PARTNERS
PARTNERS
The Rio Reimagined Partnership Continues to Grow and Expand
At the heart of Rio Reimagined initiative are a multitude of communities, organizations, individuals, and foundations who have come together to dedicate their time and resources towards the Rio Reimagined vision of a revitalized Salt and Gila River corridor. This informal partnership works together to elevate and conjoin priorities, effectively creating a unifying movement for the region. There are many ways you can get involved and innumerable stakeholder organizations that are working individually and collectively. Join us!
The following includes some of the most active partners.
The Rio Reimagined Partnership Continues to Grow and Expand
At the heart of Rio Reimagined initiative are a multitude of communities, organizations, individuals, and foundations who have come together to dedicate their time and resources towards the Rio Reimagined vision of a revitalized Salt and Gila River corridor. This informal partnership works together to elevate and conjoin priorities, effectively creating a unifying movement for the region. There are many ways you can get involved and innumerable stakeholder organizations that are working individually and collectively. Join us!
The following includes some of the most active partners.
National Partners
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
When the water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans becomes polluted; it can endanger wildlife, make our drinking water unsafe, and threaten the waters where we swim and fish. EPA research supports efforts under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA has been a consistent source of funding and technical assistance to RIO partners, providing grant funding for numerous projects and support for a local RIO Ambassador (liaison) to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership.
Corazón Latino
Corazón Latino
A national non-profit that seeks to generate social, environmental, and conservation initiatives that foster natural resource stewardship. The small but mighty team at Corazón Latino has a growing role in the metro Phoenix region, connecting and empowering Latino communities in the realm of climate justice and human rights.
U.S. Department of Interior
U.S. Department of Interior
The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities. The Department of the Interior plays a central role in how the United States stewards its public lands, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and honors our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.
River Network
River Network
This national non-profit is dedicated to clean and ample supplies of water for people and nature. Their work throughout the country focuses on equipping a network of river caretakers and champions with effective tools, community-led research, and best practices for maximum impact on healthy rivers. River Network has provided corporate member resources for RIO clean-up events and projects over the last several years and provided opportunities for collaboration on environmental justice related issues.
Wildlife Habitat Council
Wildlife Habitat Council
This national non-profit organization connects the resources of corporate members to impactful and meaningful conservation projects that support healthy ecosystems and biodiversity in communities across the nation. The Wildlife Habitat Council is actively engaged in the Salt and Gila River corridor through a number of projects and events that involve the expansion of urban tree canopy, pollinator habitat, and educational youth programming.
National Partners
When the water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans becomes polluted; it can endanger wildlife, make our drinking water unsafe, and threaten the waters where we swim and fish. EPA research supports efforts under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA has been a consistent source of funding and technical assistance to RIO partners, providing grant funding for numerous projects and support for a local RIO Ambassador (liaison) to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership.
A national non-profit that seeks to generate social, environmental, and conservation initiatives that foster natural resource stewardship. The small but mighty team at Corazón Latino has a growing role in the metro Phoenix region, connecting and empowering Latino communities in the realm of climate justice and human rights.
The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities. The Department of the Interior plays a central role in how the United States stewards its public lands, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and honors our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.
This national non-profit is dedicated to clean and ample supplies of water for people and nature. Their work throughout the country focuses on equipping a network of river caretakers and champions with effective tools, community-led research, and best practices for maximum impact on healthy rivers. River Network has provided corporate member resources for RIO clean-up events and projects over the last several years and provided opportunities for collaboration on environmental justice related issues.
This national non-profit organization connects the resources of corporate members to impactful and meaningful conservation projects that support healthy ecosystems and biodiversity in communities across the nation. The Wildlife Habitat Council is actively engaged in the Salt and Gila River corridor through a number of projects and events that involve the expansion of urban tree canopy, pollinator habitat, and educational youth programming.
Regional Partners
Arizona Forward
Arizona Forward
Arizona Forward exists to drive major initiatives that enhance quality of life, economic vitality, and the long-term sustainability of Arizona’s resources and communities. Formed in 1969, this statewide environmental leader provided the spark for the original Rio Salado initiative, championed by Board member, the late, Jim Elmore. “Valley Forward” worked to create legislation to form the original Rio Salado Development District, which provided the impetus for critical public riverine projects like Tempe Town Lake. Today, Arizona Forward is actively involved in addressing challenges of forest health, clean air, water supply and climate health in our state.
Arizona Riparian Council
Arizona Riparian Council
The purpose of the Council is to provide for the exchange of information on the status, protection, and management of riparian systems in Arizona. Any person or organization interested in the conservation, restoration, or scientific study of riparian systems is eligible for membership.
