The City Council is prioritizing trees at their Wednesday meeting, and we want to be there for it. Three agencies — SDCI, OSE, and OPCD — will be presenting to the city council on how the comp plan affects trees. We want to be there to make sure city council knows the comp plan is bad for trees.

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Please join us in asking for better tree policies in the comp plan and the interim legislation. Here are some talking points:

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• Practical Hardscape Limits: The comprehensive plan allows 90–100% of every lot to be covered in pavement and buildings (aka hardscape).

• Heat Islands: High hardscape fuels heat islands that hit our most vulnerable communities like South Park and White Center the hardest. During heat waves, high hardscape areas can be 20° F hotter than areas with trees.

• Avoid Lot Sprawl: Requiring developers to build densely with shared walls and stacked flats — instead of spreading out housing on a lot — is key to keeping green space. (Bonus: it’s better for housing density too.)

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Can't Make It? Send An Email

To: council@seattle.gov, bruce.harrell@seattle.gov

Subject: The Comprehensive Plan Will Pave Over Seattle
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Dear City Councilmembers,
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Without major changes, the Comprehensive Plan will accelerate the loss of Seattle’s urban forest and worsen our climate crisis. Seattle is already ranked #5 nationally for urban heat islands — this plan makes it worse, not better.
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1. Hardscape: Allowing 90–100% lot coverage leaves no room for current or future trees. Any preservation or planting rules become meaningless.
2. Lot Sprawl: By not requiring shared walls or stacked flats, the plan encourages sprawling development that fuels tree loss and contradicts your own density goals.
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This plan might have worked decades ago, but today it’s reckless. Climate resilience is essential to keep Seattle livable for all communities, but especially those furthest from environmental justice. Please rethink this plan with the future in mind. Our city deserves better.

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