Authored by the South LA Tree Coalition, the Safeguarding Los Angeles’ Urban Forest: Policy Pathways for Billboard Reform and Canopy Equity policy brief exposes how illegal and unregulated tree pruning tied to billboard visibility is contributing to the loss of Los Angeles’ urban canopy—especially in neighborhoods that already lack shade and suffer the greatest impacts of extreme heat. The report documents systemic gaps in enforcement and oversight, showing how weak penalties and fragmented city processes allow billboard operators to damage public trees with little accountability. It outlines a comprehensive policy framework to protect street trees, including stronger enforcement, mandatory tree impact assessments, interagency coordination, and a dedicated Urban Forestry Maintenance Fee funded by billboard operators. This paper advances community-driven policy solutions that prioritize canopy equity, environmental justice, and reinvestment in the tree-poor neighborhoods of South Los Angeles.
Download PDF [464KB]: SLATC_PolicyBrief_SafeguardingUrbanForest_ 2025_12_22