Skip to content

Alameda County Unincorporated Areas: Tree Advisory Group Application

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Alameda County Tree Advisory Group (TAG)!

Para ver esta solicitud en español, visite: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JJPZBXJ
Introduction

With funding from CAL FIRE, the Alameda County Community Development Agency (CDA) Planning Department and its partners are developing an Urban Forest Plan (UFP) for the County’s urban unincorporated communities to establish collaborative strategies to grow and care for the tree canopy, strengthen stewardship, and support equitable access to the benefits of trees. The UFP will include the communities of Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, and Fairview, with a special focus on engaging and delivering program benefits to the unincorporated County’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Priority Communities (see map below).
Map of Unincorporated Areas in Alameda County
What is the Tree Advisory Group (TAG)?

The TAG is an intergenerational group of approximately 15 community volunteers that will work alongside staff and technical advisors to guide development and implementation of the UFP. This dedicated group of urban forest champions will help drive a long-range vision and strategy for trees in the urban unincorporated area.

NOTE: The TAG is focused on the development of the UFP. This is separate from the Public Works Agency’s Tree Advisory Board (currently inactive), which was established to advise on the County’s right-of-way tree ordinance.

What will you do as a TAG member?

TAG members must be able to commit to approximately 2 hours per month over the project period (approximately June 2026 through March 2028), including:
  • Participating in meetings held every 2-3 months (in-person or virtual). Spanish-language translation and interpretation will be standard at all meetings.
  • Communicating with the TAG facilitator, Dr. Christine Carmichael, to provide feedback on community engagement strategies and equity recommendations.
  • Supporting outreach to community residents between TAG meetings
Who is Eligible for the TAG?

No prior government, committee, or environmental experience is required. Eligible participants will have expertise and interest across sectors including, but not necessarily limited to trees, urban forestry, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, community organizing, neighborhood engagement, and long-range planning.

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Participants from all backgrounds and life experiences, ranging from high schoolers to seniors, and applicants from the EJ Priority Communities (Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, San Lorenzo, and southwestern Castro Valley) are encouraged to apply.
Stipends

TAG volunteers will receive stipends for their time and efforts in the TAG process. The total amount, anticipated payment schedule (e.g., monthly or periodic payments), and available payment options will be shared with selected participants prior to the first TAG meeting. Total compensation per TAG member is not anticipated to exceed $2,320 over the full duration of the project. Participants may opt out of receiving stipends, if desired.

Participation as a TAG volunteer may count toward new federal work requirements for adults receiving SNAP (food stamps/CalFresh). Selected participants with questions are encouraged to discuss their specific situation with the TAG facilitator prior to the start of meetings.

Next Steps
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. If you miss the deadline due to reasonable circumstances, please email the TAG facilitator, Dr. Christine Carmichael, at Christine@fairforests.com, and we may consider your application. Applications will be reviewed by County staff in mid-late June, with selected applicants notified shortly thereafter. The first in-person local meeting is anticipated to take place in early-mid July.

This application should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Staff contact
If you have questions about the Tree Advisory Group, this application, or the Urban Forest Plan project, please reach out to the Alameda County CDA Planning Department: Ali Abbors, 510-670-5428, alison.abbors@acgov.org.
Questions for Applicants
Community questions
1.In which community do you live or stay primarily? Use this tool to find your community's name.(Required.)
2.In which community do you work or go to school?(Required.)
Contact information
3.What is your full name?(Required.)
4.Preferred Name:
5.Pronouns:
6.Phone number(Required.)
7.Cross Streets (Please list the two streets closest to where you live. Do not include your exact address):
8.Email address(Required.)
9.Which age group are you a part of?
TAG questions
10.Why are you interested in joining the TAG?(Required.)
11.Please describe your connection to your neighborhood and/or the EJ Priority Communities of Alameda County. (Examples: How long you've lived here, your involvement in community groups or community-based organizations, and your daily life).(Required.)
12.What experiences, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the TAG?(Required.)
13.The County's UFP will focus on trees, healthy neighborhoods, and environmental equity. What does environmental equity mean to you, and what role do you believe trees play in environmental equity?(Required.)
14.Have you participated or are you currently participating in community groups, volunteer activities, or leadership roles (formal or informal)?(Required.)
15.Are you able to commit to the expected time and participation requirements for the TAG outlined below?*

This project is anticipated to run from approximately June 2026 through March 2028 and participation will require:
  • Participation in up to 10 meetings over the project period (approximately 5 in‑person at locations in the urban unincorporated communities and 5 virtual, held every 2–3 months), and
  • An overall commitment of up to 2 hours per month, which may include meeting attendance, reviewing materials, helping share project information and participation opportunities with EJ community members, and co‑hosting or supporting community events.
(Required.)
16.What time(s) of the week and day(s) would work best for you to attend all meetings if selected? (Select ALL that apply)(Required.)
17.Is there anything else you'd like us to know? (optional)
200%