ShadePolicy
Everyone agrees that L.A. needs more shade. But making that happen is trickier than navigating rush hour on the 405.
Policy Playbook
From tree planting to built shade, our policy briefs offer game-changing solutions to make shade more possible.
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Policy BriefTree Permitting Reform
In L.A., it’s harder than it should be to plant street trees. Our research team analyzed surveys and conducted interviews with City staff and tree-planting partners to streamline permitting and strengthen coordination.
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Policy BriefBuilt Shade Reform
Complex, underdeveloped regulations for built shade slow progress toward adding shade on our streets, at transit stops, and in parks. Our research partners at the Emmett Institute at the UCLA School of Law have identified solutions to make it easier to build shade where it’s needed most.
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Letter of SupportCity Plants Continuity of Services
ShadeLA urges the L.A. City Council to continue operation and funding for City Plants, a cornerstone of L.A. urban forestry and heat resilience efforts.
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Letter of SupportL.A. City Mayor's Budget
ShadeLA urges the L.A. City Council to reconsider additional funding to support essential tree permitting staff in Urban Forestry Division under the 2026-27 Mayor’s Proposed Budget.
This work was supported by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and USC Dornsife Public Exchange.
Thank you to research partners at the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the UCLA School of Law.