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From Bare Streets to Blooming Boulevards
Xochitl Coronado-Vargas
Storm to Shade (S2S) is the City of Tucson’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program. Funded by a small fee on every water utility bill within City limits, S2S has been building new GSI and maintaining new and existing GSI throughout the City of Tucson since 2021. GSI is landscape that captures and infiltrates stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces to passively irrigate native vegetation. GSI provides numerous benefits, including cooling the urban environment; improving soil, air and water quality; and beautifying communities. As part of the City of Tucson’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, S2S aims to increase urban green space without increasing the City’s demand on water resources.
To date, Storm to Shade has constructed 12 new projects, with 4 additional projects currently in construction and 19 projects in design. Projects are located on public property including parks, streets, bicycle boulevards, greenways, community centers and public housing complexes. S2S works closely with COT Parks, Transportation, and Housing departments to coordinate the addition of GSI with existing city improvement projects such as voter-approved Proposition 407 and Proposition 411 bonds. For example, if a park has been identified for Prop 407 bond improvements that include a renovated parking lot and walking path, S2S coordinates with Parks to identify areas where GSI can be added, often to replace underutilized turf and/or capture stormwater flows from adjacent impermeable surfaces. Collaboration with other City departments on existing improvement projects helps stretch City funds and resources and brings additional value to projects.
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Before and after: At El Rio Neighborhood Center, Storm to Shade transformed bare ground into a thriving green space with native plants that capture stormwater and cool the area for nearby transit users and community members.
Before and after: Storm to Shade improvements at 11th Ave and Flores St transformed a heat-trapping street into a cooler, greener space with native vegetation and stormwater features.
Before and after: A recent Storm to Shade project along the 9th Ave. Bicycle Boulevard added green infrastructure and safer paths, capturing stormwater and creating a cooler, more bike-friendly corridor.
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Working within the timelines of larger City projects can mean that project delivery is relatively slow. Storm to Shade also pursues GSI opportunities on public property that can be delivered more quickly. An important consideration when identifying new GSI projects is equity. Storm to Shade utilizes the Tucson Equity Tree Index to ensure GSI projects are positioned in areas of highest need based on social and climate vulnerability. Storm to Shade projects with descriptions can be found on this map, which is also located on the S2S website.
Once projects are complete, they are incorporated into the S2S maintenance program to ensure these GSI landscapes continue to receive long-term seasonal maintenance. The Storm to Shade maintenance program maintains S2S-built projects as well as 500+ GSI assets that were built using City funds prior to the existence of the Storm to Shade program. S2S also maintains “stormwater parks” constructed by the Pima County Regional Flood Control District located within the city. Maintenance activities primarily include removal of trash, invasive species, and sediment as well as pruning for safety, site visibility and plant health. Storm to Shade currently employs six local maintenance contractors that specialize in the care and maintenance of GSI and are contractually obligated to follow the maintenance standards outlined in the Storm to Shade Maintenance Pocket Guide that can be found on our website. Contractors range from small companies that specialize in installing water harvesting systems, to larger landscaping firms that have dedicated a small crew to Storm to Shade maintenance work, as well as non-profit organizations with the capacity to provide stipends to neighborhood residents to participate in the maintenance of GSI in their neighborhoods.
As GSI projects continue to be built, there is an increased need for GSI practitioners who are skilled in maintaining these beautiful and valuable community assets. To address this need, S2S has partnered with Pima County Smartscape who offers free classes to landscape professionals interested in developing their skillsets in GSI. Additionally, S2S recently published a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for GSI maintenance contractors. This RFP will be “open and continuous,” meaning that solicitations will remain open for five years, and submissions will be reviewed every 3 months.
To learn more about the Storm to Shade program and stay up to date on all of the newest developments, check out the Storm to Shade website or follow on social media @StormtoShade.
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Community Spotlight: Celebrating GROW TUCSON Community Champions |
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This May we’re shining a light on the passionate individuals behind SERI and GROW TUCSON Community Champions Initiative.
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SERI & Grow Tucson Community Champions
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Meet Beki Quintero and Troy Haggins Jr, two Grow Tucson champions who are cultivating connection, resilience, and a greener future for our city.
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Beki Quintero has spent her life investing in the Sunnyside community she calls home. A proud Sunnyside High alum and daughter of community leaders Josie and Manny Herrera Jr., Beki continues a legacy of service rooted in education, advocacy, and youth empowerment. Whether founding the Community Peace Garden at Manuel Herrera Jr. Park or supporting local schools through business partnerships, she leads with heart, purpose, and vision. Her decades of service include roles in graffiti abatement, student recognition programs, and now as a Parks and Rec Commissioner for Ward 5. Through it all, Beki remains a guiding light for young people in Tucson—nurturing growth, leadership, and pride in community.
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Troy Haggins Jr., founder of the Tucson Food Forest Initiative, is transforming Tucson’s landscape—one tree at a time. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Troy has embraced the desert’s rhythms and resilience, bringing a holistic approach to food justice and climate action. Through permaculture design, native plantings, and community activation, his initiative is tackling food insecurity, urban heat, and ecological disconnection. Grounded in the teachings of Inner Engineering, Troy’s work bridges inner well-being with outward impact. His vision is clear: build ecosystems that feed both body and spirit—rooted in place, care, and community
From sharing green space ideas to sparking community action, Beki and Troy show us what it means to Grow Tucson together
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How are we doing?
2025 Climate Action measurements from the City of Tucson
Sustainability Tip of the Month
Get Your AC Ready Before the Heat Hits!
May is here—and so is the heat! As temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to get your air conditioner checked to make sure it’s running efficiently and ready for a long summer.
A well-maintained AC can help you stay cool, save energy, and avoid surprise breakdowns during the hottest months.
Here’s how you can prepare—and save money:
Tucson Electric Power offers a $100 rebate if your AC needs a coil cleaning or a refrigerant recharge. Download the rebate form
No need for a full assessment—if you already have an AC repair or upgrade in mind, you can work directly with a participating contractor to claim your rebate.
To qualify:
Staying ahead of the heat is one of the smartest ways to stay safe at home—and TEP is here to help make it affordable.
Upcoming Events
Get involved with climate actions around the city!
At the direction of Mayor & Council, we’ve been gathering community input on the Energy Collaboration Agreement. We’ve hosted 7 townhalls with nearly 250 participants across Phases I and II. Now it’s time for the final phase — join us and help shape Tucson’s energy future!
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Join us for a Science Café on May 29 to explore how extreme heat is impacting farmworkers and what we can do about it. The event includes a screening of Too Hot to Work and a panel discussion with local and national experts. |
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Join the Rose Neighborhood Clean-Up!
Come out on May 17, 8–10 AM at 851 W Lincoln St to help beautify our community.
We’ll have carne asada, music, and drinks to celebrate your hard work — bring a friend and let’s make a difference together!
Hosted by Tucson Clean & Beautiful, Barrio Restoration, and the Rose Neighborhood Association.
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