Mesa has received an award for two projects that promote “smart and sustainable growth.”

The recognition came from Salt River Project, which has started a program that “provides a structure to assist cities in understanding and demonstrating their efforts in the area of sustainability to ensure their future competitiveness,” according to a release.

The honor highlighted the city’s climate action plan and its Mesa’s Trees are Cool initiative “that engages the community to plant 1 million trees by 2050,” an SRP release stated.

"Embracing sustainability continues to be important for cities and communities to remain competitive in today’s world," said Tom Cooper, director of SRP corporate strategy, sustainability and economic services.

"SRP remains committed to promoting smart and sustainable growth across Arizona."

The SRP Sustainable Cities program also helps the utility meet its own 2035 corporate goals, officials said, including partnering with communities and Tribal Nations on economic development initiatives as well as programs related to water, energy and sustainability.

"Smart economic growth and responsible environmental practices go hand in hand, and as Mesa grows, our Climate Action Plan is helping to keep these priorities front and center throughout our organization," Mesa Mayor John Giles said.

"Our city continues to be a leader in implementing sustainable practices, and we’re proud to be counted among the SRP Sustainable Cities alongside Phoenix and Tempe."

Phoenix and Tempe were other cities winning platinum awards from SRP.

Other cities in SRP’s service territory will have the opportunity to apply to participate in the program in the fall.