| Applications Open For Backyard Garden Program | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2435 | Environment & Sustainability | | 8/3/2022 11:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2435/raised bed garden 2.jpg | https://youtu.be/Uj3hPslz1LY | Applications Open For Backyard Garden Program | <div class="ExternalClass2E69FAB9CB8548B8BC9F48356C8C7A19"><html>
The City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs is beginning the next cohort of the <a href="/oep/backyard-garden" target="_blank">Backyard Garden Program</a>, where participants will receive, at no cost to them, a garden system, including training, support, and maintenance (as needed) for one year.<br><br>Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the program already supplied 92 garden systems to community members in the first year. In year two, the program will provide 178 households with either a traditional raised bed garden (provided by <a target="_blank" href="https://tigermountainfoundation.org/non-profit-community-garden/">TigerMountain Foundation</a>), a regenerative agriculture system called a '<a target="_blank" href="https://lehrgarden.com/">LEHR Garden</a>,' or an aquaponics system (provided by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nxthorizon.com/Home.html">NxT Horizon</a>).<br><br>“Literally I can go outside, harvest what I need, use it to cook that night. That's really convenient and inexpensive," said Xavier Jones, who has a city-funded aquaponics system in his backyard. He grew more than ten pounds of produce in the first few months.<br><br>Aquaponics systems grow produce on rafts floating in water. Inside the water are fish that provide nutrients for the plants, which in turn clean the water for the fish. Aquaponics expert and instructor Dr. George Brooks, Jr. makes the whole process simple for backyard gardeners.<br><br>“To see them as their individual plants start to grow and prosper and vine out and bloom and then produce fruit has been great," he said.<br><br>The City of Phoenix is looking for passionate community members with an interest in growing food and who are willing to make a yearlong commitment to backyard gardening. Gardens will be installed in either the fall of 2022 or early spring of 2023. <br><br>“It doesn't feel like work to me. It doesn't feel like a chore. It's something I'm passionate about," said Jayleen McGehee of working in the raised bed garden that was installed in her backyard for free. “I go outside, get sun, grow things, and I provide for my family, because food is expensive right now."<br><br>This program is for residents living in single-family homes only. Check out the <a target="_blank" href="https://phoenix-gov.formstack.com/forms/bgp_2_en">application</a> for the full requirements. Applications for the Backyard Garden Program are open until 11:59 pm on August 30, 2022.<br><br><br><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><p><br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | Video | environmental-programs |
| Phoenix Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decreased in 2020, Report Finds | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2430 | Environment & Sustainability | | 8/1/2022 5:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2430/Newsroom_OEP_1.jpg | | Phoenix Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decreased in 2020, Report Finds | <div class="ExternalClassBEDF875230A8467E807BA68C15384A37"><html>
<p>
<span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>The City of Phoenix's <a target="_blank" href="/oep/GHG">2020 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory</a> shows both community scale and government operations emissions decreased during that year.<br></p>“Our investments in energy efficiency, transportation electrification, and renewable energy have demonstrated progress toward Phoenix's Climate Action Plan goals," said Mayor Kate Gallego. “This work is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future, and we will continue to deliver results in city operations and across our community."<br><br>Overall, 2020 community-wide GHG emissions were 14% lower than the 2012 baseline, while the metro economy grew by 42% and the City's population increased by 12%. Researchers from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University found these reductions were primarily due to the electricity grid having a lower carbon intensity due to the closures of coal-fired power plants. Some of the reductions were also due to decreased travel from commuting and lower air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.<br><br>In government operations, Phoenix 2020 GHG emissions were 25% lower than the 2005 baseline – well on their way to meeting the 2025 goal of a 40% reduction from 2005.<br><br>“These inventory numbers show the steps Phoenix is taking to cut down on emissions are working. While there is still plenty of work to be done, we are certainly headed in the right direction," said Environmental Programs Administrator Nancy Allen. “We've been reaching and exceeding emission reduction goals for 15 years, and we don't plan to stop."