On November 21, 2025, Mayor Gallego, Councilman Kevin Robinson, and Phoenix officials gave an update on the city’s heat response efforts. The briefing was held at the 24-hour cooling center on 20 West Jackson, a key location in the city’s heat protection measures. Mayor Gallego noted that preliminary data from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health shows a decline in heat-related deaths for the second year in a row.
Councilman Robinson, chair of the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee, spoke about the city council’s focus on reducing heat-related risks. Other officials, including Fire Chief Tim Kreis, Heat Response Director David Hondula, and Homeless Solutions Director Rachel Milne, outlined the strategies used during the summer and discussed possible improvements.
The city reported more than 44,000 visits to its 24/7 and extended-hour cooling centers. It operated 111 hydration, cooling, and respite stations across Phoenix. The Phoenix Fire Department’s Community Assistance Program transported nearly 2,600 people to cooling centers. In addition, 751 individuals and families were connected to homelessness services…