PWX 2019

Smart Funding Plan Brings New Life to an Urban Forest: San Francisco's Innovative Approach to Street Tree Maintenance (Room 617)

In 2016, San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to set-aside $19 million a year for Public Works to maintain the City’s 124,000+ street trees, providing the first-ever sustainable funding stream for care of the city’s urban forest. The money also covers costs for tree-related sidewalk damage. The measure, which took effect in 2017, more than quadrupled the previous funding allocation and ensures that the trees will be properly pruned and looked after. In addition, private property owners no longer are on the financial hook for maintaining the trees fronting their homes and businesses. Tree advocates spent years building the case for StreetTreeSF and it is expected to be a game-changer in the care of the San Francisco urban forest.