Mitigating urban sprawl effects: a collaborative tree and shade intervention in Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Michael J. Bernstein, Arnim Wiek, Katja Brundiers, Kimberly Pearson, Amy Minowitz, Braden Kay, Aaron Golub

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    21 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Communities in Phoenix are confronted with numerous challenges that adversely affect human health and safety, with disproportionate impacts on low-income communities. While some challenges are being addressed at the city level, new alliances at the neighbourhood level are initiating community development programmes and projects. This article reports on an intervention study carried out in collaboration with community representatives, city staff, and non-profit organisations to mitigate adverse effects of urban sprawl in the Sky Harbour Neighbourhood in Phoenix. Participatory research was conducted to design and test a tree and shade intervention. Challenges associated with navigating community desires and broader principles of sustainable development are discussed. The study offers a replicable and adaptable intervention research design aimed at empowering communities to meet urban challenges.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)414-431
    Number of pages18
    JournalLocal Environment
    Volume21
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Apr 2 2016

    Keywords

    • community development
    • intervention research
    • sustainable development
    • urban sprawl

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Geography, Planning and Development
    • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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