April 1, 2025
City Council
DATE: April 1, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
Council Member Doria Robinson (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Incorporate Tree Wells for Sidewalk Development to
Increase Tree Canopies
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Cost and impact will be evaluated by City Staff.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
It is a priority for the City of Richmond to have more trees to help cool and clean the air by including tree wells for all CIP projects that included sidewalks and have not yet completed their design, or where a non-cost prohibitive change order could be used to adjust the design to
include tree wells where it is feasible.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT staff to immediately include tree wells for all CIP projects that include sidewalks and have not yet
completed their design, or where a non-cost prohibitive change order could be used to adjust the design to
include tree wells where it is feasible. Feasibility should be based on our new sidewalk standards and policy once
they are completed. DIRECT staff to create a clear
definition of what feasibility is as it relates to ADA
accessibility, legal, and safety constraints. DIRECT staff to work with local non-profits, community groups, and
residents, to plant trees in these new and old tree wells AGENDA
REPORT
April 1, 2025
and create and implement a regular tree maintenance
plan to take care of the trees once they are planted
- Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593)
Councilmember Doria Robinson (510-620-6568).
DISCUSSION:
As we move into a time when it is increasingly more important for the City of Richmond to have more trees to cool our city and help clean our air it is important to plan ahead and include in the infrastructure that we are building today more places to plant trees.
Not only do trees help improve air quality, but they also reduce flooding, and help create a more walkable and livable community. The City of Richmond needs more trees to improve air quality, reduce flooding, and cool the city. Trees also help create a more livable community.
We need to make space to plant trees all over the city, especially in marginalized communities. Richmond’s air quality is worse than other parts of the Bay Area, and the city has been designated as a “Tree City USA” since 2009. Benefits of more trees include:
Air quality: Trees remove air pollutants and improve air quality Temperature: Trees cool the city by providing shade and releasing water vapor Flooding: Trees reduce flooding by filtering stormwater Community: Trees create green spaces, encourage outdoor activity, and provide homes for wildlife
Noise: Trees reduce noise pollution
Property values: Trees increase property values
Once this item is approved, staff must:
Immediately include tree wells for all CIP projects that have not yet completed their design, or where a non-cost prohibitive change order could be used to adjust the design to include tree wells where it is feasible. Create a clear definition of what feasibility is as it relates to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, legal, and safety constraints. Work with local non-profits, community groups, and residents, to plant trees in these new and old tree wells and create and implement a regular tree maintenance plan to take care of the trees once they are planted.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None