DATE:
July 15, 2025
TO:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
FROM:
Mohamed Aloui, Director of Public Works
SUBJECT:
Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Contract With Los Loza Inc. In The Amount Of $712,130.00 For Planting Of Trees In Marina Park And Various Streets In Emeryville, Project No. EPW-24251004, And Authorizing The City Manager To Increase The Contract By $177,870.00 For A Total Not To Exceed Contract Amount Of $890,000; CEQA Determination: Exempt Pursuant To CEQA Guideline 15301(C) Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the above-entitled resolution.
Background
Following direction from the Emeryville City Council in January 2022, City staff developed a comprehensive plan for evaluating municipal street trees and identifying locations where tree canopy could be expanded or enhanced. This initiative resulted in a 2023 study session where staff presented the completed Street Tree Opportunity Study Report and Planting Guide to Council.
In response to the severe windstorms of 2023, which toppled over 80 mature trees in Marina Park and other parts of Emeryville, city staff proposed an expanded vision for street tree planting. The 2025 Urban Tree Planting Project marks the realization of that vision, committing to the planting and long-term care of at least 125 new trees throughout Emeryville to strengthen and grow the city’s urban forest.
The project includes comprehensive site preparation and planting services at each location, including mulching, staking, and initial pruning to ensure successful establishment. Additionally, sidewalk reconstruction will be performed where necessary to accommodate new tree installations. Project improvements also include tree protection measures and ongoing maintenance during the establishment period.
Discussion
Urban tree canopy provides critical environmental benefits by filtering air pollutants, sequestering atmospheric carbon, reducing the urban heat island effect, and managing stormwater runoff to prevent flooding. Trees significantly improve public health by reducing respiratory and cardiovascular disease rates, lowering stress levels, and creating pleasant spaces that encourage physical activity and strengthen community social bonds. Economically, urban forests deliver strong returns on investment by increasing property values and reducing energy costs through natural cooling.
To implement the 2025 Urban Tree Planting Project, staff strategically selected tree planting locations based on an inventory of fallen trees from the 2023 windstorms as well as the comprehensive Street Tree Opportunity Study. The Street Tree Opportunity Study site selection process evaluated potential planting locations across the city using two primary assessment criteria:
Equity Priority Index: Sites were prioritized based on socioeconomic and demographic factors, including areas with lower tree cover per capita, higher percentages of impervious surfaces, elevated surface temperatures, lower median incomes, higher asthma rates, vulnerable populations (seniors and children under 6), higher shares of non-White residents, and CalEnviroScreen 4.0 environmental justice indicators.
Planting Suitability Index: Sites were evaluated for technical feasibility based on planting cutout size, soil conditions, proximity to underground and overhead utilities, distance from driveways and former environmental cleanup sites, and availability of additional soil for root development.
This dual-criteria approach was used to ensure the City's tree planting investments provide maximum environmental and social benefits while maintaining high success rates for tree establishment and long-term health.
Staff formally advertised the Urban Tree Planting Project on June 4, 2025, following public bidding procedures. On June 18, 2025, the City received five bids that were publicly opened and evaluated in accordance with the City's procurement procedures.
Los Loza Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid proposal of $712,130 (Attachment A), approximately 8.7% below the City Engineer's estimate. Staff has determined that Los Loza Inc. is qualified by training and experience to render the services described in the scope of work and their bid proposal meets all requirements. Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Los Loza Inc. in the amount of $712,130.00. Authorization for not-to-exceed $890,000 in funding will allow additional tree plantings on an as-needed basis.
Fiscal Impact
Sufficient funds for this not-too-exceed contract exist in CIP #URG-04, Project #24251004 as identified in the approved 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program.
Staff Communication with the Public
None.
Conflict of Interest
None.
Conclusion
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the above-entitled resolution authorizing the award of the contract to Los Loza Inc. for the 2025 Urban Tree Planting Project.
PREPARED BY: Matthew Anderson, Environmental Programs Supervisor Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
Attachments
Draft Resolution
Exhibit A – Construction Contract
Urban Tree Planting Project
City Council Meeting | July 15, 2025
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM