City Council Agenda Report
July 21, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Albert Mendoza, P.E., Director of Public Services/City Engineer Damian Rosales, Public Services Superintendent
Gabriela Garcia, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: UPDATED CITY OF NORWALK URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN Background:
The City's urban forest is an essential component of Norwalk's public infrastructure. Public trees provide environmental, economic, and social benefits by improving air quality, reducing urban heat, capturing stormwater, enhancing neighborhood aesthetic, supporting wildlife habitat, and improving the overall quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
In November 2014, the City Council adopted Norwalk's first Urban Forest Management Plan (Plan), establishing a long-term framework for managing, preserving, and enhancing the City's publicly maintained trees. Since its adoption, the City has continued to implement many of the Plan's recommendations through proactive tree maintenance, annual tree planting efforts, Arbor Day celebrations, and ongoing public education and outreach. The 2014 Plan was intended to guide the City over a 20-year planning horizon while recognizing that periodic updates would be necessary as the City's urban forest, community priorities, and industry best practices evolved.
Over the past decade, Norwalk's urban forest has continued to mature, and advancements in urban forestry practices, technology, environmental conditions, and climate resilience have highlighted the need to update the existing Plan. As a result, Plan no longer reflected the City's current tree inventory, industry standards, or long-term urban forestry priorities.
To address these changes, the City retained West Coast Arborists, Inc. to update the Urban Forest Management Plan in order to provide a comprehensive framework for managing, preserving, and expanding Norwalk's publicly maintained urban forest while incorporating current industry standards, updated inventory data, canopy assessments, and implementation strategies. The Plan is intended to serve as a living document that will guide future tree planting,
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maintenance, preservation, and management practices while adapting to changing environmental conditions, community needs, and best management practices.
The updated inventory identified 16,164 publicly maintained trees representing 252 species, 148 genera, and 51 plant families. Approximately 82 percent of the City's trees are in good condition, reflecting decades of proactive maintenance. The inventory also identified more than vacant planting sites, providing significant opportunities to expand the City's urban tree canopy.
The Plan recommends increasing the City's tree canopy by an average of 3 percent every ten years through strategic tree planting, preservation of mature trees, and continued investment in proactive maintenance. It also establishes implementation priorities, planting strategies, maintenance standards, public education initiatives, and long-term goals that will guide the City's urban forestry program.
In addition to establishing technical standards and implementation strategies, the Plan recognizes the importance of continued public education and community participation. The City already conducts annual outreach efforts, including Arbor Day events, volunteer tree planting opportunities, and other community programs that promote the value of Norwalk's urban forest.
The updated Plan builds upon these existing efforts by encouraging continued public awareness and participation in maintaining a healthy and resilient urban forest.
Benefits of the Updated Plan:
•Establishes a long-term vision for the City's urban forest. •Improves consistency in tree planting and maintenance. •Expands tree canopy and climate resilience.
•Improves species diversity.
•Supports future grant opportunities.
•Provides a framework for long-term budgeting and planning.
Following the presentation, staff will incorporate any City Council feedback and return with a Resolution for formal adoption. Upon adoption, implementation will occur over multiple years as funding becomes available.
Fiscal Impact:
Adoption of the Urban Forest Management Plan does not authorize new expenditures. The Plan serves as a long-term policy document that will guide future budgeting, grant applications, and operational decision-making.
Citizens Advised:
The City is conducting a community survey throughout the month of July to better understand the community's perceptions of and priorities for the urban forest. The survey is being promoted City Council
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through the City's website, social media platforms, and other public outreach channels. The results will help assist with initiatives and implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan.
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 2.1.d: Develop an Urban Forest Management Plan.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council review the Draft Urban Forest Management Plan, provide feedback, and direct staff to return to the August 18, 2026, City Council meeting for adoption.
Attachments:
Link to Draft Urban Forest Management Plan - https://link.norwalkca.gov/i2n