Title
Authorization to Apply for a Grant from The Nature Conservancy to Improve Citywide Tree Policy (Ordinance S-53140) - Citywide
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept funding of up to $80,000 from The Nature Conservancy to support improvements to Citywide tree policy as aligned with the Shade Phoenix Plan. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
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 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, General Obligation Bond funds, and a federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. In November 2024, Phoenix City Council adopted the 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.
The Shade Phoenix Plan committed the City and partners to complete 36 specific actions in pursuit of an envisioned future in which all community members and visitors experience the benefits of trees and built shade. Several action items target improvements to citywide tree policy, including actions related to species guidance, planting techniques, maintenance practices and code enforcement. The funding made available by The Nature Conservancy offers municipal governments the opportunity to receive technical assistance for urban forestry policy development.
The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit organization with a mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. In July 2026, The Nature Conservancy’s Arizona Healthy Cities Program released a request for funding proposals for urban forestry initiatives within the ten largest municipalities in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and invited the City of Phoenix to apply.
If awarded, the grant funding will not exceed $80,000. The grant funds will support one or more contracted partners and/or expert consultants to benchmark Phoenix’s municipal tree code against domestic and international peers and assist the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation in developing proposals for citywide tree policy updates in coordination with all relevant City departments. Staff are requesting retroactive approval for the grant application as the funding opportunity was announced in July 2026 with a submission deadline of August 14, 2026. Award notification is expected in September 2026 and the anticipated performance period is October 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. The City Treasurer is authorized to accept all funds related to this item.
Financial Impact
Funding for this program will not exceed $80,000. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.