Arizona Sustainability Alliance
Arizona Sustainability Alliance
Arizona Sustainability Alliance provides opportunities and resources to empower Arizona citizens to work together toward more verdant, equitable, and sustainable solutions. The AZSA team is actively engaged in on-the-ground projects that address challenges of urban forestry, renewable energy, sustainable food systems and workforce development. AZSA has been a trusted and consistent partner for RIO’s heat mitigation projects in Mesa and Tempe.
Audubon Southwest
Audubon Southwest
Audubon Arizona, our local chapter within the Audubon Southwest branch, offers a full spectrum of hands-on experiences for every age including fun-filled family programming, weekend activities& festivals, STEM school field trips and on-the-ground conservation work focused on local species at risk. The Audubon team is actively engaged in a number of RIO projects, including a strong leadership role to protect and enhance riparian habitat with the western reach, the Lower Gila River Collaborative.
Chicanos Por La Causa
Chicanos Por La Causa
This Arizona non-profit has advocated for underserved individuals and communities for decades, and has now expanded to offices in 4 states, impacting lives of over 2 million people through education, investment, health, housing and economic service. CPLC is represented the Rio Reimagined community through its participation in a 2022 national River Network collaborative on social equity and climate justice.
Liberty Wildlife
Liberty Wildlife
Liberty Wildlife is committed to nurturing the nature of Arizona by providing wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and conservation services for the community. Their Rob and Melani Walton Campus, is an incredible hub of education, conservation and a community resource dedicated to the health and protection of native wildlife.
Unlimited Potential
Unlimited Potential
Since 1985, the mission of Unlimited Potential has been to strengthen individuals and families in south Phoenix through literacy, education and self-empowerment. Their participants are low-income underserved population, predominantly Latino families. Unlimited Potential is working with Rio Reimagined partners to engage communities in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe in a variety of health programs and services, connecting local needs and challenges to resources and solutions.
Urban Land Institute
Urban Land Institute
The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.
Westmarc
Westmarc
WESTMARC is a public-private partnership of 15 communities, various businesses, and educational entities in the West Valley of the Greater Phoenix region. The organization provides strong leadership in workforce development, employment growth and education for west valley communities. Westmarc is an active member of the Lower Gila River Collaborative, providing guidance and network resources on issues of eco-tourism, workforce and economic development.
Maricopa Association of Governments
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) provides a forum for local governments working together on issues that affect the lives of everyone in the greater Phoenix region. MAG is regional agency that conducts planning and makes policy decisions in a number of core areas. These include safe and smart travel, the economy and growth, environment and sustainability, and improving quality of life, all with a focus on efficient and effective operations. Members include 27 cities and towns, 3 Native nations, Maricopa County, portions of Pinal County, and the Arizona Department of Transportation. The planning area encompasses about 10,600 square miles, including the diverse habitat and communities served by Rio Reimagined.
Regional Partners
Arizona Forward exists to drive major initiatives that enhance quality of life, economic vitality, and the long-term sustainability of Arizona’s resources and communities. Formed in 1969, this statewide environmental leader provided the spark for the original Rio Salado initiative, championed by Board member, the late, Jim Elmore. “Valley Forward” worked to create legislation to form the original Rio Salado Development District, which provided the impetus for critical public riverine projects like Tempe Town Lake. Today, Arizona Forward is actively involved in addressing challenges of forest health, clean air, water supply and climate health in our state.
The purpose of the Council is to provide for the exchange of information on the status, protection, and management of riparian systems in Arizona. Any person or organization interested in the conservation, restoration, or scientific study of riparian systems is eligible for membership.
Audubon Arizona, our local chapter within the Audubon Southwest branch, offers a full spectrum of hands-on experiences for every age including fun-filled family programming, weekend activities& festivals, STEM school field trips and on-the-ground conservation work focused on local species at risk. The Audubon team is actively engaged in a number of RIO projects, including a strong leadership role to protect and enhance riparian habitat with the western reach, the Lower Gila River Collaborative.
This Arizona non-profit has advocated for underserved individuals and communities for decades, and has now expanded to offices in 4 states, impacting lives of over 2 million people through education, investment, health, housing and economic service. CPLC is represented the Rio Reimagined community through its participation in a 2022 national River Network collaborative on social equity and climate justice.
Liberty Wildlife is committed to nurturing the nature of Arizona by providing wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and conservation services for the community. Their Rob and Melani Walton Campus, is an incredible hub of education, conservation and a community resource dedicated to the health and protection of native wildlife.
