In a significant move, the Biden-Harris Administration today announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, a key initiative under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates, totaling $8,345,000 for Arizona, will enable selectees to purchase 30 clean school buses in 10 school … [More]
Mesa’s Efforts to Reach Carbon Neutrality Rewarded with $265,570 from SRP
Mesa Mayor John Giles accepted a check for $267,570 in rebates from SRP, marking a significant milestone in the City’s efforts to reach carbon neutrality in the decades ahead. The check, presented by SRP Associate General Manager and Chief Customer Executive Vanessa Kisicki, represents rebate incentives for energy efficiency projects and Mesa’s electric firetruck. “The City … [More]
New Canadian Trade Office Established in Arizona to Increase Trade, Economic Development
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, announced the establishment of a new Canadian trade office in Arizona. The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be opening a new trade office in Arizona, which will strengthen the bilateral relationship between Arizona and Canada, … [More]
New Terminal Coming to Sky Harbor, Not Anticipated to Begin until After 2030
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the Phoenix City Council heard plans to build a new terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. With more than 48 million passengers in 2023 and passenger numbers continuing to grow, a new terminal is necessary to meet passenger demand and maintain a high level of service. “Phoenix Sky Harbor is busier than ever, which is … [More]
Phoenix City Council Refers General Plan to the Ballot
The Phoenix City Council referred the General Plan to the ballot for the next regularly scheduled election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Last week, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the General Plan 2025 Update, a comprehensive plan that will guide the City's development and growth for the next ten years. This follows recommendations for approval by all 15 … [More]
Heat Relief Network Launches with Goal of Preventing Heat Deaths
With more than 600 heat associated deaths in Maricopa County last year, a coalition of partners is determined to provide resources to address the searing summer heat and the toll it takes on Valley residents. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and dozens of partnering agencies are teaming up to launch the regional Heat Relief Network. The network includes an … [More]
Effort to Expand Broadband in Rural Areas Takes Big Step Forward
Public-private partnership to manage, maintain and lease fiber-optic conduit along highways
The state’s goal of expanding broadband internet access in rural areas is taking a big step forward with a public-private partnership. The agreement with eX² Technology is to operate, maintain and lease space in fiber-optic conduit installed along Interstate 17 and Interstate 19, and being installed later this year along much of Interstate 40. The Arizona Department of … [More]
Arizona Wins $156M Clean Energy Grant to Expand Access to Low-Cost Energy Options
The Governor’s Office of Resiliency (OOR) was awarded $156 million from the EPA’s Solar for All grant program to improve access to rooftop and neighborhood-scale solar generation for all Arizonans. The Solar for All Arizonans program plans to deploy just over 61 MW of new solar resources throughout the state, benefitting thousands of low-income families, renters, and rural and … [More]
Vermont-Based Ice Cream Giant Seeks Cannabis Justice Advocacy, Starting with Arizona
It's high time to do more about cannabis criminalization and the disproportionate way it continues to affect communities of color. This 4/20, nationally and locally lead with ACLU and AZ Justice Project, respectively, Ben & Jerry's is focused on one message: Legalization without justice is half baked. "To truly achieve cannabis justice, we have to ensure people are no … [More]
Arizona’s Blue Envelopes Help Drivers with Autism during Traffic Stops
Rollout of enhanced communication includes law enforcement training
Arizona is launching a program through which drivers on the autism spectrum can place their credentials in special blue envelopes to enhance communication with law enforcement officers during traffic stops. This voluntary program, which includes education for law enforcement officers, follows a model used successfully in Connecticut. The envelope will have instructions for … [More]
Phoenix Scores Transit Oriented Development Light Rail Grant
The City of Phoenix received a $1.2 million TOD (Transit Oriented Development) grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to help with efforts to improve access to public transit and create a transit-oriented walkable, livable and sustainable community. These types of grants help organizations, like the City of Phoenix, plan with the community around major … [More]
Additional Grant Funding Available for Businesses along Light Rail Construction
More than $1M and 200+ grants distributed to small businesses in first three years of program
After three successful years, the Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) will enter its final year on April 1 providing support to small, locally-owned businesses along our South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project. New this year, eligible businesses can apply for between $4,500 (up from $3,000 in past years) to $9,000 in program … [More]
City of Phoenix Proposes New 300-Bed Shelter in West Phoenix
The City of Phoenix is proposing constructing a new City-owned shelter and navigation center at 11 S. 71st Avenue. The proposed shelter will create 280 of the 790 new shelter beds the Office of Homeless Solutions is partnering to add in 2024 and 2025, as part of the City’s continued commitment to … [More]
MAG Promotes Interim Director to Permanent Position as Environmental Director
The Maricopa Association of Governments has announced that Matthew Poppen will serve as the agency’s permanent environmental director, moving from the interim director role he has held since January. “This decision reflects Matt’s leadership abilities and his dedication to the environment and public health,” said MAG Executive Director Ed Zuercher. “Matt brings extensive … [More]
Arizona Department of Health Services Announces First-Ever Statewide Chief Heat Officer
The Arizona Department of Health Services is pleased to announce Eugene Livar, MD as the nation’s first-ever statewide Chief Heat Officer. This position is an initiative created under Governor Hobb’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan. Addressing extreme heat in Arizona is one of Governor Hobbs’ important initiatives and will involve a multitude of state agencies along with the … [More]
Phoenix City Council Passes Large Water User Ordinance
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council unanimously approved a water conservation ordinance geared towards large water users, another major component of the “Sustainable Desert Development Policy” that Gallego has led since early 2022. The new policies follow years of strategic planning to … [More]
Phoenix E-Scooter Program to Expand to 24/7 Schedule on March 1
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department will expand operation of its Shared Micromobility Program to 24 hours a day, seven days a week effective at midnight on Friday, March 1. The program currently operates daily from 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The 24/7 schedule of operation will be done as a six-month pilot program, during which usage data and other metrics will be … [More]
Interstate 10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor Moving Forward
Improvements span 26 miles from Loop 202 (Santan/South Mountain Freeway) to State Route 387
Plans to expand 26 miles of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande are moving forward following environmental approval late last week. The widening project will increase capacity and reduce congestion on a busy section of I-10 near Wild Horse Pass within the Gila River Indian Community. A key segment slated for improvement is the I-10 Gila River Indian Community … [More]
