Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill creates a new Neighborhood Tree Fund that would give states, tribes, and local community groups money to plant and maintain trees in urban areas. The fund is managed by the Secretary of Agriculture in partnership with HUD.
• Funding starts at $100 million in 2027 and ramps up each year, reaching $700 million by 2031, for a total of $2 billion over five years. This money covers tree planting, site preparation, species selection, and long-term maintenance.
• The program prioritizes high-poverty neighborhoods and areas that were historically redlined, where research shows tree canopy cover is far lower. Low-income neighborhoods have 41 percent less tree cover than wealthier ones, and neighborhoods with mostly people of color have 33 percent less canopy than majority white areas.
• Trees provide benefits valued at over $18 billion, including cooler temperatures, cleaner air, lower energy bills, better stormwater management, and improved physical and mental health for residents.
• To receive funding, applicants must show community engagement, complete a tree canopy assessment, use climate science in project design, and have a plan for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. No more than 10 percent of annual funds can go toward community tree assessments.
• The bill also adds a seat on the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council for a resident of a low-income community, expanding the council from 15 to 16 members to ensure underserved voices are represented.

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