On Friday, October 6th, Mayor Michelle Wu heralded the arrival of an $11 million federal grant from the U.S. Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program for the City of Boston, in collaboration with Sen. Ed Markey. Funds are targeted for workforce development in urban and community forestry, mitigating financial and technical barriers related to enhancing Boston's tree canopy, and strengthening the city's Tree Alliance Program, accordning to the City of Boston. This funding is a segment of a $22 million package for Massachusetts's urban green space expansion including projects in cities like Springfield and East Boston, as per Hoodline.
The allocation, Mayor Wu suggested, presents a potential to create "cool, green, healthy spaces for residents to thrive." A key focus of the projects supported by these funds is to promote environmental justice and bridge disparities seen among different Boston neighborhoods.
To improve tree care and accessibility as well as green infrastructure, some of the awarded funding will be used near the city's walkways. Besides these features, planners are putting emphasis on accessibility for those with mobility and visual limitations, via novel materials and designs. Collaboration with advocates for accessibility will be an ongoing part of this process, as reported by the City of Boston.
Central to the city's green strategy is the 2022 Urban Forest Plan. Among its main goals is to expand the urban forest equitably and combat the effects of increased heat due to climate change. Also part of the initiative is a drive for inclusivity and to allow more residents to reap the benefits of trees, especially in traditionally marginalized neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury. Tree canopy expansion and the establishment of community resilience by developing the workforce among younger demographics are priorities here.
One program involved is PowerCorps Boston. This "earn and learn" initiative offers training for young people in the green industry. Besides equipping participants with practical skills related to climate resilience and green industry practices, PowerCorps Boston supports the City of Boston's climate policies. With the grant's aid, expansion of the program is expected to include two cohorts per year, increased stipends, and the creation of new roles to oversee the program.
Additionally, the Boston's Tree Alliance Program will see growth through the grant. The program has a strong focus on private land in neighborhoods without enough tree coverage and encourages community participation in expanding the urban forest. Since its inception, the Tree Alliance has aided in the implementation of microforests in venues like the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, furthers the City of Boston. With the aid of this federal grant, the program can bolster their planting, outreach, maintenance, and staffing capabilities.
Not only Boston but entire Massachusetts is actively addressing environmental justice by creating urban green spaces. Governor Maura Healey focused on the importance of the funding for the state, stating that municipalities across Massachusetts are excited to utilize the federal funds to improve public health and increase access to green spaces for residents, according to Hoodline.
