SE Valley Times

Tempe City Council has recently approved the implementation of a new sustainable project aimed at expanding tree canopy and improving food access in vulnerable neighborhoods. The initiative, known as Growing Together: A Tree Stewardship & Workforce Development Program, will focus on benefiting communities most susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Mayor Corey Woods expressed the project's objectives, stating, "The goal of this project is to promote community wealth-building, equitable urban cooling, and resilience to extreme heat." He highlighted the project's focus on community wealth-building, urban cooling, and resilience to extreme heat, emphasizing the importance of human-centered, nature-based solutions.

The project will specifically target neighborhoods identified as Justice40 Zones, which are communities marginalized and overburdened by pollution. The selected communities will benefit from $1.6 million in grant funding from the US Department of Agriculture and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management over a period of approximately three years.

Three key programs will be launched as part of the initiative:

- Community Tree Stewards Program: Community members will be employed as Community Tree Stewards to assist in growing and maintaining trees in neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage. They will also facilitate community outreach and education to promote the benefits of tree planting, with funding allocated for scholarships and professional training.

- School Greening & Grounds Maintenance Program: This program will involve planting trees and installing green infrastructure on school campuses in collaboration with school district administration. It will also provide training opportunities for School Greening & Grounds Maintenance specialists and technicians.

- Food Forest Pilot Program: Two community food forests will be established to grow food for community members using sustainable practices. A local organization will be contracted to maintain the sites, creating job opportunities within the urban forestry industry.

Tempe's Sustainability and Resilience Director, Eric Iwersen, emphasized the significance of these programs in addressing heat and drought while enhancing the quality of life for residents. He highlighted the empowerment of residents to become trained professionals in tree care and food access, fostering partnerships that amplify the project's impact across the community.

This new project aligns with Tempe's broader sustainability and resiliency efforts, which include green building codes, community participation in resilience planning, and a commitment to using 100% renewable energy for city facilities. For more information on Tempe's sustainable initiatives, visit tempe.gov/SustainableTempe.