FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
When: Friday, June 27, 12:05 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration & Location: Online, Via Zoom. Registration is free and open to everyone.
Topic: Join us for the June FOCUS Forum featuring Stephen Harris, City Arborist for the City of Syracuse, as he presents the first draft of the updated Tree Ordinance for public comment.
Syracuse’s Tree Ordinance, last modified in 1981, is being modernized to reflect current best practices in urban forestry and to align with the goals of the ReLeaf Syracuse initiative. This Forum offers the public a chance to review and respond to the initial draft of the ordinance before it is revised and formally submitted to the Common Council later this year.
Stephen will discuss how the draft ordinance aims to improve the management, protection, and expansion of Syracuse’s urban forest. He will explain potential changes to tree planting, maintenance, and removal policies on both public and private property, and how the ordinance is designed to create a healthier, more resilient tree canopy across the City.
This Forum will highlight how community feedback has already helped shape the draft, and how community input can continue to influence the final version. Whether you’re a homeowner, neighborhood leader, or someone who cares deeply about Syracuse’s green spaces, this is your opportunity to engage with and help shape the future of the City’s trees.
Presenter & Sponsor:
Stephen Harris, City Arborist, ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional & Arborist,
Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs
Click Here To Learn More
Steve Harris has been City Arborist since 2010. In that role he oversees a Forestry Division of 10 people that manages 35,000 street trees and 10,000 park trees, plants 1,800 trees per year in our streets, parks and natural areas, and collaborates with other departments to incorporate planning for trees into infrastructure projects and new developments. Steve is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Urban Forest Professional and Arborist, holds a masters in Forest Management from SUNY ESF and previously served in the Peace Corps in The Gambia West Africa as a Forest Extension Agent. Steve spent his first 29 years in Ohio and his last 29 in Syracuse. Steve lives on the Eastside where his kids attended Ed Smith and Nottingham Schools.
FOCUS extends our heartfelt gratitude to EDR for their generous sponsorship of the May 2025 FOCUS Forum. EDR’s support enables us to continue providing free access to this valuable educational resource.
Founded in 1979, EDR is a certified Woman Owned Business (WBE) dedicated to sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions arrived at through collaboration with our clients and allies. EDR’s mission is dedicated to creating and sustaining a better environment – for our clients, for our employees, and for our communities. Our diverse Practice Areas include Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Cultural Resources, Community Planning, Visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supported by our Operations team that includes Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing/Communications.
Join us in making a difference by becoming a sponsor and helping sustain this impactful program. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, organizations, and businesses who are eager to make a positive impact.