The city has outlined 11 strategic priorities aimed at addressing the risks of extreme heat and protecting vulnerable residents from its impacts.
A plan dubbed ‘Shade Phoenix’ pledges to plant 27,000 trees and build 550 shade structure in Phoenix in the next five years to tackle the growing problem of extreme heat.
In a piece for Environment and Energy Leader, Kaleigh Harrison explains that the initiative is part of the city’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, the first such department in the nation. “The Shade Phoenix Plan includes 36 action items and 11 strategic priorities aimed at reducing heat vulnerability. These initiatives incorporate cooling strategies like cool corridors and heat-reducing materials.”
The plan also emphasizes equity, noting that resources should be fairly distributed among the city’s neighborhoods and address the needs of communities most vulnerable to extreme heat. “City officials stress that shade infrastructure is essential public health infrastructure, not just an aesthetic upgrade. Extensive community outreach shaped the plan, ensuring it addresses diverse.”
FULL STORY: Phoenix Launches Shade Plan to Tackle Urban Heat Crisis
Phoenix Shade Plan Focuses on Bus Stops
The city’s updated Shade Master Plan calls for trees and built structures at bus stops to protect residents from heat.
Quantifying How Urban Trees Cool Cities
A new tool can help cities understand the benefits of tree planting efforts at the municipal scale.
Research Shows Cool Pavement Coatings Can Raise Ambient Temperature
Coatings that reflect heat can make the air feel warmer for people standing on and around these surfaces.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service