Valley Forward Association (VFA) released its annual environmental report card evaluating local government agencies’ response to growth in our region. The report card is an analysis of how individual communities address issues that impact the quality of life for residents today and tomorrow. The city of Phoenix received straight A’s in the report that rated Valley communities as well as Pinal and Maricopa counties.

“Just as a parent is proud of a child who receives straight A’s, any Mayor would be proud of the grades Phoenix earned on the Valley Forward Environmental Report Card,” said Mayor Phil Gordon. “Our record is an absolute reflection of the hard work and creative planning of our employees -- and I thank them all.”

The VFA report card focuses on four areas: Air, Land Use, Transportation and Water. Grades are based on extensive information provided by communities in response to a survey, judged against criteria and principles that reflect VFA philosophies. The results are intended to be used as a tool to educate the community on what is being done well and what can be improved to sustain and enhance livability.

“The city of Phoenix has a strong commitment to sustainability and has several programs to improve the quality of life for our current and future residents,” said Councilman Greg Stanton, chairman of the City Council Parks, Education, Bioscience and Sustainability Subcommittee.

Some of the accolades cited in the report state that Phoenix is aggressively pursuing efforts to reduce airborne dust from all sources. Phoenix also adopted a policy that all 2006 bond-funded municipal buildings should be built to LEED standards and the city has several solar and renewable energy projects which demonstrate its commitment to conservation of resources.

The report also stated that Phoenix’s long-range water management plan incorporates various growth scenarios and includes appropriate drought planning. The city has made a significant commitment to transportation options through expanded transit and the new METRO light rail system, scheduled to open in December. Lastly, VFA stated that Phoenix’s land use policies are used as an example by other municipalities. The report went on to say that Phoenix’s growth management policies, such as infill, downtown revitalization, mixed use, and brownfield redevelopment are among the most sophisticated and effective in the state.

To read the entire report, visit valleyforward.org/issues/reportcards.php. To learn more about the city of Phoenix’s Sustainability Program, “Phoenix: Living Like it Matters,” visit phoenix.gov/sustainability.