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Rising Temps, Rising Action: Summer Heat Prep Across Tucson
As summer temperatures rise across Tucson, so does the city’s commitment to keeping residents safe and resilient. With hotter-than-average days already here, several departments have come together to prepare the community for extreme heat. This work includes distributing life-saving resources, updating cooling center locations, and continuing partnerships that support those most at risk.
One major effort took place on May 29, when Tucson’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team came together and invited the City Manager’s Office for the Heat Relief Care Packet Assembly. Staff and volunteers packed hundreds of items to support unsheltered residents during the hottest months. In just one day, the team assembled:
City of Tucson staff came together to assemble hundreds of care packets packed with snacks, hygiene items, and emergency resources to support our most vulnerable residents
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These kits include important items like water, liquid IV, instant ice packs, sunscreen, snacks, and cooling towels. Foot care kits were also added to support those walking long distances during the summer. Even furry friends weren’t forgotten; dog food packets were included for residents with pets.
Just a couple of weeks later, on June 11, the City of Tucson Climate Action Team in collaboration with the American Red Cross, Mayor’s Office, Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, and over 33 volunteers joined efforts for a Community Heat Canvassing Event. This outreach also marked the official launch of Fred Archer Center as the new designated cooling center for the area, replacing El Rio Center. This change was guided by data-driven analysis aimed at improving access and expanding services for the communities most vulnerable to extreme heat
Volunteers canvassed mobile home communities in the surrounding neighborhoods of Fred Archer Center, where residents often face higher heat risks. They spoke with neighbors about staying safe in the heat and passed out heat safety flyers, emergency tips, and cooling resource information.
Volunteers from the City of Tucson, American Red Cross, and community members canvassed mobile home neighborhoods, sharing life-saving heat safety information and other resources
The canvassing event also recognized the one-year anniversary of two major milestones in local heat resilience policy: the Heat Action Roadmap and Worker Protection Ordinance. These efforts continue to guide Tucson’s actions, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable, those without consistent access to cooling, outdoor workers, older adults, and people with health conditions worsened by extreme heat.
Looking ahead, the city continues to expand these efforts. The next Heat Relief Kit Assembly will take place on Sunday, June 29, in partnership with Arizona Faith Network at Saguaro Christian Church. Community members are welcome to help and can sign up using this registration link. More Heat Relief Kit Distributions are also being planned, in collaboration with the Azara Branch as part of a Pima County grant to reach even more neighborhoods. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to volunteer with the City of Tucson’s Climate Action Team.
These efforts reflect the City’s long-standing commitment to resilience, safety, and equity. Whether assembling care kits, updating cooling center access, or walking door-to-door in the summer sun to provide vital resources, these actions all send the same message: heat safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone deserves the tools and information to stay protected.
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Tucson Resilient Together
Progress Highlight
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Ormsby Park grows with over 70 new trees and plants!
Ormsby Park is getting greener and shadier with the addition of over 70 new trees and other plants complete with new irrigation and reclaiming old turf sections of the Park. Neighbors and other park users will be able to enjoy a cool and shady perimeter around the baseball field and throughout the rest of the park thanks to one-time Parks and Recreation irrigation improvement funding.
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How are we doing?
2025 Climate Action measurements from the City of Tucson
Sustainability Tip of the Month
Summer Watering Tip (May–Sept)
People and pets can go inside to cool off, but your plants can’t!
During hot, dry months, it’s important to water them the right way to keep them healthy and strong. Here’s how often, and how long you should water:
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Grass: 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a week
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Shrubs: 1 hour, 2–4 times a week
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Trees: 1.5 hours, 1–2 times a week
For best results, water early in the morning or after sunset to help your plants soak up more and lose less to evaporation. For more details click here
Upcoming Events
Get involved with climate actions around the city!
Join our Stakeholder Conversation Special Sunday Edition in partnership with Arizona Faith Network. This time of year, we shift from planning to doing, working side by side to support our community.
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Cool off this summer at Tucson’s pools and splash pads. Free options available across the city for all ages!
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Find Cooling Centers across the City of Tucson to stay safe and cool this summer.
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Join Grow Tucson this summer for free, family-friendly workshops on gardening and water harvesting.
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Join Grow Tucson for the last two summer workshop events at Valencia Library on June 17 and 24.
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