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Why this Phoenix councilwoman is unhappy with new shade structures

woman smiling
City of Phoenix
Councilwoman Betty Guardado represents District 5 in Phoenix.

Phoenix will install 19 shade structures across the city, but at least one council member doesn’t like where they’re going.

When choosing the locations, David Hondula, the city’s director of heat response and mitigation, told council members they considered areas that are eligible under federal funding guidelines, among other factors.

“We looked at where there are pedestrians and bicyclists on our public streets. We looked for neighborhoods where there's lower use of private vehicles,” he said. “We looked for street segments that have low tree canopy cover. And we looked for places that have a higher incidence of heat related public health issues in the community.”

Councilwoman Betty Guardado, who represents west Phoenix said, “It's just crazy to me, how is it possible that District 5, you know, being one of the hottest districts only gets one.”

Guardado said the location — 59th Avenue and Indian School — isn’t the best spot. She told Hondula she’s frustrated her office wasn’t kept informed.

“And I just hope that you learn this and that moving forward, you know, you take us into consideration, because yes, you might know the numbers, but we know the districts,” she said.

The city expects all 19 shade structures will be installed by the end of 2026. Here’s the list provided by the city’s office of heat response and mitigation:

Locations by address/corner

*locations subject to change

  • ​NE corner, Indian School and Central Ave 
  • SW corner Indian School and Central Ave 
  • SW corner Van Buren and 28th St 
  • South side of Van Buren St, west of 35th St 
  • North side of Van Buren and 36th St 
  • West side of 16th st, north of McDowell 
  • North side Thomas Rd, west of 43rd Ave 
  • North side McDowell, west of 67th Ave 
  • South side McDowell, west of 67th Ave 
  • SE Corner of 23rd Ave and Camelback Rd 
  • NW corner Indian School and 59th Ave 
  • SW corner Indian School and 59th Ave 
  • SE corner, Roosevelt and 16th St 
  • SW corner Roosevelt and 16th St 
  • NE corner Roosevelt and 16th St 
  • SW corner Southern and 19th Ave 
  • NE corner Southern and 19th Ave 
  • SE corner Southern and 24th St 
  • SW corner Southern and 24th St ​​
As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.