Is spending time outside important to you? Are you all about taking positive action to support nature?

The Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) is currently seeking a City of Cleveland youth resident to fill a vacant seat on the 15-member board. The UFC advises the mayor and City Council on policies and regulations to maintain and increase the tree canopy, which improves the health and vibrancy of neighborhoods.

UFC, formerly known as the “Tree Commission,” was founded in the early 1990s and went dormant in the early 2000s. Cleveland City Council introduced legislation in 2021 to revive and amend the commission. The UFC is composed of 15 members: eight appointed by the mayor and seven appointed by City Council. 

Their duties include developing and updating the city’s inventory of trees, assisting with the adoption of an urban forest management plan, soliciting grants and funding contributors.  

Want to join the forestry commission?

The youth commissioner must live in Cleveland and be 11 to 17 years old. Parental permission is required. The application process will remain open until Friday, June 14.

In the April 9 quarterly meeting, Samira Malone, UFC chair, expressed her excitement for the role to be filled. 

“We are actively looking for a young, passionate commission member who is dedicated to serving but also learning City process,” Malone said. “We are really excited to operate as a body and help support this person.”

“As a young person, I know how impactful it is to be able to have a voice in your neighborhood.”

To apply for this role, complete the online application, call 216-664-2388, or email Urban Forestry Commission Manager Jennifer Kipp at [email protected]. 

This story was first discovered by Cleveland Documenters

Cleveland Documenter Preeya Shankar covered the Quarterly Meeting of the City of Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission. Read the thread below.

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Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.

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