Recognizing that Phoenix is the hottest large metro area in the country, and that Arizona has the highest heat-related deaths nationally, The Nature Conservancy developed the Urban Heat Leadership Academy to help communities most affected by heat. The Urban Heat Leadership Academy empowers community leaders – who know best what they need – to effect change. The Academy provides the knowledge, resources, and skills so residents can mobilize their communities and advocate for greener, cooler, and healthier neighborhoods.