Beginning in October 2025, FUSE Executive Fellow Adrian Wilton will collaborate with Phoenix’s Office of Environmental Programs to strengthen the city’s local food ecosystem and embed food systems thinking into sustainable development practices. Wilton will begin with a comprehensive food supply chain study to assess what is grown and consumed locally, map existing infrastructure and market gaps, and identify opportunities for producers and distributors to expand participation in Phoenix’s food economy. Working closely with stakeholders, including farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and institutional buyers, Wilton will use these findings to develop actionable strategies that align with the City’s goals for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
Building on this foundation, Wilton will engage the private development sector to explore how urban agriculture, community markets, kitchens, and educational spaces can be incorporated into new housing, commercial, and transit-oriented projects. This work will include outreach, identification of incentives and barriers, and creation of educational materials that demonstrate the value of integrating food systems into urban design. By project completion, Wilton will deliver a robust analysis and policy recommendations to strengthen Phoenix’s food network, foster collaboration between public and private partners, and ensure that food access and sustainability remain central to the City’s development vision.
