Executive Director’s Report May 9, 2023

Forest Service – Washington DC Update – We held a webinar with Miranda Hutten, on April 20, 2023, addressing the Inflation Reduction Act and its impacts on urban forestry funding and programs for California.

Forest Service Funding – High priority is to research the IRA requirements and determine our approach NOW! I reworked our current FS budget to move over $30k to staff and submitted it to Miranda Hutten. She has approved it, I am waiting for the revised paperwork. Our new grant begins July 1st.

Cal Fire – We got the two final invoices and reports to Cal Fire over the weekend. The monstrous lift is done. Now we wait to see their approach. We will also refocus on Amplify the Urban Forest submittals – finding out where the two current ones are in the billing process and submitting new ones.

State Policy & Advocacy – Zoom meeting Tuesday with Amanda Hansen and staff members form Office of Planning and Research regarding General Plan requirements for cities as they pertain to urban forestry.

It would also be great if we could find more sponsors to support the costs of advocacy. Any ideas?

Conference – We have begun planning with A-Plus Tree for the TreeTopia events in August. – Need to form a committee.

Bookkeeping/Taxes/Audit, etc. – no update

Budget – In the “up next” list now

Program Updates – Deb is taking the lead in working with the Regional Councils on scheduling webinars or workshops for 2023 and has sent out a synopsis of opportunities. We need Councils to choose dates to get the planning underway.

We will have a focus on what our grant submittal will be after our webinar with Miranda Hutten in 4/20/23.

The Forest Service funded – “Mind the Divide” project events planned through the end of June 2023.

Regional Councils – I sent out financial information to each regional council letting them know how much they each have remaining to spend by June 30th of their Forest Service funds.

Outreach – Communications report.

We are proceeding with the outreach around our “After the Storms–Trees Are Essential” article, social media posts, etc. We expect an update from Katherine at Tripepi Smith shortly.

Fundraising – I shared the documents we reviewed at the in-person board meeting in March with the April board packet. I believe we need to determine an approach and targets for fundraising and adding membership.

Board Meetings – our next meeting will be June 13, 2023 via Zoom at 12 Noon.

Board Recruitment – No update

Wells Fargo Bank Issue – Emily, any updates?

Reminder: board member’s agreement to contribute $500 either directly or through other opportunities (Regional Council members excluded unless they are eager!)

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Hughes