BY SHELBY TUTTLE
The 43rd monthly Economic Excellence Awards were held on March 8 at Arizona Forward, the state’s top sustainability nonprofit, to honor Arizona’s outstanding environmental and economic contributions to the state. Over 500 business leaders, elected officials, and staff members attended the renowned event, which was organized by SRP and took place at the Westin Kierland Resort.
and the general public to applaud pioneering initiatives in sustainability.
49 chosen projects were featured in the evening, which highlighted the state’s creative approaches to economic management. The Friends of the Verde River’s Improving Riparian Habitat on the Wild and Scenic Fossil Creek project received the President’s Award, which is recognized for its good creative impact on Arizona’s environment.
The Maricopa Association of Governments recognized the Governor’s Initiative for Arizona’s Future as the result of its innovation, leadership, and tangible economic impact, and awarded it to Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.
The 2025 awards honored outstanding projects in fields such as climate change solutions, good communities, art in public spaces, circular economy solutions, technological innovation, site development, economic education andamp;, communication, preservation of the natural environment, and building, structure and and, landscape design. The winners were carefully chosen by a distinguished panel of 12 judges led by Tammy McLeod of the Flinn Foundation.
The Arizona Forward President and CEO, Lori Singleton, said,” The Climate Excellence Awards have long been a symbol of Arizona’s commitment to sustainability. ” We continue to be inspired by the extraordinary projects that push the boundaries of what is feasible in economic stewardship and community impact,” says the director. A full list of winners and project summaries can be found at www. arizonaforward org.
