Urban heat islands (UHIs) intensify environmental and public health challenges in densely populated areas. This research investigates whether strategic urban tree species selection, based on heat-adaptive leaf traits, can enhance canopy cooling and mitigate UHI effects. The project will identify characteristics such as leaf albedo, transpiration rates, and structural adaptations contributing to greater heat reduction. Fieldwork will be conducted across climatically diverse U.S. cities to capture variation in species performance and local growing conditions. Data collection will integrate remote sensing, field sampling, and physiological measurements. This transdisciplinary project engages partners from the private sector (Avison Young), academic researchers (Dr. Steward Pickett, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies), and a key nonprofit collaborator (Arbor Day Foundation), combining ecological expertise with on-the-ground implementation pathways. The research aims to deliver science-informed recommendations for urban forestry policy, supporting climate-resilient city planning and equitable access to green infrastructure. The project bridges theory and practice to address pressing climate adaptation needs in urban environments through ecological modeling, field experimentation, and stakeholder collaboration.