Phoenix Awards Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant to 6 Local Organizations

2022-07-01 19:43:39 By : Ms. Carol Wen

Phoenix Awards Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant to 6 Local Organizationshttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2372Environment & Sustainability6/7/2022 9:00:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2372/Newsroom _OEP_1 farm.jpgPhoenix Awards Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant to 6 Local Organizations<div class="ExternalClass6B7345E24EF14BCA8320761E82B97D73"><html> ​​​ After careful consideration and with <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/xJesM11pl4s?t=661"> approval from City Council</a>, the Office of Environmental Programs has selected <a target="_blank" href="/oep/food-grants"> six community organizations​</a>  to receive the <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/environmental-programs/2267"> Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture Grant</a>. These private and nonprofit farms are working toward a more sustainable, resilient, equitable, and thriving food system: <br> <ul> <li> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.foodforestco-op.com/"> The Food Forest Cooperative​ </a> , <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">located at Spaces of Opportunity in South Phoenix, will use the grant funds to make their burgeoning food forest more resilient against extreme summer temperatures</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">,</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> and to increase their ability to sell new products locally. Purchases include</span> <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a greenhouse, shade infrastructure, sola</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">r</span> <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">pump, water tank, signage, pathway supplies, and stipends.</span> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/"> Society of St. Vincent de Paul​</a>  <span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">will use the grant funds to install seasonal shade structures at two existing South Phoenix urban farms, which will extend the growing season, enhance soil biology, and provide free, fresh food to food-insecure and low-income community members and people experiencing homelessness.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> ​ <span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" href="http://mayasfarm.com/"> Maya's Farm</a>, <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a 3.3-acre farm in South Phoenix, will use the grant funds to develop a soil and agroforestry project designed to improve overall soil health and fertility, increase shade, reduce the impacts of extreme heat on crops, lower energy costs, and help conserve water.</span> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" href="https://creightoncommunityfoundation.org/"> Creighton Community Foundation</a>, <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">located in East Central Phoenix,</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> will use the grant funds to support expansion of an urban farm focused on regenerative, low-resource, and environmentally tolerant gardening technologies that integrate renewable energy, composting, and aquaponics</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span> <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Purchases will include construction materials, farm startup supplies, tools, rentals, and funds for a Master Gardener.</span> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/yobroaz/"> YoBro Farms</a>, <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a small farm in West Phoenix, will expand its mushroom growing business by implementing an outdoor, solar-powered, vertical mushroom farming system. Purchases will include photovoltaic supplies, a shed, air conditioning units, production and operations supplies, sales equipment, and materials.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </li> <li> <a target="_blank" href="https://recycledcity.com/"> Recycled City, LLC​ </a> , <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">a composting operation and farm in South Phoenix, will offer composting services and a fresh produce farm box for 38 weeks to 26 households located in food deserts in South Phoenix.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> <br> </li> </ul> The City of Phoenix received 32 applications for the $245,000 available in the grant. The funds come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as part of the City's food assistance plan to address the food needs of vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19.<br><br> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/oepNewsenvironmental-programsMaya's Farm - one of the grant recipientsEnvironment#sustainability #farming #agriculture @PHXenvironment @CityofPhoenixAZ #PHXsustainability, ARPA, food systems, sustainable agricultureSpencer Blake602-818-6033602-262-6822spencer.blake@phoenix.govPHXEnvironment

City of Phoenix Adds Paid Parental Leave to Many Employee Benefitshttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/human-resources/2404Human Resources7/1/2022 5:35:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2404/Parental Leave Collage.jpgCity of Phoenix Adds Paid Parental Leave to Many Employee Benefits<div class="ExternalClass735D0FDF08DC4B3A8359807F5EBB6999"><html> <p> Beginning October 1, the City of Phoenix will provide eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period. The new parental leave benefit was unanimously approved by City Council today, and solidifies Phoenix as a top employer in the region. 480 hours is among the most generous parental leave packages offered by any local government agency.</p> <p>“The working world has changed dramatically, and we are focused on meeting the needs of today's parents. The new, additional leave is extremely flexible to meet varying challenges that arise when a new child comes into the family," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This new benefit will help the City stay competitive and able to attract the best employees to serve Phoenix's residents."</p> <p>The change is intended to allow the City to maintain its competitive edge to recruit and retain a highly skilled and productive workforce while also providing working parents and caregivers greater flexibility in balancing their work and family commitments.</p> <p>“Our employees are our most valuable assets," said Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “Adding parental leave to the many benefits offered by the City demonstrates our investment in them, which in turn, is an investment in our community."