While the urban forest is considered an eligible source of carbon offset credits, little is known about its
market potential and the quality aspects of the credits. As credit suppliers increase in number and credit
buyers become more interested in purchasing carbon credits, it is unclear whether and how urban forest
carbon credits can perform relative to the other types of carbon credits available in the market. Delivering
quality credits would be crucial especially in voluntary markets such as the U.S., where buyers are more
likely to be committed to reducing their GHGs emissions and maintaining a positive public image, than
just abiding by regulations. Utilizing the results of a nationwide survey of local governments, this study
takes a first step toward evaluating the quality aspects of urban forest carbon credits. We conclude that
the local municipalities and cities in the U.S., acting as sellers of carbon credits, have the resources and
capacity to be competitive in carbon credit markets. In addition, they have capacity and resources to
implement carbon projects that will meet the key quality criteria (e.g., additionality, permanence, and
verification).