<br><br>While the City Vehicle Fleet did see an increase in GHG emissions due to increased service miles, Phoenix has lowered carbon intensity of the fleet with the use of alternative fuels. City Council also recently adopted the Transportation Electrification Action Plan, which calls for electrification of vehicles within the fleet and installation of on-site electric vehicle charging stations.<br><br>Thanks to investments in energy efficiency projects, buildings and facilities saw a decrease in electricity use. Water Services saw a decrease in emissions due to the capture and reuse of biogas at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, and a telework program led to decreased GHG emissions from employee commuting.<br><br>In 2021, the City of Phoenix's Climate Action Plan laid out another ambitious goal of reducing community carbon emissions from buildings, transportation, and waste by 50% by 2030, thereby moving toward becoming a carbon neutral city by 2050.<br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Agri-Food Tech Innovation Grant recipients named | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2398 | Environment & Sustainability | | 6/24/2022 10:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2398/Newsroom _OEP_1.jpg | | Agri-Food Tech Innovation Grant recipients named | <div class="ExternalClass2447CD2BC23645AD976DE7A7028DC810"><html>
<p>The Phoenix City Council <a href="/cityclerksite/City%20Council%20Meeting%20Files/6-15-22%20Formal%20Agenda-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">approved</a> seven recipients of the <a href="/oep/food-grants" target="_blank">Agri-Food Tech Innovation Grant</a> to help them adopt agri-food technologies and innovations into their operations.</p>
<p>The grant is part of the ARPA-funded <a href="/oep/food-overview" target="_blank">Phoenix Resilient Food System Initiative</a>, which provides for increased local food production and access to healthy foods; support for food banks, food pantries and community agencies; and business and employment opportunities throughout the food system spectrum.</p>
<p>The Office of Environmental Programs selected five recipients that are committed to advancing food equity through their modern methods and processes:</p>
<ul style="" class="" dir="">
<li>
<strong>
<a href="https://freshkube.com/?msclkid=a088bbb4d0b011ec89a257f28f5a93cf" target="_blank">FreshKube Inc.</a> </strong>will put the grant funding toward sensors, refrigeration, and solar panels as they help small growers and distributors. The money will allow them to build six mini containers and a portable micro-solar farm, giving growers cost-effective, transportable, temperature-controlled containers that can be powered by renewable energy.<br></li>
<li>
<strong>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/asu.edu/indoorfarminglab" target="_blank">Arizona State University (ASU) Indoor Farming Lab</a>
</strong> is focusing on Indoor Vertical Farming (IVF). The Agri-Food Tech Innovation Grant will help the research lab conduct two, three-day workshops about the benefits of IVF within the food system. Funds will pay for personnel, publication, and training expenses. ASU is also providing a 100% cost share match.</li>
<li>
<strong>
<a href="https://lehrgarden.com/" target="_blank">Lehr Innovations LLC</a>
</strong>, with its existing Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for Regeneration (LEHR) Gardens, is no stranger to agricultural technology. With this grant, Lehr Innovations will be able to improve growing efficiency by building a testing site to measure the differences in water usage, soil carbon sequestration, costs, and productivity between its LEHR gardens and traditional, in-ground farming methods.</li>
<li>
<strong>
<a href="http://www.nxthorizon.com/Home.html" target="_blank">NxT Horizon LLC</a>
</strong> uses aquaponics to help urban farmers maximize food yield without toxic wastes or chemical runoffs. Funds awarded to NxT Horizon will go toward developing a pilot program to demonstrate methods using the giant freshwater prawn within the Phoenix Backyard Garden Program's aquaponics garden system.</li>
<li>
<strong>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/yobroaz/" target="_blank">YoBro Farms</a>
</strong> will expand its vertical microgreen growing business by implementing an outdoor, solar-powered farming system that will enhance resiliency and expand sustainable food production practices. The farm will use funds to buy photovoltaic supplies, a shed, and other materials.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Office of Mayor Kate Gallego is awarding funds to the following:<br></p>
<ul style="" class="" dir="">
<li>
<strong>
<a href="https://phxfood.coop/" target="_blank">Phoenix Food Cooperative</a>
</strong> will create the “Phoenix Cooperative Food Hub," a tech-enabled online directory and marketplace for producers, consumers, and distributors in the Phoenix food system. Grant funds will be used primarily for labor costs as Phoenix Food Cooperative establishes Phoenix's first cooperative grocery store that aggregates local food sources from Phoenix growers and producers and connects residents, retailers, and other consumers.</li>
<li>
<strong>
<a href="https://homerfarms.com/" target="_blank">Homer Farms Inc.</a>