Since 1985, the mission of Unlimited Potential has been to strengthen individuals and families in south Phoenix through literacy, education and self-empowerment. Their participants are low-income underserved population, predominantly Latino families. Unlimited Potential is working with Rio Reimagined partners to engage communities in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe in a variety of health programs and services, connecting local needs and challenges to resources and solutions.
The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.
WESTMARC is a public-private partnership of 15 communities, various businesses, and educational entities in the West Valley of the Greater Phoenix region. The organization provides strong leadership in workforce development, employment growth and education for west valley communities. Westmarc is an active member of the Lower Gila River Collaborative, providing guidance and network resources on issues of eco-tourism, workforce and economic development.
Foundations and Financial Support
Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation
Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation
This non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting, promoting, development and maintaining one of the country’s largest county park systems, the Maricopa CountyParks. This dedicated group of volunteers is highly interested in connected trail systems through the RIO region to benefit all users and the health of our community.The Foundation is a significant leader in theSun Corridor Trail Alliance, a public/non-profit consortium dedicated to public trails from Las Vegas, Nevada to Douglas, Arizona.
Greater Phoenix Leadership
Greater Phoenix Leadership
This non-profit leadership organization brings together the talent, resources and advocacy to create action on priority issues facing the greater Phoenix community. GPL has formed a Rio Reimagined Task Force to serve as a catalyst for a new non-profit organization dedicated to the legacy and sustainability of Rio Reimagined.
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
This national foundation is dedicated to public access to clean water and renewable energy. Their work to connect partners’ priorities and funds with local solutions results in impactful projects that restore balance between people, nature and business. BEF’s engagement in the RIO corridor has been in high quality carbon-offset projects and the opportunities for their members are vast.
Salt River Project
Salt River Project
The Salt River Project has been involved in managing our regional and state water system since 1903. A federal reclamation project, SRP has served as an environmental leader and steward of the river corridor and the Valley’s growth for over a century. They were one of the original 2018 signatories of the RIO Statement of Intent, and are a critical leader in the partnership, providing long-term experience and vision for a healthy river system in an increasingly urban region.
Foundations and Financial Support
This non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting, promoting, development and maintaining one of the country’s largest county park systems, the Maricopa CountyParks. This dedicated group of volunteers is highly interested in connected trail systems through the RIO region to benefit all users and the health of our community.The Foundation is a significant leader in theSun Corridor Trail Alliance, a public/non-profit consortium dedicated to public trails from Las Vegas, Nevada to Douglas, Arizona.
This non-profit leadership organization brings together the talent, resources and advocacy to create action on priority issues facing the greater Phoenix community. GPL has formed a Rio Reimagined Task Force to serve as a catalyst for a new non-profit organization dedicated to the legacy and sustainability of Rio Reimagined.
This national foundation is dedicated to public access to clean water and renewable energy. Their work to connect partners’ priorities and funds with local solutions results in impactful projects that restore balance between people, nature and business. BEF’s engagement in the RIO corridor has been in high quality carbon-offset projects and the opportunities for their members are vast.
The Salt River Project has been involved in managing our regional and state water system since 1903. A federal reclamation project, SRP has served as an environmental leader and steward of the river corridor and the Valley’s growth for over a century. They were one of the original 2018 signatories of the RIO Statement of Intent, and are a critical leader in the partnership, providing long-term experience and vision for a healthy river system in an increasingly urban region.
Participate in the RIO Partnership
The Rio Reimagined Partnership meets bi-monthly in a virtual setting to discuss current planning priorities, existing or new projects, grant funding opportunities, best practices of other revitalization initiatives, etc. Your voice and participation are needed to cultivate a new, revitalized identity for our river corridor and its watershed. The time is now to reimagine your Rio Salado as a community asset for all.
Meetings are usually the first Tuesday of every other month, at 8:30am MST. If you would like to participate, please email info@rioreimagined.com and we will forward you a meeting notice.
Participate in the RIO Partnership
The Rio Reimagined Partnership meets bi-monthly in a virtual setting to discuss current planning priorities, existing or new projects, grant funding opportunities, best practices of other revitalization initiatives, etc. Your voice and participation are needed to cultivate a new, revitalized identity for our river corridor and its watershed. The time is now to reimagine your Rio Salado as a community asset for all.
Meetings are usually the first Tuesday of every other month, at 8:30am MST. If you would like to participate, please email info@rioreimagined.com and we will forward you a meeting notice.
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive news, updates, and Rio Reimagined Partnership meeting invites to keep informed about the initiative.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive news, updates, and Rio Partnership meeting invites to keep informed about the initiative.