Orange County recognized nationally for environmental health and extreme heat resilience efforts

From the Orange County Newsroom

In Summary:

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has been recognized nationally as part of the “Top 12 AAMA Cities to Watch on Environmental Health” for the county’s efforts to address extreme heat and environmental resilience. The recognition highlights Orange County’s urban tree-planting strategy, updated tree-preservation policies, and public education efforts to improve air quality and public health.

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Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has been recognized as a leader of one of the “Top 12 AAMA Cities to Watch on Environmental Health” by the Community Data Health Initiative in partnership with the African American Mayors Association.

Related: Orange County urges seniors to prepare early for hurricane season.

Orange County was honored in the Extreme Heat category for its targeted, data-driven efforts to protect residents and strengthen long-term environmental resilience.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to protecting residents and investing in sustainable, resilient communities,” said Mayor Demings. “We will continue pursuing innovative solutions that improve environmental health and quality of life across Orange County.”

Under Mayor Demings’ leadership, Orange County is advancing an urban tree planting and resilience strategy focused on low- and moderate-income communities impacted by Hurricane Ian and vulnerable to future severe weather. The initiative aims to expand tree canopy to reduce extreme heat, improve public health outcomes, support property value recovery, and strengthen climate adaptation.

This work is supported by the County’s multi-award-winning update to its Tree Preservation Ordinance, which prioritizes tree conservation and ensures that, when tree removal occurs, funds are reinvested in the community to support urban forestry and resilience efforts.

In addition, Orange County has taken steps to improve air quality through its “Where There’s Smoke There’s Air Pollution” public education campaign. The initiative reinforces the County’s prohibitions on open burning and urges residents to minimize smoke from recreational fires, such as barbecues and fire pits.

The national initiative highlights cities making meaningful progress in addressing environmental health challenges, including air quality, extreme heat, and infrastructure improvements. Selected cities will be featured in an ongoing campaign showcasing local leadership and solutions.

Key Points:

• Orange County was recognized in the Extreme Heat category by the Community Data Health Initiative in partnership with the African American Mayors Association.
• The county’s environmental initiatives focus heavily on low- and moderate-income communities vulnerable to severe weather and heat impacts.
• Orange County is expanding urban tree canopy coverage to reduce heat, improve public health, and strengthen climate resilience.
• The county’s updated Tree Preservation Ordinance reinvests mitigation funds into urban forestry and resilience projects.
• Orange County also launched a public education campaign focused on reducing air pollution caused by open burning and recreational smoke.