Title
Authorization to Apply for a Grant from the Ford Foundation to Advance the City’s Tree and Shade Initiatives (Ordinance S-51374) - Citywide
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept funding of up to $150,000 from the Ford Foundation to advance actions in the Shade Phoenix Plan focused on community engagement and workforce development. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
In 2021, the City of Phoenix became the first in the United States to adopt the American Forests Tree Equity Pledge. This pledge committed the City to ensure that all neighborhoods in Phoenix enjoy the benefits of urban trees. Since the pledge was adopted, significant new investments have been made to improve tree and shade coverage throughout Phoenix, especially in neighborhoods where it is the lowest. These investments include American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated by City Council, General Obligation Bond funds, and a federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. In November 2024, Office of Heat Response and Mitigation will request Phoenix City Council approval to adopt a new Shade Phoenix Plan that builds upon these investments and the Tree Equity Pledge with a comprehensive five-year strategy to expand tree and shade coverage.
Community engagement and workforce development are two strategic priorities of the Shade Phoenix Plan. Strengthening the opportunities for public engagement with tree and shade initiatives and building capacity throughout all workforce sectors that support trees and shade is essential to ensure that investments are made in the manner that best addresses community priorities and provide maximum benefits.
The Ford Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization with a mission to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. The Ford Foundation has invited the City of Phoenix to apply for financial support to strengthen community engagement and workforce development initiatives associated with the Shade Phoenix Plan.
If awarded, the Ford Foundation grant in the amount of $150,000 will fund community engagement initiatives, internships, public education and outreach, and workforce development programs over a two-year period in support of the Shade Phoenix Plan.
Contract Term
The contract term is for two years starting upon award.
Financial Impact
The grant amount is not to exceed $150,000. No matching funds are required.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.