Today, Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council passed the Shade Phoenix Plan, a comprehensive update to the City’s 2010 shade plan that will guide the City toward its goal of increasing much-needed shade throughout neighborhoods and public spaces that need it most. Read the plan here.
The plan's 36 actions and 11 strategic priorities will result in 27,000 new trees and 550 new shade structures in the next five years, in essence nearly doubling the number of trees planted annually by the City of Phoenix. More than 50% of the total investment will be made in low- to moderate-income communities, and 85% will be made in low- to moderate- and middle-income communities. Funding for the plan will come from
federal
and local sources, including the General Obligation Bond passed by Phoenix voters last November.
"As Phoenix continues to experience rising summer temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events, it is more important than ever to expand shade coverage from both trees and built structures,”
Gallego said.
“We know from lived experience what a difference shade makes in our daily lives, which is why I’m excited to bring forward our new plan to cool our city and keep Phoenix residents more comfortable."
In 2021, Gallego led the establishment
of the nation’s first publicly funded Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. Recognizing Phoenix's position as the hottest large city in the United States, Gallego created the Office to bolster and coordinate extreme heat safety outreach to vulnerable residents and reduce urban temperatures through innovative measures such as creating cool corridors, planting trees in historically disinvested areas, adding lighter colored coating to streets and roofs, and encouraging the use of heat-mitigating design and materials across the community. Gallego won the American Forests’ Tree Equity Champion Award in 2022.
"Increasing shade is an incredibly high priority for our community. The Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is proud to have led the development of the new Shade Phoenix Plan. We are honored to be a part of the transformative initiatives and actions in the plan in collaboration with city departments and community partners. We appreciate the support of Mayor and City Council and the many voices who helped make this plan strong,”
said Dr. Dave Hondula, the Director of the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation at the City of Phoenix.
“Mayor Gallego and the City of Phoenix have shown powerful leadership with the Shade Phoenix Plan, ensuring all communities can access the life-saving health and climate benefits of trees,” said Jad Daley, President and CEO of American Forests. “Phoenix is the first U.S. city to commit to achieving Tree Equity, setting a bold example for others to follow. Investing in trees is investing in critical infrastructure that shields our most vulnerable communities from growing climate threats like extreme heat. Trees are nature’s air conditioning, essential for reducing energy use and emissions. We’re excited to continue to work alongside the city to bring more equitable climate solutions to Phoenix and its residents.”
“As climate change continues to impact Phoenix, it has become more important than ever to prioritize ways to mitigate the heat,” Vice Mayor Debra Stark said. “The Shade Phoenix Plan provides a comprehensive approach to provide shade in both the short and long term, especially in our lower-income neighborhoods. I am proud to support the Shade Phoenix Plan and look forward to supporting more innovative ways to deal with our changing climate.”
“I am in full support of the Shade Phoenix Plan, which is a significant step forward in improving our City,”
District 6 Councilman Kevin Robinson said.
“This plan will ensure that shaded areas are equally distributed to mitigate heat disparities, particularly in heat vulnerable neighborhoods. By increasing tree canopy coverage, we’re not only providing natural shade but also enhancing air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect. What makes this plan especially special is that it was developed with input from residents, local organizations, and stakeholders, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of our community. This initiative is a vital part of our broader climate action goals to combat extreme heat, and I am thrilled to see it come to life further improving the livability and sustainability of our City!”
“Heat is synonymous with Phoenix and its impacts are a public health crisis,”
District 7 Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira added.
“Addressing shade inequity in Phoenix is not only smart, it is necessary to improving the quality of life of residents and visitors alike. Data driven updates to the Shade Phoenix Plan encompass both environmental and social benefits to support all who enjoy the Valley of the Sun!”
"As temperatures in Phoenix continue to rise, a well-designed shade plan is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity,” District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said.
“By strategically incorporating shade into our built environment, we can protect our communities, reduce energy costs, and create a more sustainable and livable urban landscape for future generations."