American Forests’ Post

The world is changing quickly, and cities and towns need a guiding light to manage their future. An effective comprehensive plan can be that guiding light. Read more from my colleague about how we can help communities of all sizes: https://stantec.co/3SDtDaW #cities #UrbanPlanning

Learn how the Town Council of Ashland, Mass, increased resident satisfaction in the natural environment after identifying community priorities using The National Community Survey (The NCS) by Polco. Plus, Michelle Kobayashi, Principal Research Strategist at Polco, shares more insightful thoughts on how your #LocalGov can leverage surveys to make better, data-informed decisions. Read more in American City & County: https://lnkd.in/e8MYQ9y4

In a possible sign of the #COVID19 pandemic’s lasting impact, the country’s fastest-growing places are increasingly likely to be far-flung #exurban communities on the outer margins of metro areas, according to new #CensusData. Learn more on #AmericaCounts. 👉 https://lnkd.in/exerx74Z #PopulationEstimates #PopEstimates

Here's a new resource to guide local planning efforts related to transportation in rural areas.

Disappointing to know that so much more could be done to keep our environment from degrading further but the profit motive stands in the way. Can people please try to make do with a bit less so that you, your loved ones and the rest of us, can live in healthier neighborhoods, towns, cities? #environmentalimpact #cleanenergysolutions #greenbuildings https://lnkd.in/enVFeuPn

We're looking forward to participating in the upcoming The City Club of Cleveland forum: Cleveland, The Reforested City on February 23rd! About this forum: Over the last 50 years, Cleveland has lost about half its tree canopy due to development and disease. Experts say our tree coverage should be at least 30 percent; instead we're at 18% and falling. This statistic is worse in east side neighborhoods, like Central, which has only 6.5% tree canopy coverage. Trees are a critical piece of our community: They make neighborhoods healthier and safer; add economic value to homes and businesses; help meet environmental challenges; and give us all a stronger connection to nature that improves mental health. What can be done to ensure our City meets its ambitious goal of 30% tree coverage by 2040? Right now, a collaboration of public, private, and community stakeholders have been working to advocate for funding, policy changes, and public awareness of the importance of rebuilding the urban forest. Panelists: Samira Malone, Director, Cleveland Tree Coalition Krystal Sierra, Director of Neighborhood Sustainability, Slavic Village Development Divya Sridhar, Manager of Climate Resiliency And Sustainability, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress Moderator: Rich Cochran, President & Chief Executive Officer, Western Reserve Land Conservancy Purchase your tickets or watch the live stream at https://lnkd.in/eBPpXXwS

Not everyone knows that trees in San Francisco are not equally distributed! Learn why, and see what we're doing to ensure all neighborhoods have access to the benefits trees provide. Please share so others can learn about this. #TreeEquity #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateAction

Our new report debunks the myths surrounding rural communities and dives into the unique challenges these communities face. About 60 million people, or one in five individuals, live in rural America. The presumption that living in a rural area inevitably means driving long distances to access essential services negates the identities, experiences, and needs of the people in these complex and diverse communities. It’s time to reevaluate outdated misconceptions of rural places. Our roadmap offers a way forward for safer, stronger, and more sustainable communities.