The City of Phoenix has been selected to join the European Union Cities Gateway North America Program, an international initiative designed to foster collaboration between American, Canadian, and European cities on environmental issues and the promotion of a circular economy. According to the city’s release, Phoenix’s participation marks a step forward in international cooperation on challenges such as waste reduction and ecological preservation.
Phoenix’s emphasis on reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials has secured its place in the Cities Gateway Program. With a focus on the circular economy, the initiative aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and support local businesses that transform waste into valuable products. Running from this year through 2028, the program seeks to connect local entities to promote urban innovation and address regional challenges, as per the City of Phoenix.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the city’s expertise in the circular economy, noting that local entrepreneurs, academics, and businesses are transforming materials once destined for landfills into new products. She expressed pride in Phoenix’s recognition on an international stage through the European Union–funded initiative and emphasized the city’s role in sharing waste reduction strategies to support sustainability and economic growth across borders.
The partnership allows Phoenix to participate in collaborative activities, including peer exchanges and working sessions aimed at developing pilot projects to address urban challenges on a global scale. Felipe Moreno, director of Public Works, expressed pride in Phoenix joining the EU Cities Gateway – North America Program, noting the city’s longstanding leadership in waste diversion and circular economy initiatives. Phoenix will collaborate alongside partner cities including Boulder, Colorado; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and European cities such as the Greater Porto Region in Portugal, Albacete in Spain, and Riga in Latvia.
