City of Phoenix Recognized with Nine Environmental Excellence Awards

The city of Phoenix has been recognized by Arizona Forward for its outstanding contributions to the physical environment of our local communities.  The city received nine awards in various categories during the association’s 35^th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony, including two of the coveted Crescordia Awards which are given as the highest honor in each category.

“Being recognized by Arizona Forward like this is an incredible testament to the strides we have made as a city, in a relatively short time, to become more sustainable,” said Mayor Greg Stanton.  “It shows that Phoenix is now leading the way when it comes to environmental excellence.”

Crescordia Awards

• Art in Public Places:
  – Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal Three Sky Train Station Platform and Bridge (City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture)
   
• Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future:
  – Team Arizona Colorado River Shortage and Drought Preparedness (City of Phoenix Water Services Department, Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Arizona Department of Water Resources Partnership)

“By working with our partners, we are pulling together to build resilience and implement innovative water management strategies to ensure dependable water supplies. These collaborative efforts have significantly increased the resiliency of Arizona’s water supplies and this award recognizes that important work,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair of the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.

Awards of Merit

• Art in Public Places:
  – Pinnacle Peak Water Reservoir Public Art Project (City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture)
  – Shade for Transit Series(City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture)
   
• Site Development:
  – Parks and Trails, Echo Canyon Recreation Area Trailhead Improvements (City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department)
  – Phoenix Tennis Center (City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department)

“These awards demonstrate that Phoenix is committed to its parks and recognize the benefits of our work to integrate art into communities and projects across the city,” said Councilwoman Laura Pastor, chair of the City Council’s Parks, Arts, Transparency and Education Subcommittee.

• Environmental Education/Communication:
  – 7th Avenue @ Melrose Curve Recycling Awareness (City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture)
   
• Healthy Communities:
  – Multimodal Transportation and Connectivity, GRID Bike Share (City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department)
  – Public Policy/Plans, ReinventPHX (City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department)

“ReinventPHX is an ambitious vision driven by extensive public involvement to create a vibrant, transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly city. Arizona Forward’s award acknowledges our efforts to create a connected, dynamic city,” said Councilwoman Kate Gallego, chair of the City Council’s Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee.

Since its inception in 1969 as Valley Forward and expanding statewide in 2013, Arizona Forward has brought business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues in an effort to improve the sustainability of communities in the state.  

For more information about Arizona Forward or the awards, call 602-240-2408 or visit arizonaforward.org.