Arizona has created the state's first Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan, which includes hiring an officer to deal with the extreme summer weather and expanding cooling center access.

Gov. Katie Hobbs and Governor’s Office of Resiliency Director Maren Mahoney announced the plan this week  after months of consultation with people across the state.

                
“What I heard time and again, from everyday Arizonans was that our state’s old approach was not enough,” Hobbs said.

“As a social worker who has dedicated my life to protecting everyday people, I knew we had to take action. Arizona is no stranger to the heat, yet we have always risen to the challenge, protected our neighbors and built a sustainable and thriving state. This time will be no different.”

The governor also announced the creation of the nation’s first statewide Chief Heat Officer position, which was a main recommendation in the Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan.

The plan also identifies “the historically unequal allocation of federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program dollars to our state,” a release from the governor’s office stated.

Hobbs has sent a letter to the Arizona congressional delegation requesting action on the heat assistance issue.

Other actions in advance of summer 2024 focus on supporting and improving cooling center networks with a statewide cooling center coordinator.

The governor’s office said the state also is preparing to deploy additional cooling centers, including six solar-powered mobile cooling units. It has provided funds for extreme weather shelters in locations around the state.

“In the past, cooling center staffing has been challenging, but last year and continuing this year, state employees may staff cooling centers with pay,” officials said in the release.

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