City Council Agenda Report
September 1, 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 URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN AND RESOLUTION NO. 26-52, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE
FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TREE PLANTING INITIATIVES
IDENTIFIED IN THE UPDATED URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
Background:
The City's urban forest is a vital component of Norwalk's public infrastructure, providing significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. Public trees improve air quality, reduce urban heat, capture stormwater, enhance neighborhood aesthetics, support wildlife habitat, and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
In November 2014, City Council adopted the City’s first Urban Forest Management Plan (Plan), establishing a long-term framework for the management, preservation, and enhancement of the City's publicly maintained trees. Since its adoption, the City has implemented many of the Plan’s recommendations through proactive tree maintenance, annual tree planting programs, Arbor Day celebrations, and ongoing public education and outreach efforts. The 2014 Plan was developed with a 20-year planning horizon while recognizing that periodic updates would be necessary to address changes in the City's urban forest, evolving community priorities, and advancements in industry best management practices.
Over the past decade, City’s urban forest has continued to mature, while advancements in urban forestry practices, technology, environmental conditions, and climate resilience have underscored the need to update the existing Plan. Consequently, the 2014 Plan no longer accurately reflects the City's current tree inventory, industry standards, or long-term urban forestry priorities.
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To address these changes, the City retained West Coast Arborists, Inc. to prepare an updated Plan. The updated Plan provides 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, maintenance, preservation, and management practices while remaining adaptable to changing environmental conditions, community needs, and evolving best management practices.
The updated inventory identified approximately 16,164 publicly maintained trees representing 252 species, 148 genera, and 51 plant families. Approximately 82% of the City's trees are in good condition, reflecting decades of proactive maintenance and stewardship. The inventory also identified more than 10,000 vacant planting sites, presenting significant opportunities to expand the City's urban tree canopy.
The Plan recommends increasing the City's tree canopy by an average of 3% every 10 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 for years to come.
In addition to establishing technical standards and implementation strategies, the Plan emphasizes the importance of continued public education and community participation. The City currently conducts annual outreach initiatives, 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 successful efforts by encouraging continued public awareness, stewardship, and community involvement in maintaining a healthy and resilient, and sustainable 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.
Discussion:
During the July 21, 2026, Study Session, City Council expressed general support for the Plan and directed staff to incorporate additional implementation strategies prior to adoption.
Specifically, City Council emphasized expanding youth engagement by identifying meanable opportunities to partner with local schools and involve students in tree planting activities and urban forestry education. City Council also expressed support for prioritizing funding for future tree planting initiatives and requested that the implementation strategy include an estimated annual investment of $350,000 to begin advancing the Plan's recommendation of planting City Council September 1, 2026
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approximately 404 trees each year. Therefore, a budget amendment in the amount of $350,000 has been prepared to initiate implementation of the Plan's annual tree planting program.
Fiscal Impact:
The attached resolution amends the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Street Renovation Fund in the amount of $350,000.
Citizens Advised:
The City conducted a community survey from July 2 through July 31 to better understand the community’s perceptions of the City’s urban forest and priorities for the Urban Forest Management Plan. The survey was promoted through the City’s website, social media platforms, and other public outreach channels to encourage broad community participation. Feedback received through the survey provided valuable community input and generally reinforced the goals, priorities, and strategies identified in the Plan, including continued tree planting, maintenance, preservation, and long-term care of the City’s urban forest.
The survey received 593 responses, with 81% of respondents identifying as Norwalk residents.
Overall, the results reflected strong community support for the City’s urban forest and continued investment in tree planting and maintenance. Approximately 84% of respondents expressed appreciation for the trees in their neighborhoods, while 61% identified shade along sidewalks as a primary benefit of the urban forest. In addition, 65% supported planting more trees along public streets.
The survey also demonstrated strong interest in the long-term care and growth of Norwalk’s urban forest, with 291 respondents expressing interest in volunteering or assisting with tree- related efforts. The City also received 281 open-ended comments, providing further input regarding tree planting, maintenance, preservation, and the future of Norwalk’s urban forest.
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:
a.adopt Resolution 26-52, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
ADOPTED BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
TREE PLANTING INITIATIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE UPDATED URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN, in the amount of $350,000; and
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b.adopt the Updated City of Norwalk Urban Forest Management Plan, incorporating the direction provided during the July 21, 2026, Study Session regarding expanded youth engagement opportunities and future tree planting implementation priorities.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 26-52
2. Link to Urban Forest Management Plan - https://link.norwalkca.gov/x9m