Seattle’s Urban Forest: Report from the Seattle City Auditor

From February 2008 to February 2009, the Sustainability and Environment Sub-cabinet, which is the executive-level advisory body established by the Urban Forest Management Plan, was not operational. As a result, some operational and policy issues were not resolved. The Sub-cabinet reconvened in February 2009 providing the organizational framework envisioned by the Urban Forest Management Plan.

2. Unify all City departments behind a single mission through clear and demonstrated leadership by Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE).

The City’s current approach to tree issues lacks top leadership with the authority and accountability to best ensure implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan. While the Mayor tasked OSE with the leadership role, there was no agreement within City government or in the public about where program leadership resides. While OSE believes they have the authority and accountability for the Urban Forest Management Plan’s implementation, this is not widely known within City government and to the public. Clear lines of authority and effective leadership will help resolve conflicts and better ensure that all City departments are unified behind a single mission.

3. Develop and agree on a comprehensive strategic plan for implementing the Urban Forest Management Plan.

Although the Urban Forest Management Plan states that it is a “roadmap for a strategic approach”, it does not specify: 1) the concrete methods and resources to reach the City’s canopy goal; 2) performance measures to evaluate and monitor progress in meeting the canopy goal; 3) external factors that could impact the Urban Forest Management Plan; and 4) ongoing program evaluations to adjust the plan’s goals and strategies if necessary.