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Mesa updates council on Climate Action Plan funding, youth grants, watershed and airport studies
Summary
Environmental and Sustainability staff briefed the council on the Mesa Climate Action Plan (MCAP) investments, youth grant rounds supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, tree and urban-forest efforts, SRP watershed partnership, and proposed feasibility studies for water supply and airport energy planning.
Scott Boucher, energy and sustainability director, and Laura Heinemann, deputy director for environmental and sustainability, presented the department’s strategic priorities and an update on MCAP-funded projects at the April 24 study session.
Why it matters: MCAP funding and related grants support local tree planting, water conservation, electrifying municipal vehicles, and studies that could affect long-term water reliability and municipal energy planning. The department said MCAP commitments total about $17.8 million across roughly three years of work.
Laura Heinemann described the Mesa Climate Action Fund’s youth program, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The program awards grants of up to $5,000 to youth teams aged 15–24; the city received $50,000 for round one and a $100,000 award for round two. Staff said round-two awards funded 13 projects and the final application deadline for remaining funds is May 13, 2025. Heinemann said projects have included air monitors, tree-planting, reusable-cup programs and community gardens.
The department highlighted partners that have supported tree-planting and other projects: the Arizona Sustainability…
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