COLUMBUS URBAN FORESTRY MASTER PLAN

City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department

WHY

The City of Columbus has an urban canopy coverage rate of just 22% — far less than its peer cities. This results in many negative social and environmental impacts, such as increased urban heat island effect, reduced property values, and disparities in social equity between Columbus neighborhoods. This project was to diagnose the problem and identify ways to increase the urban canopy on both publicly and privately owned property.

HOW

Designing Local provided visual communication design services and public engagement support to a multi-disciplinary consultant team. We produced several educational pieces for the project, including an infographic package, presentation boards, a slideshow presentation, and a website.

WHAT

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission and Columbus City Council voted unanimously to support the Urban Forestry Master Plan in April 2021. With the support of the Mayor’s Office, the implementation phase started in May 2021. ​

COLLABORATORS

Urban Canopy Works
Davey Resource Group

SERVICES

Community Planning & Urban Design