Urban Greening Plan

Urban Greening banner
The City's Urban Greening Plan (PDF) was developed in 2012 to identify and design projects that address greenhouse gas emissions or help residents adapt to challenges posed climate change. The Urban Greening Plan is composed of six key elements:

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plan.
Urban Greening Plan Element How Element Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Citywide pedestrian and bicycle trails system                                                    
The City developed a Trails and Bicycle Master Plan (PDF) to reduce burning of fossil fuels by encouraging people to walk or bicycle
Urban Street Trees Program (PDF)
Urban tree plantings provide benefits such as absorbing carbon dioxide helping to slow climate change, improving air quality, reducing energy use in nearby buildings by up to 5% year-round, absorbing stormwater to limit pollution to our waterways, slowing traffic by 4-7 miles per hour, reduces crime by nearly 50%, and increasing home values.
Community Garden Guidelines
 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with food transportation, and increases access to healthy, fresh foods. Facilitates stronger bonds between neighbors and is good exercise.  
Plant palette and Landscaping Guidelines and Policies (PDF) for drought-tolerant and native species This program introduces sustainable landscape practices for private and public property with the goal of water conservation, energy conservation, protection of waterways, creation of habitat, and reduction of nitrogen fertilizers which emit GHGs.
Landscape restoration projects
 Reduce heat island effects
Green Roof (PDF) and cool roof projects
 The City developed Green Roof Design Criteria. Green roofs increase carbon uptake, support stormwater pollution prevention by reducing runoff, reduce heat island effects, an increase air quality.
Stormwater features, such as use of cool paving materials in sidewalks and roads. Mitigates the effects of heat islands and protects water quality.