MOVING THE VALLEY FORWARD
For 41 Years - Our Environmental Legacy, Your Sustainable Future

Valley Forward has long been an advocate for a balance between economic development and environmental quality, and convenes business, community and civic leaders in thoughtful public dialogue on critical sustainability issues.

The Association is a blend of members including large and small businesses, government jurisdictions, the education and non-profit communities, as well as others that share a goal of promoting cooperation to improve the environment and quality of life in our region.

Valley Forward is unique. This public interest organization has influenced decisions in our fast growing region since 1969. It was formed as a non-profit group merging the Phoenix Development Association, Mid-Town Improvement Association, Valley Beautiful Citizens Council and Maricopa County Taxpayers Association. We now boast 300+ member companies representing tens of thousands of employees working together to help shape our community and move our Valley forward.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

There are no plaques anywhere saying "Valley Forward Was Here." But in the past 41 years, this effective coalition has made quite a difference. From the government mall to the Rio Salado project and Tempe Town Lake, from the healed scars of the Phoenix Mountains to the ribbons of freeway across the community, from desert preserves throughout the Valley to a light rail transit system, Valley Forward has left its mark.

In addition to monthly luncheons, Valley Forward sponsors major yearly events like the:

• Environmental Excellence Awards program, established in 1980 and now co-sponsored by SRP;
• Livability Summit, a half day conference designed to promote healthy communities;
• EarthFest Educators Night, a program for Arizona K-12 teachers to enhance their environmental education curricula;
• Annual Luncheon, which features nationally recognized keynote speakers such as Robert Kennedy, Jr., Erin Brockovich, Bruce Babbit and others.

Valley Forward's achievements are widespread including:

• Outstanding Achievement Award from the Environmental Protection Agency;
• Award of Distinction from the American Institute of Architects;
• Desert Peaks Award from the Maricopa Association of Governments for helping to create the Phoenix Rio Salado project;
• First-place honors in the City of Phoenix Mayor's Environmental Awards Program;
• First-place in the Arizona Clean & Beautiful Governor's Pride Awards, and others.

View photos of the Valley Then & Now (1 | 2 | 3 | 4)