As of today, the City of Portland has finalized the consolidation of its tree code permits and enforcement team into the Permitting & Development department. The move includes 21 professionals from the Urban Forestry Division of Portland Parks & Recreation, now absorbed into a new Tree Permitting Division. Their objective is clear: to manage tree permits and enforce the City's tree code for both private and street trees, amidst and outside of development projects.
Robert Irving, a seasoned arborist with more than two decades under his belt, leads the new division. He's been at the helm of the tree permitting staff in Permitting & Development since last November. With these changes, residents can still reach out using the Tree Hotline at 503-823-TREE (8733), or by emailing [email protected] for any tree-related concerns or permit needs.
The restructuring doesn't leave Urban Forestry in the dust, though. Headed by City Forester Jenn Cairo, the department clings to its pivotal role in managing the city's verdant infrastructure, a routine studded with forest assessments, tree care, community stewardship, and educational programs. Urban Forestry's backbone – the Urban Forestry Commission – continues to garner support for its operations from the Urban Forestry Division.
David Kuhnhausen, interim director of Permitting & Development, underscored the importance of this operational shift: "Portland Permitting & Development continues to focus on ways to improve our delivery of services to Portlanders," he stated, "Our new team of tree experts, focused on tree permitting and regulation, will play an important role in these efforts." Meanwhile, the Parks & Recreation interim director, Sonia Schmanski, assured that the city's dedication to maintaining and growing the urban tree canopy remains unwavering.
This shake-up stems from the city council's decision during the fiscal year 2025-26 budget amendment last June, resulting in the elimination of 10 positions in Urban Forestry's Permitting and Regulation team as of September 1. To track the evolution and success of this administrative marriage, according to an announcement on the City's website, leaders from both Permitting & Development and Parks & Recreation will be furnishing regular reports to the city council until the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026.
