Arizona Chamber Will Feature Environment in 2026 DATOS Report
The annual report will examine environmental equity and urban tree canopy distribution across Phoenix.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Economic Indicators
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize increasing tree canopy coverage to combat extreme heat?
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will include environmental quality as a focus in its 2026 DATOS report. This annual publication aims to leverage the economic influence of the Latino community, which represents a $4 trillion economy, to address local issues.
Why it matters
The report identifies environmental quality as a key component of a healthy community and seeks to drive conversations about disparities in urban infrastructure. By integrating these findings into economic research, the chamber aims to highlight how environmental factors impact residents across the state.
The upcoming 2026 DATOS report builds on three decades of publication. It highlights disparities in Phoenix, where North Phoenix and the Biltmore area have 15% tree canopy coverage compared to 5% to 6% in South and West Phoenix.
The players
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
This organization advocates for the advancement of Hispanic-owned businesses and the broader Latino community in Arizona.
Trees Matter
This local group is dedicated to increasing the urban tree canopy through community-focused planting and education programs.
The details
The report addresses the legacy of historical redlining in Phoenix, which resulted in unequal tree canopy distribution across the city. Trees Matter is working alongside these efforts to reach a 15% tree canopy goal across the Valley through neighborhood planting programs.
Timeline
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has published the DATOS report for three decades.
The 2026 DATOS report is scheduled for release in 2026.
Macro View
This research follows a pattern set by the historical redlining of Phoenix neighborhoods, which continues to shape local resource distribution decades later. The shift toward incorporating environmental metrics into economic reporting mirrors broader efforts to quantify the long-term costs of systemic urban planning disparities.
Residents in South and West Phoenix may see expanded tree planting initiatives aimed at improving neighborhood cooling and air quality. The report could influence future local funding priorities regarding urban infrastructure and community health resources.
The takeaway
The inclusion of environmental data in economic reports highlights a growing trend of tying community health to broader fiscal health. Residents can participate in local initiatives like those run by Trees Matter to help bridge the canopy gap in underserved neighborhoods.
Further reading
For more on regional economic trends, visit the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize increasing tree canopy coverage to combat extreme heat?
