Climate Action and Sustainability

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Long Beach Urban Forest Plan Update

The City of Long Beach is developing an Urban Forest Plan (UFP), a roadmap to grow, maintain, and protect the trees and green spaces that make Long Beach more livable, sustainable, and resilient. The UFP will guide how Long Beach plans for tree canopy growth in public parks, along streets, and throughout neighborhoods for years to come, including decisions related to how trees are planted, removed, managed, and maintained.

Trees in Long Beach play a critical role in addressing key environmental and public health challenges. They help cool neighborhoods during extreme heat, improve air and water quality, support biodiversity, and enhance walkability and public safety. Trees also contribute to community identity and physical and mental health. However, not all communities have equal access to the benefits of a healthy tree canopy. In particular, neighborhoods in Central, West, and North Long Beach are disproportionately affected by disinvestment and climate risk.

The UFP planning process is facilitated in partnership with local nonprofit City Fabrick and environmental planning firm Dudek. It includes a robust, multilingual public engagement campaign, featuring pop-up events, listening sessions, open houses, and an online storytelling campaign. Community feedback will be central to identifying priorities and strategies that reflect the lived experiences and values of Long Beach residents.

The UFP supports the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan and aligns with numerous adopted City plans, including the Land Use Element, Open Space Element, Parks Strategic Plan, and various Specific Plans. It also advances priorities outlined in the City’s 10-year community investment initiative, the Westside Promise, and the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Plan. Additionally, the Plan supports the City’s 2030 Strategic Vision, particularly in areas focused on sustainability, equity, and quality of life. The UFP is expected to be completed mid-2026 and will serve as a vital tool in achieving the City’s environmental, public health, and equity goals.

 Urban Forest Plan (UFP) Survey

The City of Long Beach is seeking community input to develop an Urban Forest Plan. The survey will gather feedback on residents’ experiences with trees, their priorities for future investments, and their ideas for improving access to green spaces citywide. Feedback garnered will help inform the City’s UFP, which will:

• Evaluate the current state of the City’s tree canopy and maintenance practices.
• Identify neighborhoods with the highest need for new tree plantings.
• Set community-informed goals for equity, climate resilience, and sustainability.
• Recommend best practices for tree care, operations, and policy improvements.
• Support long-term investment in the City’s tree canopy and the critical and necessary infrastructure that supports a healthy lifecycle.

The survey includes 20 questions and should take you approximately 5 minutes to complete. The survey has been extended until November 9, 2025, and is available in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog. Participants can enter to win one of ten $50 gift cards in an opportunity drawing. Those without internet access can complete the survey using public computers at any open Long Beach Public Library location. Print surveys will also be made available at outreach events. 

For questions about the UFP Survey, please contact the Office of Climate Action & Sustainability by phone at (562) 570-6396 or email at Sustainability@longbeach.gov.

Success of the UFP will rely on your input to ensure the plan reflects the community’s ideas, priorities, and values for trees. Please tell us what you think!