Good morning, TCIA Advocacy Team!

Advocacy often focuses on the challenges ahead; regulations that need fixing, policies that need improving, and issues that require our attention. But every once in a while, it’s worth taking a step back and recognizing something equally important: progress.

The clearest example comes from Washington, D.C., where OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health unanimously recommended moving forward with a dedicated Tree Care Operations Standard. After decades of advocacy by TCIA, industry volunteers, safety professionals, employers, and workers, we are seeing meaningful progress toward regulations that better reflect the realities of tree care work. There is still work ahead before a final standard becomes reality, but this recommendation is a reminder that persistent advocacy can produce results.

We’re also seeing continued investment in trees and urban forests across the country. Boston recently announced more than $500,000 in funding for community tree planting and care projects, while states continue to support urban forestry grants, tree maintenance programs, and canopy expansion initiatives. These investments represent more than just funding for trees, they demonstrate that communities increasingly view trees as critical infrastructure that deserves long-term care and stewardship.

One of the most encouraging signs for our profession is that trees themselves are becoming part of larger public policy conversations. Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced the Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026, legislation aimed at expanding support for urban tree canopy projects and community forestry efforts. Whether or not this particular bill ultimately becomes law, its introduction reflects something important: policymakers are increasingly recognizing the role trees play in public health, community resilience, heat mitigation, stormwater management, and overall quality of life.

And while workforce challenges remain one of the biggest concerns facing many tree care companies, there are encouraging signs there as well. Workforce training programs, apprenticeship initiatives, and skills-development efforts continue to receive attention from policymakers who understand the importance of developing the next generation of skilled workers. Recent federal workforce funding decisions preserved support for training programs while creating additional pathways for workforce education and credentialing opportunities. The details may not grab headlines, but their long-term impact on employers and workers can be significant.

The news cycle often focuses on conflict, setbacks, and challenges. This week is a reminder that progress is happening, too. Sure, none of it may make national headlines on their own, but together they tell an encouraging story: the issues that matter to our industry are being heard.

Advocacy success is rarely a single dramatic moment. More often it’s a series of small victories that accumulate over time. A committee recommendation. A grant award. A training program expansion. A conversation that changes a policymaker’s perspective. This month reminds us that progress is happening even if it doesn’t always lead the news cycle.

As we head into the weekend, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wins, celebrate the progress, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, helps build a stronger future for our industry.

Wishing everyone a great Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead!

George