Urban Resources Initiative is a not-for-profit university partnership whose mission is to foster community-based land stewardship, promote environmental education and advance the practice of urban forestry.

 With its formal incorporation in 1991, URI became a stand-alone fiscal and legal nonprofit governed by a local board of directors. Though closely affiliated with the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, this autonomy assures a governing body whose diverse interests represent all corners of New Haven.