Title
Authorization to Apply for the Vitalyst Health Foundation 2020 Systems Change Grant (Ordinance S-46306)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for a Vitalyst Health Foundation 2020 Systems Change Grant to support development and implementation of the City's HeatReady initiative to mitigate the negative impacts of rising urban temperatures on low-income residents of Phoenix. This report further requests authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and the City Controller to disburse the funds for the purposes of this ordinance. Grants of $150,000 to $175,000 will be awarded for projects of up to three years.
Report
Vitalyst Health Foundation 2020 Systems Change Grant is designed to support and inform efforts to improve the health of individuals and communities in Arizona. Grants will be awarded to support collaborative projects that address multiple issues in our State, with a focus on low-income communities, including public health, economic development, environment, among others. Grants of $150,000 to $175,000 will be awarded for projects of up to three years.
The City will partner with Arizona State University (ASU) and Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), among other community organizations, as well as residents, to support ongoing development of the HeatReady Phoenix initiative, to mitigate the impacts of rising urban temperatures on our most vulnerable communities, including seniors, low-income residents, people of color, individuals with disabilities and health challenges, veterans, individuals and families experiencing homelessness, LGBT communities, among others.
The proposal will include implementation of up to five pilot projects that will serve as testbeds for measuring how effectively the City can work with neighborhoods and volunteers to create different types of cooling projects that foster walkability and protect public health. Based on community goals, these projects may reduce environmental heat while also addressing priorities such as pedestrian safety, placemaking, and community cohesion. MCDPH and ASU will provide ongoing support including access to data, models, expertise, and networking opportunities.
Financial Impact
Grants of $150,000 to $175,000 will be awarded for projects of up to three years.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This request supports the ongoing development and implementation of the City's HeatReady Phoenix initiative, unanimously approved by City Council at the April 9, 2019 Policy Meeting.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the City's Chief Service Officer.