<br></p> <p>The City of Phoenix is actively recruiting for many essential jobs including police officers, dispatchers, solid waste and street maintenance workers, mechanics, customer service representatives, administrative professionals, accountants and more. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, working in public service offers many rewards. Visit <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/jobs" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/Jobs</a> to learn more and apply today. <br></p> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/hrNewsPhoenix Looking for Community Input at GO Bond Committee Meetingshttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/budget-and-research/2402Budget & Research7/1/2022 12:00:00 AMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2402/Phoenix-Skyline-with-Crane-in-Background.jpgPhoenix Looking for Community Input at GO Bond Committee Meetings<div class="ExternalClass2711FC69F2244C9182870D8D4241A10B"><html> <p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">On June 7, 2022, </span> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">the Mayor and City Council approved moving forward with a proposed General Obligation (GO) Bond program of $500 million</span> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">. GO Bond programs help to fund critical infrastructure and rehabilitation needs of City facilities such as parks, libraries, fire and police stations, affordable housing, streets, and storm drains. GO Bond Programs require City Council and voter approval.</span> </p> <p> <strong>What is a General Obligation Bond?</strong> </p> <p>General obligation (GO) bonds are municipal bonds which provide a way for local governments to finance large capital improvements. A bond program includes both the authority to issue bonds and a listing of the purposes for which the funds may be used. General Obligation Bond Programs, such as the City of Phoenix's Bond Program, require voter approval. The City of Phoenix is the fifth largest City in the country and has not had a GO Bond Program since 2006.</p> <p>The City Council appointed a citizen's GO Bond Committee on June 1, 2022, to evaluate and prioritize <a target="_blank" href="/bond/reports-presentations">proposed projects</a> identified in the Capital Needs Study, and to hear from residents what they would like to see in the next GO Bond Program. In addition to an Executive Committee, there are eight subcommittees: Arts & Culture, Economic Development and Education, Environment & Sustainability, Housing, Human Services & Homelessness, Neighborhoods & City Services, Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, and Streets & Storm Drainage. </p> <p>Subcommittees will receive presentations about proposed projects from City departments, hear from the public, then rank the projects that will be recommended to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is charged with making recommendations to be considered by City Council. The City Council will then decide if a GO Bond Program will go to the voters. If approved by Council, voters will ultimately choose whether or not to adopt the GO Bond Program, in November 2023.</p> <p>Committee meetings will take place between August 2022 and December 2022 and will be open to the public for comment. The Executive Committee will meet for the first time on August 8, 2022, then the first subcommittee meeting will take place on August 12, 2022.  More information on committee meetings and how residents can participate is available online at Phoenix.gov/bond. </p> <p> <strong>What type of projects will be proposed?</strong> </p> <p>General Obligation Bonds pay for major capital improvements that serve a public purpose, such as renovating and building new parks and libraries, investing in the Phoenix Housing Plan, the Climate Action Plan, street and storm drainage projects and even public safety infrastructure like a new fire station or police precinct. </p> <p>Money from GO Bonds cannot be used for ongoing operating costs such as administrative expenses and employee salaries. </p> <p> <strong>Does the proposed 2023 GO Bond Program anticipate an increase in secondary property tax rates?</strong> </p> <p>No. The GO Bond Program does not include a planned increase in the City's secondary property tax rate, which is used to calculate secondary property tax revenues dedicated to paying the debt service on GO Bonds. This means that future property tax revenues at the existing secondary property tax rate are projected to be sufficient to repay the bonds, absent unanticipated legislative and/or economic changes. </p> <p> <strong>How to share your Input</strong> </p> <p>Community input is encouraged at the City's <a target="_blank" href="/bond/meetings">GO Bond Committee meeting​</a>s. Anyone interested in speaking can sign up online to speak, or attend in person, at one of our hybrid, in-person and virtual, meetings. </p> <p>Residents can also engage with the City on social media by using the #GOPHX2023, or by using the interactive GOPHXTOOL, an online tool that allows residents to tell the GO Bond Committee which projects they would like to see recommended to City Council. Residents may also call or submit comments electronically.</p> <p>For more information, please visit <a target="_blank" href="/bond">phoenix.gov/bond</a> or call (602) 262-3111.​<br></p> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/budgetNewsCity of Phoenix Fourth of July Safety Tips and Holiday Noticehttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/2403Articles and Features6/30/2022 2:00:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2403/Newsroom_CMO_ARPA.jpgCity of Phoenix Fourth of July Safety Tips and Holiday Notice<div class="ExternalClass0860E842663D43E5B71283033FDF442B"><html> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">The City of Phoenix wishes residents and visitors a safe and happy Fourth of July!</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;"> </span> <br> </span></p> <div><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">If you find yourself enjoying the pool this holiday weekend, remember to always monitor children around water. The City of Phoenix is committed to a vision of #DrowningZero. </span> <a href="/newsroom/fire/2317" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Learn more</span></span></a><span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">.