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Thousands of Trees and Shade Structures Approved Following Phoenix City Council Vote

Phoenix City Council Unveils Shade Phoenix Plan to Combat Extreme Heat

PHOENIX — In a significant move to address rising temperatures and public health concerns, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the Shade Phoenix Plan, aimed at increasing shade coverage throughout the city. This initiative updates the 2010 heat protection plan and is set to introduce 550 shade structures and 27,000 trees over the next five years, funded by a $60 million investment from city, federal, and private sources.

Mayor Kate Gallego emphasized the need for adaptation, stating, "We’re not going to make the summers cool here, but we are going to design the city, recognizing that we’ve hit some records in the weather." The plan also places a strong emphasis on equity, with over half of the funds allocated to low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, which currently lack adequate tree coverage compared to wealthier areas.

Community members, like Stacy Woods, have expressed the urgency of the situation. "Everybody fries in the summertime. It’s too hot for people not to have shade!" The disparity in tree canopy coverage, particularly in areas of west Phoenix, underscores the importance of this initiative. With 466 heat-related fatalities reported in Maricopa County this year, the Shade Phoenix Plan seeks not only to beautify the city but also to enhance its residents’ well-being.

Jeff Grass, President of the Arizona Nursery Association, noted the collaborative efforts to ensure that tree planting prioritizes communities most in need. As residents eagerly anticipate the upcoming changes, individuals like Richard Mitchell believe the plan represents a long-awaited relief for their families and neighborhoods.

The Shade Phoenix Plan is set to not only transform the landscape of Phoenix but also foster a more equitable environment for all its inhabitants, proving that access to shade should be a universal right.

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Photo credit www.abc15.com

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