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A More Equitable Phoenix, One Tree at a time

A portion of a tree's canopy in a neighborhood south of Thomas Road along 11th Avenue on March 19.

Introduction

Phoenix is known for its infamous heat, but city leaders see that issue as more than a discomfort. Rather, it worsens existing social inequities that creates disparities between residents of different income levels.

Fixing that problem isn't easy, but the city has identified one unconventional solution: trees.

By planting trees and expanding canopy coverage with a focus on low-income neighborhoods, officials believe they can create a more just — and cooler — city.

This multimedia package seeks to learn more about how city government, local nonprofits and residents are working to bring trees to Phoenix with writing, photos, audio, video and graphics.

The Big Picture

Phoenix sees trees as opportunities for social equity, faces challenges in expanding shade

Zooming in

Planting trees is a community affair in the Del Norte neighborhood

Info for You

Looking to plant? Here's what to know

This multimedia package was created by Carsten Oyer, a journalism student.

Unless otherwise noted, all information, writing and media is original.

 

This package was created for JMC 305, Multimedia Journalism, at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Copyright 2025

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