It is an honor to be recognized for a project that brought the Santa Cruz River back to life by using recycled water while creating multiple socioecological benefits in our community. The climate efforts of local leaders are making an impact as we collectively make our nation climate resilient one action and one city at a time.

“The Santa Cruz River Heritage Project represents a new way of thinking for Tucson Water,” said Tucson Water Director Tim Thomure. “We have expanded our world view beyond the sole focus on providing safe, reliable water. We have the opportunity and the obligation to contribute more broadly to our community and culture through these types of investments.” 

Youth Tree Leader  

I want to give a shoutout to Joely Patterson for participating in the 2020 Youth Tree Leaders (YTL) Program, which equips youth with the skills needed to plant and care for trees, and most importantly, become environmental stewards in our community. The YTL Program, established by our partner Trees for Tucson, is an important component in the Tucson Million Trees initiative.

In Joely’s words, “The program helps create a generation of young teens who are knowledgeable about trees.... If we want to plant a million trees by 2030, we need youth to participate as both volunteers and leaders in tree planting."  

Green Businesses 

I am also excited to see more and more businesses participating in the Local First Southern Arizona Green Business Alliance’s programs. Congratulations to SCALE UP cohort 1 and cohort 2 graduates, as well as the upcoming cohort, including: 

• RECYCO, INC. 
• Stackhouse L.L.C. 
• Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter 
• Potential of Ability, Inc 
• Iskashitaa Refugee Network 
• Humanity Hub Network 
• Global Learning Foundation 
• Chapman Honda 
• Imago Dei Middle School 
• Project Greenhouse 
• BRINK 
• INTERNATIONAL TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE INSTITUTE FOUNDATION 
• Sustainable Tucson + Kidane Mehret Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church 
• Harris Fletcher Enterprises + Natural Building Works 
• Popcycle 
• Good Eye Living 

We all play a role in making Tucson a climate resilient and sustainable City. Thank you for helping advance this vision by systemically aiming to reduce gas, water and electricity use, as well as implementing other sustainability practices. Our collective efforts are generating shared benefits.   

Free COVID-19 saliva testing continues this Friday, Sunday and Monday with Rescue Me Wellness. No appointment required. Just show up!

Please get tested and wear a mask.