Phoenix Culture Corridor (RAISE Grant)
Project Overview
As a recipient of the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, the City of Phoenix (City) is planning a new Cultural Corridor within the neighborhoods located along Buckeye Road between 7th Street and 16th Street. This project will help reconnect neighborhoods near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with Downtown Phoenix while highlighting the rich histories and cultures of the surrounding communities.
The Cultural Corridor is part of the City’s broader Land Reuse Strategy (LRS), which focuses on reinvesting in existing neighborhoods to make them safer, more connected, and more vibrant. The corridor is envisioned as a heritage trail that includes space to walk, bike, etc. along with roadway; landscaping; and safety improvements. These upgrades are intended to improve access between neighborhoods, local businesses, schools, parks, transit stops, and future development.
Environmental planning and community outreach are key parts of this effort. The project will build on past public engagement in the area, using previous studies as a foundation while continuing to involve residents and stakeholders as the project progresses. Design work is expected to be completed in December 2026. In 2027, the City plans to select a design‑build team to move forward with detailed design and additional public outreach to ensure final design elements are consistent with community input. Project construction is anticipated to begin in late 2027.
Project Map
Project Schedule
2026
- Late March: Notifications (send mailers, place door hangers, and distribute posters to key sites)
- April 23: Concept Design Public Meeting
- Early December: Final Environmental Clearance Document Submittal
2027
- Spring 2027: Detailed Design Public Meeting
- September: Final Design Complete
- Late 2027: Construction Begins
2028
- Late 2028: Construction Complete
FAQ
- What is a RAISE Grant?
- RAISE stands for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity. It is a federal discretionary grant program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, investing millions in Arizona’s transportation projects. These grants support local/regional projects like road, bridge, transit, and pedestrian improvements to enhance safety, sustainability, and equity.
- The City of Phoenix Aviation Department was awarded a $10 million RAISE grant to fund this project.
- What is the Land Reuse Strategy (LRS)?
- The Phoenix Sky Harbor LRS is a long‑term, community‑driven planning effort led by the City of Phoenix to guide how land west of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is reused and reinvested in over time. The strategy focuses on turning airport‑owned and underutilized land into assets that benefit nearby neighborhoods while remaining compatible with airport operations. For additional information, please visit com/about-phx/land-reuse-strategy/
- The Phoenix Sky Harbor LRS is a long‑term, community‑driven planning effort led by the City of Phoenix to guide how land west of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is reused and reinvested in over time. The strategy focuses on turning airport‑owned and underutilized land into assets that benefit nearby neighborhoods while remaining compatible with airport operations. For additional information, please visit com/about-phx/land-reuse-strategy/
- What is a designated heritage trail?
- A designated heritage trail honors the legacy, history, and identity of a community and links neighborhoods. This will be done through the addition of historic markers, wayfinding, interpretive signage, sidewalks, bike lanes, and more throughout the area. Community members and visitors will be able to learn about the area’s rich history and how the present cultural composition came to exist by walking, biking, etc. along this path.
- A designated heritage trail honors the legacy, history, and identity of a community and links neighborhoods. This will be done through the addition of historic markers, wayfinding, interpretive signage, sidewalks, bike lanes, and more throughout the area. Community members and visitors will be able to learn about the area’s rich history and how the present cultural composition came to exist by walking, biking, etc. along this path.
- What are the benefits of a Cultural Corridor?
- Increased safety
- Improved walkability
- Cultural and historical preservation
- Strong community identity and pride
- Support for local businesses/economic activity
- Welcoming gathering spaces
- Why was this area chosen for this project?
- In 2015, the City initiated a planning process for community members and one of the key recommendations of that effort was the Cultural Corridor.
- In 2015, the City initiated a planning process for community members and one of the key recommendations of that effort was the Cultural Corridor.
- How does the Cultural Corridor connect Downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?
- This project will provide streetlights, sidewalks, shaded areas, signage, and safe road crossings from 7th Street to Sky Harbor Circle. 7th Street has existing bike lanes that connect to Downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Circle leads to the Sky Train, which connects passengers to the Sky Harbor International Airport.
- This project will provide streetlights, sidewalks, shaded areas, signage, and safe road crossings from 7th Street to Sky Harbor Circle. 7th Street has existing bike lanes that connect to Downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Circle leads to the Sky Train, which connects passengers to the Sky Harbor International Airport.
- How can I get involved/learn more about the project?
- The City of Phoenix Aviation and Streets Transportation Departments is hosting a public informational meeting to discuss the status of the project.
- When: April 23, 2026 | 5-7:00 p.m. (Presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.)
- Where: GateWay Community College - Central City (1245 E. Buckeye Road #4101, Phoenix, AZ 85034)
Contact Information
If you have questions or comments, please contact Jordan D. Feld, CM, AICP:
- jordan.feld@phoenix.gov
- (602) 273-4072
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