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 more shade possible.
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Policy BriefTree Permitting Reform
In L.A., it’s harder than it should be to plant street trees. We offer solutions that can streamline permitting and strengthen coordination.
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Policy BriefBuilt Shade Reform
Trees aren’t the only way to bring more shade to L.A. Our research partners at the UCLA Emmett Institute have identified how to increase built shade on our streets, at transit stops, and in parks across the City and the County.
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Letter of SupportCity Plants Continuity of Services
City Plants is a cornerstone of L.A.’s urban forestry and heat resilience efforts. Continued funding is essential to support coordinated tree planting, and we urge the L.A. City Council to avoid a prolonged service gap.
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Letter of SupportL.A. City Budget for Urban Forestry Division
Increasing funding for essential tree-permitting staff in the Urban Forestry Division is critical to ensuring timely permit processing and protecting the city’s urban forest. We urge the Los Angeles City Council to include this in the proposed 2026–2027 budget.
This work was supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, 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.