PHOENIX, AZ – Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council have officially passed the Shade Phoenix Plan, a transformative initiative designed to increase tree cover and shade structures across the city. The plan, which updates the city’s 2010 shade strategy, will guide Phoenix in mitigating rising summer temperatures and frequent extreme heat events by enhancing shade coverage in neighborhoods and public spaces, particularly in underserved communities.
Expanding Shade and Equity
The Shade Phoenix Plan outlines 36 actions and 11 strategic priorities, including planting 27,000 new trees and constructing 550 shade structures over the next five years. Over half of the total investment will target low- to moderate-income communities, with 85% focused on middle- and lower-income areas. Federal and local funding, including resources from the 2023 General Obligation Bond, will finance the initiative.
“Expanding shade coverage is essential for our community’s safety and comfort as we navigate the challenges of extreme heat,” Mayor Gallego said. “This plan will cool our city and enhance the daily lives of residents, particularly in neighborhoods that need it most.”
A Model for Heat Mitigation
The Shade Phoenix Plan builds on Phoenix’s leadership in addressing extreme heat. In 2021, Mayor Gallego established the nation’s first publicly funded Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, which has spearheaded initiatives such as cool corridors, urban reforestation, and innovative heat-reducing materials for streets and buildings. Gallego was honored with the Tree Equity Champion Award by American Forests in 2022.
Dr. Dave Hondula, director of the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the plan: “We are proud to have developed this plan in partnership with city departments and community stakeholders. It represents a significant step forward in addressing the heat crisis.”
Community Support and Broader Impact
The plan has drawn praise from environmental leaders and local officials.
“Phoenix is setting a bold example as the first U.S. city to commit to achieving Tree Equity,” said Jad Daley, President and CEO of American Forests. “Investing in trees is a critical strategy for protecting vulnerable communities and reducing climate threats like extreme heat.”
Councilmembers highlighted the importance of the plan’s equity-focused approach:
- Vice Mayor Debra Stark: “This plan prioritizes shade in lower-income neighborhoods, offering immediate and long-term solutions to mitigate the heat.”
- Councilman Kevin Robinson: “Increasing tree canopy coverage enhances air quality, reduces the urban heat island effect, and combats heat disparities in vulnerable neighborhoods.”
- Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira: “Addressing shade inequity is essential for improving residents’ quality of life and tackling the public health crisis caused by extreme heat.”
- Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington: “Incorporating shade into our built environment is not just about sustainability; it’s about creating a livable urban landscape for future generations.”
A Vision for the Future
As Phoenix continues to grow, the Shade Phoenix Plan represents a vital step toward creating a sustainable, livable, and equitable urban environment. By combining innovative heat mitigation strategies with community engagement, the city is paving the way for a cooler, more resilient future.
For more information and to read the full Shade Phoenix Plan, visit City of Phoenix’s official website.
