AG James, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Trees New York today announced a $750,000 initiative to plant nearly 400 new trees on and around NYCHA campuses, with direct input from NYCHA tenants. The NYCHA Tree Planting, Workforce Development, and Resident Stewardship Demonstration Project (Trees for NYCHA) is funded by settlements negotiated by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and has brought hundreds of new trees, workforce development programs, and environmental education opportunities to public housing communities throughout New York City. Launched in late 2023, Trees for NYCHA was designed as a two-year project to restore lost tree canopy and shade on NYCHA campuses, many of which experienced severe damage from extreme weather events such as Superstorm Sandy. The program has focused on NYCHA campuses and communities with notably low tree cover and on engaging residents in all planting efforts.

“Our Trees for NYCHA project is a model of what we can do when we invest directly in our communities. With hundreds of new trees, job training for young adults, and environmental education for students, this initiative has brought real change and environmental justice to neighborhoods in New York City that are far too often left behind. I am proud and grateful to have been able to work closely with NYCHA and Trees New York to put our settlement victories to work in service of our communities.”- AG James