As an example of good governance and planning ahead, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council, in anticipation of another hot summer like last year when there were excessive heat warnings for 42 days, are taking proactive steps to combat extreme heat this summer by acting on recommendations from the crafted City of Phoenix 2024 Heat Response Plan developed by staffers, including those at the city Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.
Please click here to review the plan. It begins on page 31.
Noting that extreme heat has been a leading cause of death during the summer season, especially, as the report notes, “in communities that have lower incomes, lower quality housing, a higher prevalence of elderly individuals, a higher prevalence of people of color, and other indicators of social vulnerability,” the City has recommended building on existing protocols and programs carried out last year while prescribing the creation of others.
Among the recommended programs the city is looking to continue or revise are:
- Distributing Reusable Water Bottles Through Heat Response Programs.
- Providing Emergency Utility Assistance.
- Operating City Pools for Cool Recreation.
- Providing Heat Relief Funding to Community Partners.
- Distributing Heat Relief Supplies to People Experiencing Homelessness.
The new programs recommended by staffers include:
- Adopt a Tiered Heat Response Framework.
- Building an Incident Management Team for Coordinated Heat Response.
- Developing and Adopting Heat Safety Expectations for City Contractors.
- Deploying a Mobile Water Unit.
- Offering Extended Hours at City of Phoenix Cooling Centers.
- Operating Safe Outdoor Space.
The Mayor and Council discussed these recommendations at the February 27, 2024, Policy Session meeting. Please see the link below. It starts at 1:55.
Commenting on the passage of many of these items on social media on March 20, 2024, Mayor Gallego posted:
“Though it’s beautiful out right now, we have a hot summer rapidly approaching. And if last summer’s records are any indication, we know we’re in for another tough season ahead—which is why it’s imperative we start planning early.”
“The impact of climate change has made our desert summers much more difficult to bear. And if you’re working outside, if your air conditioning goes out, or if you’re unsheltered, the heat can become worse than a nuisance—it can be life-threatening. In 2023, heat deaths in Maricopa County broke records. These were tragic and sometimes preventable losses. That’s why, ever since last summer, I have been pressing City staff across departments to apply lessons from last summer and work together on a comprehensive plan for 2024.”
“Today, the Council and I approved key data-driven actions to open additional overnight cooling centers, extend respite hours in public facilities, and coordinate volunteer and emergency personnel outreach efforts—all in an effort to keep Phoenicians safe this summer. As I’ve said before, we have to treat extreme heat with urgency and an all-hands-on-deck approach—just like other communities have to prepare for harsh weather such as blizzards, hurricanes, and floods. Let’s get to work to save lives.”
Later in the week, Mayor Gallego participated in another event designed to combat extreme heat in the long term by attending the Canopy for Kids Grant Program Event at the Isaac Elementary School District. This effort will result in the planting of 80 trees (with a goal of 170 more) that will provide greater shade for the school community in the hot months of July, August, September, and May.
The funding for this local grant program was made possible by American Rescue Plan monies.
The Mayor posted on social media: