Project Title: Strategic Planning for Equitable Tree Canopy Expansion and Green Infrastructure Integration in Burien, WA

City of Burien

Details
Project Title Strategic Planning for Equitable Tree Canopy Expansion and Green Infrastructure Integration in Burien, WA
Project Topics Community Organization and Social Action Data Management Operations Political Organization, Policy Change, and Advocacy Sustainability & ESG Urban Planning
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
 Burien, Washington is committed to achieving a 40% urban tree canopy coverage equitably across the city (up from a current estimate of 30%). Simultaneously, Burien is becoming a denser city, adding gray infrastructure (e.g. sidewalks and stormwater), and hope  to better integrate green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable surfaces, and tree preservation features. With increased density and numerous upcoming public works projects including sidewalk and road improvements, the City seeks to align environmental goals with infrastructure planning in a way that centers equity, feasibility, and coordination across departments. Students will explore how zoning, funding, and planning processes can support this dual mission. 
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  • Review and assess existing urban forestry, zoning, and infrastructure policies related to green infrastructure and canopy goals
  • Conduct a gap analysis of current strategies versus regional best practices for equitable tree canopy expansion
  • Analyze how development and capital improvement projects are currently scoped, designed, and implemented relative to tree and green infrastructure considerations
  • Recommend improvements to design guidelines, interdepartmental coordination, and policy mechanisms
  • Propose a framework to track progress toward the 40% canopy goal and increase community engagement around environmental justice
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • A synthesized planning and policy framework that links capital investments with canopy equity goals
  • Visuals or dashboards that help demonstrate spatial, demographic, and infrastructure data around tree canopy and project areas
  • Policy recommendations and design guidance that help integrate green infrastructure into capital projects and those areas with low tree equity and most impacted by the urban heat island effect.
  • Community-informed roadmap for reaching 40% tree canopy coverage in a sustainable and inclusive way

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

Sep 12 2025 Event

Teams

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