</strong>, a vertical farm startup, will locate in Phoenix to build the first vertical farm in the City of Phoenix. The facility will use LED lights and deep-water hydroponic cultivation technologies, which will produce a minimum of 500,000 pounds of produce per year while using 95 percent less water than traditional agriculture. Grant funds will be used for equipment such as growing racks and lighting. </li>
</ul>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| City Council Adopts Transportation Electrification Plan | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2388 | Environment & Sustainability | | 6/17/2022 9:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2388/newsroom _OEP_01.jpg | | City Council Adopts Transportation Electrification Plan | <div class="ExternalClass551FB6710FF240A5A81803B2739314A6"><html>
<p></p>In a 9-0 vote on Wednesday, June 15, the Phoenix City Council voted to adopt the <a target="_blank" href="/sustainabilitysite/MediaAssets/sustainability/electric-vehicles/Draft%20Transportation%20Electrification%20Action%20Plan.pdf">Transportation Electrification Action Plan</a> (TEAP), which prepares the city for a future filled with more electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and e-mobility equity.<br><br>“We often call it the EV Roadmap because that is exactly what it does – it charts a path for us to get 280,000 EVs on Phoenix roads by the year 2030," said Mayor Kate Gallego. “EVs matter because they are the road to our future."<br><br>There are three, main focus areas to the plan – prioritizing equity, accelerating public adoption of electric vehicles, and the City of Phoenix leading by example. <br><br>On the equity front, the plan requires that at least 40% of the city's investments in transportation electrification be made in underserved communities. It also calls for the launch of a local model of micro-mobility by December of 2024.<br><br>“It is our duty to make sure that Phoenicians have affordable and easy access to the infrastructure needed to power a clean, all-electric future, and this plan puts us on track to do exactly that," said City Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari (Dist. 7). “We realize that there are currently many barriers to EV adoption, especially in low-income and underserved communities. This plan utilizes community input to address their needs."<br><br>Along with helping people move towards the use of EVs, the TEAP also guides homebuilders, developers, business owners, and employers on best practices to provide infrastructure for electric vehicle charging.<br><br>Finally, the plan lays out goals for the City of Phoenix to begin electrifying its own fleets, expand employee charging opportunities, and install at least 500 public charging stations by the year 2030.<br><br><p>“[This is] an ambitious plan, and will have many partners along the way," Gallego said. “The future of mobility is happening now in Phoenix, and we are investing to be top-in-the-nation for a concentration of manufacturers and parts providers that will create quality jobs for our residents."<br></p><p></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Free Heat Relief Supplies Available to Community Organizations | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2379 | Environment & Sustainability | | 6/9/2022 7:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2379/Newsroom _OHRM_1.jpg | | Free Heat Relief Supplies Available to Community Organizations | <div class="ExternalClass1649ECD62B394A4CA747782B4CEC0253"><html>
<span style="font-size:12pt;"></span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">With temperatures already reaching beyond 110° for the first time this year, Phoenix's Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is teaming up with local nonprofit and charitable organizations to get heat relief supplies to the people who need them most.</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Organizations that conduct heat relief outreach efforts in Maricopa County are invited to request free heat relief supplies newly available from the City of Phoenix. Available items include supplies for individuals, such as hats, misters, and sunscreen, as well as supplies for organizations and facilities, including coolers, insulated backpacks, and wagons. Organizations are also invited to suggest additional items to be made available for community outreach. </span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The City of Phoenix has already filled requests heat relief supplies from 18 different community organizations over the past week.</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">“Those organizations have been getting critical resources out to community members ahead of and during the first excessive heat wave of 2022," said Heat Response Director David Hondula.</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Some of the supplies distributed include:</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">More than 1800 insulated water bottles</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">More than 2000 wide-brimmed hats</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">More than 4500 spray sunscreens</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">More than 500 personal misters</span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">More than 4500 cooling towels</span></li></ul><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The full list of available items, as well as terms of participation, are available on the <a target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XGm5lg5PvUKK37p1V2A0a6WU0k7EIYRPpBJ3RtumS-dUN1VDWFBVVFMwUTBPTERGVlBUMjRNOERGTy4u">online request form</a>. Participating organizations should be prepared to comply with federal reporting requirements as coordinated by the City of Phoenix. </span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
