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Phoenix passes ‘robust’ updated heat response plan
The City Council reports that increased awareness continues to make a measurable difference in keeping residents and communities safe during extreme heat.
At a glance
Who: City of Phoenix.
What: The City of Phoenix, Arizona, has approved its 2026 Heat Response Plan as part of the city’s ongoing heat relief efforts.
Why: To build on its efforts to date. The City reports that strong public education and clear messaging helped the community recognise symptoms early and take preventative action. Increased awareness continues to make a measurable difference in keeping Phoenix residents safe during extreme heat.
When: The City of Phoenix will execute its Heat Response programmes and services beginning 1 May 2026.
The City of Phoenix, Arizona, has approved its 2026 Heat Response Plan as part of the city’s ongoing heat relief efforts.
Last summer, the City confirmed that heat-related deaths in Maricopa County were approximately 30 per cent lower than reported for 2024, marking the second consecutive year of declines. The Phoenix Fire Department saw a reduction in the severity of heat-related illnesses and deaths this season.
911 heat-related calls
Although 911 heat-related calls remained high, fewer cases required significant resources including ice water immersion or hospital transports.
The City reports that strong public education and clear messaging helped the local community recognise symptoms early and take preventative action. Increased awareness continues to make a measurable difference in keeping Phoenix residents safe during extreme heat.
“Phoenix recognises extreme heat as a public health emergency and continues to deliver new strategies to keep residents safe,” said Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix. “Our 2026 Heat Response Plan builds upon recent progress, including two consecutive years of declining heat-related deaths.”
“Our heat leadership team is encouraged to see a second year of reductions in heat-related deaths and severe illnesses”
Gallego added: “We will continue providing 24/7 and extended hour cooling centres throughout the city, including a new partnership with Umom [New Day Centres] to offer emergency heat relief shelter for families.”
As part of the 2026 Plan, the City will continue to operate a 24/7 respite centre at 20 W Jackson Street. Additionally, Phoenix will partner with Justa Centre, 1001 W Jefferson Street, which will offer cooling centre hours from 3-9pm. Both locations are within the Downtown Phoenix areas where there were increased 911 calls.
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The sites will also offer a cool space for residents as well as navigation services to connect people experiencing homelessness with resources, and transportation to shelter or other services as needed.
Additionally, Phoenix will offer extended hours at Cholla Library until 9pm. Monday-Saturday and noon-9pm. on Sundays and holidays. This location will also offer full library services during extended hours.
“Our heat leadership team is encouraged to see a second year of reductions in heat-related deaths and severe illnesses,” said Office of Heat Response and Mitigation director David Hondula. “We remain committed to a data-driven, hyper-collaborative approach that engages the full suite of city departments and many community partners to push for even further reductions in 2026.”
“Phoenix recognises extreme heat as a public health emergency and continues to deliver new strategies to keep residents safe”
The City will partner with Umom New Day Centres on a referral basis for families who visit one of its extended hour or 24-hour locations to provide heat respite and connections to resources and services for families with minor children experiencing homelessness seven days per week.
Phoenix is also utilising $450,000 in Fema Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Funding to ensure public-facing City employees are trained on best practices to connect residents to heat-related services and resources throughout Phoenix.
Senior communities
The 2026 plan also includes a partnership with various organisations and departments to help raise awareness about heat. The American Red Cross will perform outreach in mobile home and senior communities ahead of the summer to provide safety information and resources.
Staff from relevant departments will now explore opportunities to further improve the Heat Response Plan based on suggestions made at a City Council policy session. The City of Phoenix will execute its Heat Response programmes and services beginning 1 May 2026.
climate actionClimate change/ResilienceEnergy & EnvironmentGovernance and CitizenHealth & Social CarePhoenixPolicy Makingresilience
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