As we enjoy high temperatures in the 70s this week, talking heat may seem a bit strange. But if Phoenix is going to become the first U.S. city with a cohesive strategy to address the health and economic impacts of extreme heat, Michael Hammett thinks work needs to take place year-round.
Hammett is the city’s chief service officer. He oversaw the city’s submission in this year’s Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge. Phoenix tackled urban heat and pitched a program called “HeatReady,” a way to measure preparedness and develop a plan to improve the quality of life and potentially save lives.
Phoenix was a finalist and received $100,000 to test ideas. In the end, Phoenix did not win the top prize of $1 million, but when The Show spoke with Hammett, he said residents and business owners are still winners.