Click <a target="_blank" href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XGm5lg5PvUKK37p1V2A0a6WU0k7EIYRPpBJ3RtumS-dUN1VDWFBVVFMwUTBPTERGVlBUMjRNOERGTy4u">HERE</a> to request supplies.</span><br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Phoenix Awards Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant to 6 Local Organizations | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2372 | Environment & Sustainability | | 6/7/2022 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2372/Newsroom _OEP_1 farm.jpg | | Phoenix Awards Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant to 6 Local Organizations | <div class="ExternalClass6B7345E24EF14BCA8320761E82B97D73"><html>
After careful consideration and with
<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/xJesM11pl4s?t=661">
approval from City Council</a>, the Office of Environmental Programs has selected
<a target="_blank" href="/oep/food-grants">
six community organizations</a> to receive the
<a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/environmental-programs/2267">
Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant</a>. These private and nonprofit farms are working toward a more sustainable, resilient, equitable, and thriving food system:
<br>
<ul>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foodforestco-op.com/">
The Food Forest Cooperative
</a>
,
<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">located at Spaces of Opportunity in South Phoenix, will use the grant funds to make their burgeoning food forest more resilient against extreme summer temperatures</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">,</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> and to increase their ability to sell new products locally. Purchases include</span> <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a greenhouse, shade infrastructure, sola</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">r</span>
<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">pump, water tank, signage, pathway supplies, and stipends.</span>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/">
Society of St. Vincent de Paul</a>
<span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">will use the grant funds to install seasonal shade structures at two existing South Phoenix urban farms, which will extend the growing season, enhance soil biology, and provide free, fresh food to food-insecure and low-income community members and people experiencing homelessness.</span>
<span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span>
<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://mayasfarm.com/">
Maya's Farm</a>,
<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a 3.3-acre farm in South Phoenix, will use the grant funds to develop a soil and agroforestry project designed to improve overall soil health and fertility, increase shade, reduce the impacts of extreme heat on crops, lower energy costs, and help conserve water.</span>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://creightoncommunityfoundation.org/">
Creighton Community Foundation</a>, <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">located in East Central Phoenix,</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> will use the grant funds to support expansion of an urban farm focused on regenerative, low-resource, and environmentally tolerant gardening technologies that integrate renewable energy, composting, and aquaponics</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span>
<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Purchases will include construction materials, farm startup supplies, tools, rentals, and funds for a Master Gardener.</span>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/yobroaz/">
YoBro Farms</a>,
<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a small farm in West Phoenix, will expand its mushroom growing business by implementing an outdoor, solar-powered, vertical mushroom farming system. Purchases will include photovoltaic supplies, a shed, air conditioning units, production and operations supplies, sales equipment, and materials.</span>
<span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://recycledcity.com/">
Recycled City, LLC
</a>
,
<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a composting operation and farm in South Phoenix, will offer composting services and a fresh produce farm box for 38 weeks to 26 households located in food deserts in South Phoenix.</span>
<span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span>
<br>
</li>
</ul>
The City of Phoenix received 32 applications for the $245,000 available in the grant. The funds come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as part of the City's food assistance plan to address the food needs of vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19.<br><br>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
