Inglewood Residents Demand Answers on Missing Trees and Maintenance Funds

Residents claim the city is collecting over $1 million for tree upkeep but removing trees for billboards instead

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Inglewood residents are voicing frustration over the city's handling of trees and tree maintenance funds. According to a letter published on 2urbangirls.com, the city collects over $1 million annually from residents for street lighting assessments that are supposed to go towards tree maintenance and replacement, but the city has been removing trees instead of caring for them. Residents say many trees have fallen on homes and vehicles, and the city has removed trees for projects like the space shuttle transport and digital billboards, without adequately replacing them. The letter calls for an audit of the city's spending on tree maintenance.

Why it matters

This issue highlights a disconnect between what Inglewood residents are paying for in their assessments and what the city is actually doing with those funds. If the city is collecting money for tree upkeep but not using it for that purpose, it raises questions about government transparency and accountability to taxpayers.

The details

According to the letter, Inglewood collects over $1 million annually from residents for 'Street Lighting Assessments' that are supposed to cover tree maintenance and replacement. However, the city has been removing trees for various projects, including the space shuttle transport and the installation of digital billboards, without adequately replacing them. Residents say many trees have fallen on homes and vehicles, and the contractor/vendors the city uses for tree work are too expensive and often cause damage.

  • Inglewood residents have been paying the Street Lighting Assessments annually.
  • The city recently removed trees for the space shuttle transport.
  • The city has also been removing trees to install digital billboards.

The players

Inglewood City Council

The governing body of the city of Inglewood, responsible for managing the city's budget and tree maintenance program.

Willdan Engineering

The engineering firm that oversees the city's assessment of the Street Lighting Assessments, which include funds for tree maintenance.

Steve Ballmer

The owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, who had a development agreement with the city to plant 1,000 trees that the city has not followed through on.

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What they’re saying

“Someone needs to audit the books NOW!”

— Concerned Inglewood Resident (2urbangirls.com)

What’s next

Inglewood residents are calling for a full audit of the city's spending on tree maintenance to determine where the assessment funds have been going if not towards actual tree care and replacement.

The takeaway

This situation in Inglewood highlights the importance of government transparency and accountability when it comes to how taxpayer funds are being used. Residents deserve to see the city follow through on its commitments to maintain the urban tree canopy that their assessments are supposed to support.