Phoenix City Council Policy Meeting – March 25, 2025

The Phoenix City Council held a policy meeting on March 25, 2025, starting at approximately 10:45 a.m. The primary focus was the presentation and approval of the city's 2025 Heat Response Plan, along with related contracts for a new 24/7 respite center and extended-hour cooling centers. Council members also provided district updates and heard public testimony. Votes on all agenda items passed unanimously (8–0).

Consent Calendar

• All agenda items were approved unanimously. The items included: (1) approval of the 2025 Heat Response Plan; (2) authorization to lease 20 West Jackson Street for a 24/7 respite center; (3) a contract with Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) for operations and supportive services; (4) an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County; and (5) a contract with CBI for security services (police overtime, not to exceed $700,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cleo (nonprofit operator, District 1): Expressed strong support for the collaborative approach, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for families and the importance of prevention and resource coordination.
• Stacy Champion (advocate): Criticized the plan as insufficient, arguing that heat deaths are undercounted and that more proactive measures are needed, such as posters at convenience stores, better enforcement of cooling ordinances, and advocacy for utility disconnection protections. She noted that many deaths among unsheltered individuals are not counted as heat-related.
• Reverend Katie Sexton (Arizona Faith Network): Voiced strong support, calling the city's leadership a model for the nation and emphasizing the moral imperative to address extreme heat.
• Jenny Spann (ASU Edson College of Nursing): Praised the partnership with the city, highlighting that nursing students provided wound care, mental health screenings, Narcan training, and education at cooling centers, gaining valuable community health experience.

Discussion Items

• Council Member Reports (prior to the main agenda):

  • Councilwoman Hodge Washington (District 8) announced upcoming events: a community budget hearing (April 7), a coffee chat with Keisha (April 10), and a Health and Wealth Fair (April 12). She also noted Women's History Month celebrations and the street naming of Avenida Mujeres del Movimiento.
  • Councilwoman Pastor (District 5) reported on the 1,000th gated alley milestone, the Grand Canalscape phase 3 opening (March 29), and a Maryvale Mercado event. She also raised concerns about delayed responses from staff regarding incidents involving unsheltered residents.
  • Councilman Galindo Elvira (District 7) reported on a cleanup at Tres Rios wetlands (6 tons of trash removed), the St. Patrick's Day Parade, a Latina Shaping the Future Breakfast, and the Avenida de Mujeres del Movimiento street naming.
  • Mayor Gallego recognized National Cleaning Week and thanked cleaning professionals.

• 2025 Heat Response Plan Presentation (by Deputy City Manager Gina Montez, Dr. Nick Staub (Maricopa County Public Health), Chief Tim Kreis (Fire Department), and Dr. David Hondula (Office of Heat Response and Mitigation)):

  • Heat Surveillance Data: 2024 was the hottest summer on record (113 consecutive days ≥100°F; 70 days ≥110°F). Confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County fell to 602 (preliminary), the first decline in a decade after a 52% increase in 2023. 80% of deaths were male; 50% occurred in individuals experiencing homelessness; >50% involved substance use, with 89% of those involving stimulants.
  • 2024 Program Results:
    • 20% reduction citywide in heat-related 911 calls.
    • Over 25% reduction in calls within 1 mile of the five enhanced sites (Burton Bar, Senior Opportunities West, and three library locations).
    • Cold water immersion treatment by fire department used on 311 patients (May–October), saving lives.
    • Five enhanced sites logged ~35,000 visits from ~5,000 unique visitors; 962 placements into shelter/housing/family reunification.
    • 1.2 million water bottles distributed; $300,000 in grants to 18 community organizations.
  • Proposed 2025 Changes:
    • New 24/7 respite center: Consolidate operations from Burton Bar and Senior Opportunities West into one facility at 20 West Jackson Street (short-term lease, $40,000/month including utilities). Aim to serve up to 100 individuals at a time, with dedicated areas for families, women, and general population. Staffed by CBI (two 12-hour shifts, minimum 9 staff per shift) plus police overtime for exterior security.
    • Extended-hour cooling centers: Three libraries (Choya, Yucca, Harmon) will remain fully open until 10 p.m. (Monday–Saturday, plus Sunday noon–10 p.m.) with full library services. Staffing includes 40 seasonal part-time employees and additional security.
    • Budget: Approximately $4.9 million funded by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), opioid settlement funds, and Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
  • Council Questions and Concerns:
    • Councilwoman Hodge Washington raised issues about community outreach (some meetings pending), efficiency of cooling a large facility, competitive bidding for CBI contract (no new RFP; based on qualified vendor list from 2024), and data on indoor deaths (62 occurred in homes with AC units but often non-functional). She requested better enforcement of landlord cooling ordinances and noted that 115 notice of violations and 11 citations were issued last summer out of 180 cases.
    • Councilwoman Pastor asked about adding more contractors for AC repair (Neighborhood Services Department acknowledged delays and is working on additional capacity).
    • Vice Mayor O'Brien asked about transportation to cooling centers (free rides via 211 rideshare continuing this year) and coordination with business districts (e.g., warehouse district).
    • Councilman Galindo Elvira requested improved communication strategies, especially for non-internet users (e.g., radio, Spanish-language media).
    • Councilwoman Guardado emphasized worker safety and enforcement of the city's heat ordinance for contractors.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 – Approval of 2025 Heat Response Plan: Passed 8–0 (Councilman Galindo Elvira motion, including a directive for staff to provide requested information to council and public record).
• Items 2–5 – Leases and Contracts: Approved 8–0. Councilwoman Hodge Washington explained her vote, expressing disappointment over insufficient community engagement and lack of competitive bidding, but voted in favor due to immediate need (97°F on meeting day). Councilwoman Pastor noted uncertainty about contract structure but voted yes.
• Next Steps:
  • The new respite center at 20 West Jackson is expected to open May 1, 2025, with a possible extension into October if needed.
  • Extended library hours begin May 1.
  • Staff will provide weekly heat response reports to council and the public (available at phoenix.gov/heat).
  • The Neighborhood Services Department will work to add more contractors for AC repair and streamline the weatherization program application process.
  • Communication efforts will include targeted advertising, social media geofencing, radio, and Spanish-language outreach.