Title
Arizona Forward Membership Renewal
Description
This report requests the Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of the City’s continued participation as a Visionary member of Arizona Forward for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
Established in 1969, Arizona Forward is a nonprofit organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on statewide issues and to promote the livability and sustainability of Valley communities and the state through issue committees, volunteer projects, education and promotion. A list of Visionary membership benefits are listed in Attachment A.
Arizona Forward's 200 members include businesses, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and 17 municipalities including the City of Phoenix, which has been a member of Arizona Forward since 1990 and a Visionary member since 2007. The City’s Visionary membership includes sponsor recognition for Arizona Forward’s annual programs and events. One such event is the Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognizes projects that align with the City’s long-term objectives by demonstrating a high level of environmental commitment and contribution to the state and region's overall sustainability.
Arizona Forward has identified four strategic priorities for the upcoming calendar year:
- Ensure forest health to protect water resources and ecosystems;
- Promote healthy, safe community spaces through Canalscape transformation;
- Advance social, economic, and environmental well-being through urban waterway revitalization; and
- Support clean, equitable transportation through electric autonomous vehicle advocacy
These statewide issues have a significant effect on quality of life in the Valley and benefit the City and its residents.
Financial Impact
The Visionary membership cost for FY 2018-19 is $20,000. Given Arizona Forward's broad focus, the cost would be shared equally among the Water, Aviation, Transit and Public Works departments.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Office of Sustainability.