Funding will expand a tool connecting Boston residents to urban forestry jobs and training in neighborhoods with low tree cover

Today, American Forests and partners Speak for the Trees, Boston and PowerCorpsBOS of the City of Boston announced receipt of a $1.5 million, three-year implementation grant from Liberty Mutual Insurance to advance the Boston Green Jobs Solutions Map, a collaborative initiative connecting residents to green jobs while strengthening urban forestry and climate resilience efforts.

The funding comes from Liberty Mutual Foundation’s Impact Driven Collaboration program, which supports multi-organization partnerships addressing complex challenges such as workforce development and climate change. The award builds off an earlier $300,000 planning grant and brings national urban forestry expertise together with Boston-based community leadership and workforce training to advance shared climate and economic goals.

“This initiative embodies the purpose of the Impact Driven Collaboration program: bringing nonprofit partners together to drive meaningful, lasting change,” said Nageeb Sumar, President, Liberty Mutual Foundation. “American Forests, Speak for the Trees, and PowerCorpsBOS each bring distinct strengths, and their coordinated efforts will create pathways to opportunity and impact that no single organization could deliver alone.”

“This investment demonstrates what’s possible when national expertise and local leadership come together to maximize impact,” said Hilary Franz, president and CEO of American Forests. “By connecting residents to careers that support and expand urban tree canopy, Boston is demonstrating how cities can advance economic opportunity and climate resilience at the same time.”

The Boston Green Jobs Solutions Map connects residents, particularly those from historically underinvested neighborhoods, to training, employers, and career opportunities while supporting the growth and care of Boston’s urban forest. Analysis conducted during the planning phase identified more than 1,300 urban forestry–related job postings in the Boston metro area between March and September 2024.

Together, the partners bring complementary strengths to build an integrated urban forestry workforce ecosystem in Boston.

American Forests provides national urban forestry expertise and leads a nationwide movement for Tree Equity, partnering with cities like Boston to expand tree canopy through science-based tools and resources, including its Tree Equity Score. The organization will support data analysis, network mapping, and identification of real-time urban forestry job opportunities.

Speak for the Trees, Boston leads community engagement and local partnerships. The organization will oversee data collection, employer outreach, and volunteer coordination, ensuring the Solutions Map reflects community priorities and connects residents to opportunities.

PowerCorpsBOS delivers workforce training and career pathways for young adults. The organization will serve as the primary contact for trainees in the urban forestry program track and engage with employers to connect participants to hiring opportunities.

"This grant links tree planting and care to equitable employment in the urban forestry industry,” said David Meshoulam, Executive Director of Speak for the Trees, Boston. “We know that urban trees build healthier communities, but the work is often outsourced to professionals who live outside the city. Through the Boston Green Jobs Solutions Map, we aim to grow local careers alongside Boston's urban forest."

“We greatly value our partnership with American Forests and Speak for the Trees, Boston, and our shared commitment to building the next generation of climate-ready workers,” said Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorpsBOS. "This opportunity will allow us to deepen our relationship and braid the efforts of our organizations to further this critical work. The demand for green industry workers is clear. The Solutions Map will not only benefit our city; it will also serve as a model that organizations can replicate and implement nationally."

“Boston’s climate goals and our economic goals go hand in hand,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re grateful for the support from Liberty Mutual, that allows PowerCorpsBOS, Speak for the Trees, and American Forests to help residents gain the skills and connections to launch green careers, while strengthening the tree canopy that makes our neighborhoods healthier and more resilient.”

With implementation funding secured, the partners will expand mapping and data tools, deepen employer engagement, and strengthen training-to-employment pipelines, advancing equitable workforce development alongside urban forest and climate resilience goals.

About American Forests

Founded in 1875, American Forests is the nation’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization. We work at the intersection of forests, people, and policy to create healthy, resilient forests and communities—from cities to rural landscapes. Through science, innovation, and partnerships, American Forests advances Tree Equity, forest restoration, and climate solutions nationwide. Learn more at: www.americanforests.org

About Speak for the Trees, Boston

Speak for the Trees, Boston is a community-based nonprofit working with residents to plant, care for, and advocate for trees in Boston neighborhoods—advancing Tree Equity and healthier, more resilient communities. Learn more at: www.treeboston.org

About PowerCorpsBOS

PowerCorpsBOS is a green workforce development program that creates equitable pathways to living-wage careers by providing training, certifications, and job placement support in urban forestry and related fields. Learn more at: boston.gov/powercorps

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