Urban Forestry: Community Design Assistance

Project Background & Intent:

DEM's Urban & Community Forestry (UCF) Program invites communities to apply for conceptual design assistance to advance greener, healthier, and more resilient communities. Selected projects will work with the University of Rhode Island’s Regenerative Community Design Lab (RCDL) to create community-driven conceptual plans that integrate natural systems and urban forestry to support environmental health, climate resilience, and community well-being.

Design efforts may include parks and open spaces, trails, outdoor learning environments, streetscapes, and strategic plantings to reduce stormwater runoff, erosion, and urban heat. Each project will be developed through active community engagement, ensuring that local priorities and lived experience shape the final vision.

The resulting conceptual plans will provide communities with a clear starting point for future funding, refined design, and implementation through state, federal, or foundation grants. Projects will take place over approximately three months during summer 2026. 

Successful applicants will receive RCDL services and will commit to reporting their time, setting up a committee, meeting with RCDL staff, and hosting two public review meetings of the designs. Once the final design has been received by the community, the awardee will own and be responsible for any implementation, funding, or use of the plan.

Explore the RCDL’s past community design projects

Eligible Projects:

• Projects must enhance the local environment and address one or more of the following:
• Streetscapes and heat island mitigation
• Greenways and trails
• Parks, open space, or green space improvements
• Plantings to manage stormwater runoff and prevent erosion
• Streamside or riparian areas

NOTE: Priority will be given to projects in underserved neighborhoods, where improved access to green space, trees, and healthy outdoor environments can have the greatest community impact.

Project Eligibility & Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a local unit of government (city or town) or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Demonstrate that the project benefits the broader community
• Address at least one eligible project type listed above
• Able to plan two public meetings for plan reviews and local input within the project timeline

Project Implementation & Match:

This program is funded through a grant agreement between Rhode Island DEM and the University of Rhode Island. Selected applicants will not receive a cash award, but will receive conceptual design services from RCDL at no cost. Communities are asked to track in-kind match contributions, which may include:

• Adult volunteers/meeting participants: $36.34/hour
• Community staff time: actual hourly wage (including fringe benefits)

RCDL will assist with tracking in-kind contributions using meeting sign-in sheets and coordination with the community’s project contact. In-kind match may also include costs for additional plan copies and project-related outreach or education.

Application Materials:

A complete application must include:

1. Signature and initials on form (scanned)
2. Project description narrative
3. Map showing the project area (minimum 8.5” x 11”)
4. 1–5 photos showing existing site conditions

Please note: The RCDL project is conceptual in nature, and it is expected that the skills of a professional(s) and/or active grassroots community group will be needed to implement projects. No construction drawings will be prepared.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact Lou Allard, Urban & Community Forestry Program Coordinator at robert.e.allard@dem.ri.gov.