The City of Sacramento is preparing to launch the Urban Forest Plan Implementation Working Group, a collaborative team of City staff and community volunteers dedicated to expanding Sacramento’s tree canopy. Community members requested this group to support transparency and strengthen public involvement in implementing the Urban Forest Plan.

When the Urban Forest Plan was adopted, City Council directed staff (via Resolution 2025‑0194) to create this group in response to the community request. However, during early 2026 when trying to kick-off the group, staff discovered that the resolution’s language unintentionally triggered requirements under the Brown Act. Brown Act requirements would force the group to be formed as a formal City Commission instead of a flexible working group. This paused progress while staff evaluated options.

After reviewing alternatives, staff determined that establishing an informal working group best reflects what the community originally requested. A formal City Commission would make community collaboration more difficult by limiting participation, requiring strict meeting procedures, and demanding significantly more staff time and resources.

City Council Action – October 13, 2026

At the October 13, 2026, City Council meeting (2 p.m.), staff will recommend removing Section 4 of Resolution 2025‑0194. This change would eliminate the unintended Commission requirement and allow staff to create a flexible, community‑focused working group without altering any other part of the Urban Forest Plan. To learn more about the working group and Council item, please review these frequently asked questions.

Next Steps & How to Get Involved

If approved by City Council, staff will be able to move forward to create a working group.

• October 13, 2026, at 2 p.m.: City Council votes on this item. Meeting Materials and details on how to share your feedback will be posted on the City’s Public Participation Hub page at least 72 hours before the meeting.
• November 2026: An informational session will be held to explain the working group structure and how to participate.
• Late 2026: Applications will be open for residents and community partners to join the group.
• Spring 2027: Official launch and first meeting of the Urban Forest Plan Implementation Working Group.

To stay informed and receive updates when applications open, sign up for the Urban Forest Plan newsletter.