</span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"></span> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">One way to safely enjoy the pool this holiday weekend is with Phoenix Parks at one of 14 City pools for FREE on Sunday, July 3. Admission is free during open swim hours of 12 p.m to 6 p.m at all City Pools except for Cortez Pool, where free admission is limited to 12 p.m to 2 p.m. </span> <a href="/parks/pools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color:window;"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Find a </span> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">City</span> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> pool near you.</span> </span> </a> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">Unfortunately, due to supply chain issues, the City of Phoenix’s three premiere fireworks events have been canceled for 2022. Fabulous Phoenix Fourth, Light Up the Sky at the American Family Fields and After Dark in the Park will all be canceled this year. </span> <a href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color:window;"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Learn more.</span> </span> </a> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <a href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color:window;"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"></span> </span> </a> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">If you choose to celebrate with fireworks at home, make sure you are safe and legal.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;"> </span> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">The Phoenix Fire Department reminds residents of the dangers of illegal fireworks. Children should always be supervised around fireworks. Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents or fires. Never throw or point fireworks at someone or hold them in your hand. Never try to relight a dud! Leave jumbo fireworks to the professionals. Additionally, the Phoenix Police Department emphasizes potential consequences of illegal firework usage. Celebrate carefully and legally!</span> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">Be mindful of brush as it can easily catch on fire in the dry Phoenix summer. To reduce fire danger in our preserves, parking restrictions are in place at trailheads – </span> <a href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/1972" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color:window;"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">read more</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">.</span> <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;"> </span> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"><span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">City of Phoenix offices will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Here's how City services are affected:</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;"> </span><span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span><br></span></p> </span></div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">Solid Waste Collection:</strong> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> Trash and recycling will be collected as usual. There will be no change in collection day. Please always place your trash and recycling containers four feet apart at the curb by 5:30 a.m.</span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">Transfer Stations: </strong> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">The 27th Avenue and North Gateway </span> <a href="/publicworks/garbage/disposable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Transfer Stations</span> </span> </a> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> will be closed on Monday, July 4. </span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">Library:</strong> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> Phoenix Public Library locations are closed on Monday, July 4. All Phoenix Public Library book drops and digital/eResources are available 24/7. Visit </span> <a href="https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">phoenixpubliclibrary.org</span> </span> </a> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> for more details.</span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">Parking Meters</strong> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">:</strong> All </span> <a href="/streets/parking-meters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">parking meters </span> </span> </a> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">are enforced 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays.</span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">Parks and Recreation Facilities</strong> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">:</strong> City of Phoenix Community Centers will be closed on Monday, July 4. </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Parks</span> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> will be open for regular hours, however </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">trails</span> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> will be closed to car traffic starting at 3 p.m. Fireworks, open fires, smoke, alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited – please review </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> <a target="_blank" href="/parks/trails">“Take a Hike. Do it Right."</a> </span> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> safety guidelines before visiting a trail. </span> <span style="" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Pueblo Grande Museum</span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> will be closed on Monday, July 4.</span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <strong style="">Public Transit:</strong> </span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> On Monday, July 4, Valley Metro will operate on a Sunday schedule. There will be no RAPID and Express bus service. Customer Service will be closed. Metrocenter, Sunnyslope, Ed Pastor and Central Station transit centers also will be closed. Visit</span> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> </span> <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/maps-schedules" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> <span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:14.6667px;" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> <span style="" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">valleymetro.org</span> </span> </a> <span style="" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> for more information.</span> <span style="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </span></p> </div> </html></div>News

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