Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heat Mitigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Las Vegas council approves heat-resiliency amendment to master plan
Summary
The council approved an amendment to the comprehensive master plan to add a heat resiliency/mitigation plan focused on expanding tree canopy, cooling centers and neighborhood outreach; Parks Director Doug Geld outlined targets including 5,000 new trees by Earth Day 2032.
The North Las Vegas City Council voted June 17 to amend the city's comprehensive master plan to add a heat resiliency mitigation plan aimed at reducing urban heat impacts.
Doug Geld, director of Parks and Recreation, told the council that heat is already a pressing local problem, noting the Las Vegas Valley has seen five of its hottest summers in the last decade and that the hottest day reached 120°F on July 7, 2024. He said the city's approach emphasizes planting the "right trees for the right environment," citing an existing public tree inventory of 14,760 trees, 1,800 heat-tolerant trees planted in the last three years, and a goal to plan 5,000 new trees by Earth Day 2032. "Shade is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce ambient temperatures," Geld said.
Council members questioned how the city will ensure tree survival and target mature neighborhoods most affected by the heat island effect. Geld said the city tracks giveaway placements by ZIP code, partners with nonprofits to support planting and irrigation, and focuses on heat-resilient species such as Chinese pistache and date palms. He added that the city operates cooling centers at recreation centers and the Alexander Library to provide relief during extreme heat events.
After questions from council members, a motion to approve the amendment passed on the council floor. The public hearing recorded no blue cards or written comments.
