructure investment.
Funding for trees is not about beautification or a political ideal — it is about public health, safety and prosperity for all Americans. This is a contributed opinion column. Matthew Tuerk is the mayor of Allentown.
Lauren McLean is the mayor of Boise, Idaho.The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual authors, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.
com/opinions..
