Things have been heating up this summer at TreePeople!
Policy work is an essential part of our vision for a climate-resilient future– but we can’t do it alone! We depend on our collaborations with legislators and policymakers to help the region and state adapt to climate change’s effects, like rising temperatures and long-term water challenges.
Here are a few ways TreePeople is influencing policy:
STATE
TreePeople is working with legislators to promote healthy watersheds and advance urban greening and climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. For example, in June, our CEO, Cindy Montañez and Senior Director of Policy, Deborah Bloome spent 2 days in Sacramento to meet with over a dozen legislators and policymakers. We look forward to engaging more than ever on critical state-level policy work with Cindy, a former State Legislator, as our new CEO!
COUNTY
Right now at the Los Angeles County level, we’re partnering to support sustainable funding for public transit and parks on the November ballot.
EnviroMetro
As a member of the EnviroMetro coalition, we’re advocating for a range of outcomes from this year’s transportation ballot measure— including better incorporation of green infrastructure design standards into public transportation projects. In fact, our CEO testified in support of the measure on behalf of EnviroMetro last month! As one of the largest transportation agencies in the country, Metro has a huge opportunity to promote urban greening projects to grow a climate-resilient LA. A successful transportation ballot measure in November is an exciting place to start!
#OurParks
In July, our Policy Coordinator, Jenny Binstock testified on behalf of the #OurParks Coalition at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in support of the Safe Clean Neighborhood Parks Initiative, which will be on November’s ballot.The measure ensures quality of life, equitable access , enhanced sustainability efforts, and funding for parks and open spaces in LA County for decades to come. We see the measure as a critical opportunity to promote climate resilience by creating projects in parks that support water capture, provide tree canopy and give our city communal cooling centers during periods of extreme heat.
LOCAL
Multi-Agency collaborations like the Greater LA Water Collaborative and strategies to implement the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s first-ever Stormwater Capture Master Plan are part of our City-level engagement. We’re also deeply invested in shaping the City’s efforts to advance stronger urban forestry practices and protections in light of last year’s Willits settlement that will spur the repair of inaccessible sidewalks.
Want to learn more about TreePeople’s policy work? Click here to read more!