Phoenix has come a long way in recent years, largely thanks to the light rail, which has plans to further expand into Tempe, the Northwest Valley, Gilbert, Mesa, and downtown Phoenix.

But with those projects years in the future, it doesn't hurt for the community to start lending its efforts now.

That is why the City of Phoenix, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Arizona State University, St. Luke's Health Initiatives, and other local organizations have teamed up to create Reinvent PHX, an initiative the promotes sustainable solutions for a sprawling desert metropolis.

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To find out what's best for the people, Reinvent PHX is turning to the people for ideas and designs that will help shape the future of the Phoenix light rail system.

On Monday, March 24, Reinvent PHX will hold the opening event for its Community Design Workshop. From 6 to 8 p.m., residents can stop by the Phoenix Financial Center to submit their designs and suggestions for walkable communities along the light rail in Phoenix toward Sky Harbor Airport as well as toward Christown Spectrum Mall.

At this free event, Reinvent PHX Village Planner, Katherine Coles says people are invited to "bring what they see as their vision for the districts and express things they want: if they wants more shade, better sidewalks, better connectivity to transit, more park space, opens space, better streets, bicycle lanes, more safety, anything that would help make the community walkable."

For those who are unable to attend opening night, Reinvent PHX's design workshop team will be available March 25 through April 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding Sundays) at the Phoenix Financial Center.

Reinvent PHX will hold the unveiling of its final designs Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. in the Phoenix Financial Center. For both the workshop opening and the design unveiling, there will be Spanish interpreters on site. For more information, visit reinventphx.org or call 602-256-5648.

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