Greening Compton Initiative

Green space, park access, and trees

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Compton faces environmental and socio-economic challenges due to low tree canopy coverage, intensifying climate change impacts like higher temperatures and poorer air quality. This deficiency also heightens energy consumption and air pollution, impacting resident health and exacerbating flood risks. Socio-economically, inadequate green spaces limit outdoor recreation, diminish property values, and weaken community cohesion. The "Greening Compton" initiative proposes to boost the city's tree canopy, enhance green spaces, and empower youth through a landscaping pre-apprenticeship program. This holistic approach aims to improve environmental resilience and create economic opportunities, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community

The "Greening Compton" initiative aims to tackle Compton's environmental and socio-economic challenges exacerbated by a low tree canopy. By strategically planting trees and enhancing green spaces throughout the city, the initiative seeks to mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and manage stormwater effectively. Concurrently, the initiative includes a landscaping-related pre-apprenticeship program designed to provide economic opportunities for youth, particularly those from foster care and systems-impacted backgrounds. This program equips participants with skills in horticulture, arboriculture, and sustainable landscaping practices, preparing them for careers in environmental stewardship. By engaging youth in community-focused work that enhances environmental resilience and social equity, the initiative aims to foster pride and ownership among residents while creating a greener, healthier, and more vibrant Compton for generations to come.

If successful, the "Greening Compton" initiative will transform Los Angeles County by significantly increasing tree canopy and enhancing green spaces in Compton. This will mitigate the urban heat island effect, leading to cooler temperatures and improved air quality county-wide. Economic empowerment through the landscaping pre-apprenticeship program will provide youth with valuable skills and sustainable career opportunities, contributing to local economic growth and social equity. By creating a greener, healthier, and more resilient community, the initiative will inspire and catalyze similar sustainability efforts across Los Angeles County, advancing environmental stewardship and inclusive development.

As an existing initiative, we measure impact through several key metrics. We track the increase in tree canopy and green space coverage in Compton using satellite imagery and ground surveys. Air quality improvements are monitored through particulate matter and ozone levels. Economic impact is assessed by tracking participation and outcomes of the landscaping pre-apprenticeship program, including job placements and skill development. Community engagement and satisfaction are measured through surveys and feedback mechanisms and turn-out of people to the tree planting events. These metrics provide evidence of our progress in mitigating urban heat islands, improving air quality, fostering economic opportunities for youth, and enhancing overall community well-being in Compton.