Source: City of Tempe
Tempe is planning to cool the city by planting trees and vegetation, while saving water, using green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). Tempe’s first GSI master plan, Rain to Roots, will develop a citywide strategy for implementing, maintaining and funding green infrastructure to combat extreme heat.
GSI works by capturing rainwater and reusing it within the landscape where it falls. It provides a responsible way to expand Tempe’s tree canopy, without putting additional stress on Arizona’s limited water supply. Growing more trees and vegetation provides shade and additional cooling benefits, helping to create a more comfortable environment in neighborhoods, parks and along multi-use paths and streets.
“[GSI is so important because] as our city continues to experience the effects of climate change, increasing heat in the city, it’s going to be important that we not only have additional shade but that we have vegetative spaces near where we walk and where we live to lower the ambient temperature,” said Shawn Swisher, architect and member of Tempe’s Sustainability and Resilience Commission.
The Tempe community is invited to help shape the master plan by participating in the Rain to Roots Ambassador Program. Community ambassadors will provide feedback throughout the planning process and the development of GSI pilot projects. Participants will also learn about the city’s stormwater management, urban forestry and sustainability initiatives.
The first Rain to Roots Ambassador meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave. After that, participants will meet on the second Wednesday of each month, either in person or online, through fall 2024. Participants are not required to attend every session and new members can join any time. For more details and to sign up for the program, please complete an interest form.
“This is an opportunity, without spending a lot of money, [to use] some pretty innovative ideas and strategies,” said John Kane, Tempe-based architect and former chair of Tempe’s Sustainability and Resilience Commission. “The more we can do to create a resilient city to live in and easier to walk in with more shade, it’s a great way to approach things.”
Green stormwater infrastructure is a highlight action from the Climate Action Plan and it aligns with Council Priorities of conserving water and increasing tree coverage.
For more information on the green stormwater infrastructure, please visit tempe.gov/GreenCodes.
