City of Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission

The Commission formerly known as the “Tree Commission” was established in the early 1990’s and went dormant in the early 2000’s. New legislation was introduced in 2021 by Cleveland City Council members to amend and revive the Tree Commission in the Codified Ordinances (Chapter 163, Sections 163.01 to 163.04).

Now known as the Urban Forestry Commission (UFC), its purpose is to advise the Mayor and City Council on policies and regulations that will increase our tree canopy and vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Under this scope, the UFC will provide advice and strategic planning on how the City can implement best practices to maintain and grow Cleveland’s tree canopy. The work of the UFC will play an integral part in improving citywide tree canopy revitalization plans. Their duties include, assisting with the adoption of an urban forest management plan, developing and updating a comprehensive inventory of trees, providing recommendations on policy and plans, monitoring the implementation of City plans, soliciting grants or funding contributions, and much more. 

Upcoming Meetings:

The Urban Forestry Commission will hold quarterly public meetings. Meetings will be live-streamed on Sustainable Cleveland's YouTube page and broadcast to the TV20 Channel. Advance notice will be given of any changes.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 @ 4-5:30PM | AGENDA TBD

Join In-Person
Cleveland City Hall, 5th Floor, Room 514
601 Lakeside Ave. E.
Cleveland, OH 44114

Watch Virtually: Youtube LiveStream or TV20 Channel

*Approved minutes from the July 11th meeting will be posted after approval on Oct. 10th, recording is available now.

WATCH RECORDINGS

The commission will allow time for public comments at the bottom of the agenda. To submit public comments, you may do so by completing the online form or attending the in-person meeting and following the below parameters: 

• Sign in for public comment at least five (5) minutes prior to the meeting 
• The comment must be relevant to the agenda
• Each person has a three (3) minute time period for comments
• The Chairperson continues to have the discretion to allow comments

The UFC consists of fifteen (15) members; eight (8) of whom shall be appointed by, the Mayor, and seven (7) of whom shall be appointed by City Council: 

The UFC is currently seeking a Youth Resident appointment, open to Cleveland residents aged 11-17 by parental permission.  To apply, you may complete the online form or email Urban Forestry Manager, Jennifer Kipp at [email protected] or call (216) 664-2388 to apply. 

Meeting Documents & Recordings: 

• Summer 2023 Quarterly Meeting: July 11, 2023
  • Agenda
  • Video Recording
  • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes - PENDING APPROVAL
    
    
• Spring 2023 Quarterly Meeting: April 4, 2023
  • Agenda
  • Video Recording
  • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes - APPROVED
    
    
• Kick-Off Meeting: January 24, 2023
  
  • Agenda
  • Video Recording
  • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes - APPROVED

Resources: 

• Approved Rules & Regulations of the Urban Forestry Commission
  • Formation of Sub-committees
• Cleveland Tree Plan 2020 Progress Report
• The Cleveland Tree Plan
• City of Cleveland Press Release

*updated 07/18/2023