Advocating for Richmond’s First Urban Forester

Southside ReLeaf’s Greening Coordinator, Syd Collier, talks to Michael Webb, the City’s Urban Forester, at the International Day of Forests Outdoor Learning Classroom at Ernest Road Park in March, 2025.

Southside ReLeaf played a key role in supporting Richmond City Council’s allocation of funding in the FY2023 budget to hire the City of Richmond’s first-ever Urban Forester — a major step forward for the long-term care and expansion of Richmond’s urban tree canopy. The position was created following Richmond’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Resolution, which called for stronger investment in urban forestry and the development of a citywide Urban Forestry Master Plan.

In 2023, the City of Richmond hired Michael Webb as its first Urban Forester within the Department of Public Works. The new position helps establish dedicated leadership for urban forestry planning, tree maintenance, and community engagement across Richmond. Under this role, the city is developing an Urban Forestry Master Plan intended to guide future tree planting, maintenance, and canopy expansion efforts while prioritizing equity and investment in historically underserved neighborhoods. The creation of the position marked an important recognition of trees as essential infrastructure that supports public health, climate resilience, stormwater management, and neighborhood quality of life. Southside ReLeaf continues to advocate for maintaining and expanding investment in Richmond’s Urban Forestry Division (UDF).

Impact

• Helped secure funding for Richmond’s first-ever Urban Forester position through the FY2023 city budget.

• Advanced implementation of Richmond’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Resolution.

• Established dedicated city leadership for urban forestry planning, policy development, and tree stewardship.

• Supported the development of Richmond’s Urban Forestry Master Plan.

• Elevated an equity-based approach to tree planting, maintenance, and removal across the city.

• Increased the city’s capacity to expand tree canopy and invest in underserved communities.

• Strengthened long-term planning for climate resilience, public health, and green infrastructure in Richmond.

• Supported the creation of the Richmond Tree Plan, a short-term, actionable roadmap intended to guide residents, city leaders, and community partners in the day-to-day care and stewardship of the city’s trees.