Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale has released its draft Shade & Tree Plan for the Built Environment, which city officials contend is a data-driven strategy aimed at expanding shade, reducing heat impacts, and strengthening the city’s economic competitiveness.
For Mayor Lisa Borowsky, the development of a shade and tree master plan for Scottsdale makes good economic sense.
The Scottsdale shade plan, utilizing data on both shade effects and sound water management, outlines how the city intends to integrate more trees, shade structures and water-efficient landscape design across commercial districts, employment centers and high-traffic corridors.
“Shade isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a business strategy for Scottsdale,” Mayor Borowsky said. “As our commercial corridors grow, we must create environments where employees, customers and visitors want to be. This plan helps ensure Scottsdale remains a market leader in livability and economic performance.”
The data supports the plan, showing that Scottsdale sees more than 314 days of clear skies and 3,800 hours of direct sunlight and persistent summer heat. Both are leading factors in why Mayor Borowsky says she views shade infrastructure as both a quality-of-life investment and a business imperative.
“Research included in the draft plan points to the role shade plays in reducing cooling costs, supporting workforce health, increasing customer foot traffic, and enhancing property values in dense commercial areas,” Mayor Borowsky said of the draft plan.
The city is seeking community input before finalizing the plan. Residents are encouraged to learn more and share feedback by visiting the project website or attending one of the upcoming open houses:
- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Mountain View Park Community Center, 8625 E. Mountain View Road
- 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road
Public outreach will continue through April 17, with formal discussions scheduled before the Development Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Neighborhood Advisory Commission and Environmental Advisory Commission.
Following review and refinement, staff will return to the Development Review Board in May for possible adoption.
Scottsdale Shade: A competitive advantage for commercial areas
The plan is designed to give businesses, residents and property owners better guidance on how to integrate shade into project planning and redevelopment. Key elements include:
- Expanding shade in high-heat commercial zones, such as Old Town, the Airpark and major corridors.
- Providing technical standards for tree placement, canopy size, soil volumes and water-efficient landscaping.
- Encouraging shade integration in private development, including parking lots, outdoor dining, pedestrian pathways and mixed-use buildings.
- Balancing shade growth with water conservation, using passive water harvesting and desert-adaptive species.
- Aligning shade goals with Scottsdale General Plan 2035, reinforcing long-term economic and environmental resilience.
The plan also cites benefits seen in other cities, where shaded commercial areas experience higher pedestrian activity, longer customer dwell times and improved worker productivity, Mayor Borowsky points out.
“A thriving business environment depends on comfort, safety and year-round activity,” Mayor Borowsky said. “Our shade investments support local employers, help attract high-wage industries, and enhance the overall economic value of Scottsdale’s built environment.”
