TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Parks |
Loreen Hamilton |
425-979-2820 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Parks |
Lindsey Falkenburg |
Parks Planning Manager |
|
Parks |
Amy Whitham |
Environmental Resiliency CivicSpark Fellow |
TITLE:
title
Tree Canopy Expansion Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
City staff continue to advance a comprehensive, cross-departmental approach to protecting and expanding Redmond's urban forest. Current efforts include updating the City's Tree Code, expanding tree canopy through capital projects and volunteer programs, implementing the annual Tree Giveaway, improving tree-related data and mapping tools, collecting new LiDAR and aerial imagery to better monitor canopy conditions, and advancing long-term urban forestry planning and program capacity. Together, these initiatives improve the City's ability to protect existing trees, strategically expand canopy, and make data-informed decisions that support community and environmental resilience.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
PARCC Plan, Redmond 2050 Plan, Tree Canopy Strategic Plan, 20-Year Forest Management Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
Originally this COW meeting was intended to be a more specific update on the Tree Giveaway, however there was a request from Council Member Parsi for a more comprehensive update on Tree Canopy Expansion.
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Staff continue to make measurable progress toward protecting, expanding, and better managing Redmond's urban forest. Recent work has advanced implementation of the comprehensive Tree Code update, positioned new tree canopy expansion projects for fall planting, expanded community education and outreach through the Tree Giveaway program, improved the City's ability to monitor canopy conditions through updated LiDAR and aerial imagery collection, and strengthened the foundation for long-term urban forestry planning through mapping, and management plan initiatives. Collectively, these efforts support a more resilient, equitable, and data-informed approach to growing and sustaining Redmond's tree canopy.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Ongoing for various different initiatives.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Ongoing for various different initiatives.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
Funding for the Tree Canopy Expansion efforts come from various funding sources.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
Funding for tree canopy expansion efforts come from various funding sources.
Budget Priority:
Funding for tree canopy expansion efforts come from various funding sources.
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
TBD
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
6/24/2025 |
Study Session |
Receive Information |
|
2/24/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
|
6/24/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Tree Giveaway Equity Priority Areas Map