In 2024, Phoenix City Council planned to plant over 27,000 new trees and build 550 new shade structures under a $60 million plan to combat extreme temperatures. The plan was approved in November 2024 as Phoenix faced rising heat and continued drought conditions. The Shade Phoenix Plan was prepared by the city’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. It outlines 36 actions that 26 city departments and offices can take to increase and protect shade. The plan uses both trees and built shade. Built shade can include structures such as awnings, canopies and shade covers at public locations. The city said completing the planned actions would result in more than 27,000 new trees and 550 new shade structures. The Phoenix City Council approved the plan by an 8-0 vote. It calls for $60 million in federal and local funding over five years.
