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The variables used when calculating the Priority Index as part of the Tree Equity Score include canopy cover, climate, health, and socioeconomic data, such as percentage of population below 20% of the poverty line, unemployment rate, and urban heat severity (American Forests, 2024). The TES is calculated by multiplying the Gap Score by the Priority Index. A lower TES indicates a greater priority for tree planting and protection. The TES for Pleasanton was evaluated to assess how well the benefits of urban tree canopy are distributed across different census block groups (neighborhoods). The target score established by American Forests for a City to achieve Tree Equity is a minimum of 75. Overall, Pleasanton has a TES of 81. Ten out of 47 neighborhoods have a TES below 75. Based on the information provided in the TES report, the average canopy cover across these 10 neighborhoods is 13.4%, which is notably lower than the City-wide canopy cover of 25.3%. The 10 neighborhoods have scores ranging from 56 to 73, indicating a high priority for tree equity. The distribution of TES for the City of Pleasanton is displayed in Figure 3-3. Figure 3-4 depicts the TES scores for Pleasanton's neighborhoods. The neighborhoods with a TES below 75 are clear targets for prioritized planting initiatives. These areas have socioeconomic challenges and lower canopy cover, making them ideal candidates for urban greening efforts to improve environmental and social outcomes. CANOPY COVER AND EQUITY 3.2 What Environmental Equity Means to Pleasanton The City of Pleasanton recognizes that equitable access to the benefits of trees is essential for improving the quality of life and public health across all its neighborhoods. Pleasanton's commitment to environmental equity involves ensuring that all residents, regardless of where they live, have access to the advantages provided by a robust urban canopy. The City's overall TES of 81 indicates that while Pleasanton generally has a well -distributed canopy, there are specific neighborhoods where improvements are needed. These areas with lower TES scores, often experiencing higher UHI effects and greater socioeconomic and pollution burdens, are priority targets for urban greening initiatives. Recommendations: ■ To address these disparities, the City should focus on investing in neighborhoods with the highest canopy needs. This involves engaging residents in the process of expanding and maintaining their local tree canopy and preserving existing mature trees. By prioritizing resources where they are needed most, Pleasanton can reduce canopy gaps and ensure that all residents benefit from the urban forest. CITY OF PLEASANTON URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN 1 143