OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Economic Development and Arts Subcommittee Meeting – October 14, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, October 14, 2025
BodyPhoenix, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, October 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:36:21

Transcript — Verbatim
0:56

Good morning and welcome to the economic development and the arts subcommittee meeting on this Tuesday, October 14th, 2025.

1:05

I'd like to call the meeting to order.

1:07

And then I will turn to our city attorney, David Benton, to explain public comment.

1:14

Morning, Madam Chair, members of the subcommittee.

1:18

During citizen comment, members of the public may address subcommittee for up to three minutes on issues of interest or concern to them.

1:25

Citizen Comment session is limited to 30 minutes.

1:29

The Arizona Open Meeting Law permits the city, the subcommittee to listen to the comments but prohibits members from discussing or acting on matters presented with regards to agenda items.

1:43

Members of the public committee speak up to two minutes on and comment on agenda items to be discussed.

1:50

Comments may be must be related to the agenda item and action being considered.

1:55

General comments go beyond that go beyond the scope must be made during citizen comment.

2:00

Subcommittee and staff cannot discuss or comment on matters related to pending investigations, claims, or litigation.

2:05

Additionally, any member of the public who appears before subcommittee in their capacity as lobbyists must be required to disclose that fact uh during the comment period.

2:16

Thank you, madam chair.

2:19

Thank you so much, sir.

2:21

Next we will allow our interpreter to induce introduce herself, Elsie Duarte.

2:29

Madam Chair O'Brien, my name is El C Duarte, and I will be providing Spanish interpretation during today's economic development and arts subcommittee session.

2:42

I will now take a moment to address our Spanish speaking audience.

3:26

Thank you, Madam Chair.

3:28

Thank you, Elsie.

3:43

Second.

3:43

I have a motion and a second.

3:45

All those in favor, please say aye.

3:47

Aye.

3:47

Any opposed?

3:48

Hearing none, the motion passes unanimously.

3:52

For our second agenda item, art and private development.

3:56

We will invite Mitch Manchaka from Arts and Culture, our Arts and Culture Director, Carrie Brown, the Deputy Arts and Culture Director, and Josh Badner, our planning and development director.

4:08

Thank you so much for joining us all today to talk about this very important topic.

4:14

Well, good morning, Chair O'Brien and members of the subcommittee.

4:17

I'm Mitch Manchaka, Arts and Culture Director, and I am joined by colleagues Carrie Brown, Deputy Arts and Culture Director, Josh Bednerick, Planning and Development Director, and we're here to discuss art and private development.

4:28

The arts inspire and bring joy to residents.

4:31

They beautify public spaces, strengthen community pride, help students success, create solutions for civic issues, and bolster the economy.

5:00

For municipal arts agencies like the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, public art is funded by public funds created through a public process and four public spaces.

5:11

The Phoenix Public Art Program was created through an ordinance that allocates 1% of the city's annual capital improvement CIP budget to public art projects.

5:20

The Phoenix Public Art Collection comprises over 250 outdoor site specific pieces, like this piece, Shadow Play that's on Roosevelt Road that adds shade, solar power, and also art that was done by the Streets Transportation Project to add to the pedestrian experience on Roosevelt Row.

5:39

Public art often serves as an iconic landmark that defines the character of urban spaces.

5:45

It can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, significantly increase property values, making it more attractive to buyers and investors.

5:54

This piece known as a path to water on Sixth Street and Butler, which was done through the Water Services Department.

6:00

During the community engagement and fabrication process, we saw neighbors clean up their yards and paint their homes to welcome the new public artwork.

6:08

They also create vibrant environments that attract businesses to establish an aesthetically pleasing location, thereby boosting local economies.

6:17

Art and private development or AIPD is another opportunity to invest in public art where developers allocate a percentage of their project's construction cost to original site specific public art.

6:29

The art becomes an accessible public amenity, enhancing urban landscapes, creating a sense of place and benefiting both the surrounding community and again the local economy.

6:40

The image here is a large scale mural on the side of the Majestic Theater in Tempe as part of the City of Tempe's art and private development program.

6:49

Art and private development goes beyond murals.

6:52

Artwork can also include sculptures, integrated architectural elements, landscape designs, and again digital new media, just like our CIP program.

7:00

The piece shown here is an integrated lighting installation of stainless steel lotus flower that provides shade and a visual focus as it hangs over the center courtyard of the Medallion Building Project in Los Angeles.

7:12

This is part of the LA Department of Cultural Affairs Art and Private Development Program.

7:16

At night, the sculpture changes color and intensifies as people walk below it.

7:20

So how does art and private development or AIPD work in most cities?

7:26

In most cities, public art has a requirement.

7:28

Many cities have an ordinance that mandates private developers to fund and install public art on their properties.

7:34

Developers contribute a certain percentage of their project's valuation or construction costs towards the art.

7:40

The art commission is often site-specific, meaning it's created for and integrated with that development project.

7:47

And then there's an approval process, and usually the municipal arts program or another municipal agency reviews and approves the art plan, often in stages from the initial design to the final installation.

7:58

And then there are things called in lieu fees.

8:01

Developers have the option in some ordinances to pay a fee instead of installing art on site, and these funds can be used to support either the city putting public art in that private development or other initiatives.

8:13

But again, art is integrated into private development, can take a wide variety of forms.

8:18

This is our Park Central Mall project by plaza companies.

8:23

And you can see that they've done sculpture, architectural design, and have been a really great partner.

8:28

But I'm going to turn it over to Carrie Brown to discuss the AIPD programs in a couple of valley cities and other larger cities in other states.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Technology and Innovation███████████████████████████27%
Economic Development████████████████████20%
Arts And Culture███████████████████19%
International Relations█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Community Engagement█████5%
Public Transit█████5%
Procedural████4%
Transportation Safety██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Economic Development and Arts Subcommittee Meeting

The Economic Development and Arts Subcommittee of the Phoenix City Council met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM to discuss a range of topics including arts in private development, the Smart City Phoenix initiative, the Phoenix-Hermosillo trade office, and the disposition of city-owned properties. The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor O'Brien (Chair) and included members Councilwoman Stark, Councilwoman Pastor, and Councilman Robinson.

Consent Calendar

  • The first agenda item (approval of previous meeting minutes) was moved and seconded, and passed unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Katrina Kayler (President/CEO of Art Link Inc.; Chair of Phoenix Community Alliance Arts Culture Public Life Committee) spoke in strong support of a citywide art and private development (AIPD) ordinance. She noted that the downtown code was updated in December 2024 to include the word "art" and urged the city to replicate that success citywide. She described the risk as low and the return on investment as high, emphasizing that Phoenix must compete with other cities for residents and businesses.
  • Patrick McDaniel (Advocacy Director, Phoenix Community Alliance) spoke in support of continued exploration of innovative ways to incentivize art in private development downtown. He described art as a tool to attract people, residents, and businesses, and called art and private development "the path forward" for the evolving urban core.

Discussion Items

Art and Private Development (AIPD)

  • Mitch Manchaca (Arts and Culture Director), Carrie Brown (Deputy Arts and Culture Director), and Josh Bedner (Planning and Development Director) presented an overview of public art programs and AIPD models in other cities (Scottsdale, Tempe, Philadelphia, San Diego). They explained that Phoenix does not have a citywide AIPD ordinance but has recently updated the downtown code to allow art to be used as an alternative to frontage standards and for density bonuses (December 2024).
  • Council members expressed strong interest in pursuing a citywide AIPD ordinance. Councilwoman Stark recalled similar efforts from 2010 and noted that public art can transform neighborhoods (citing the Sunny Slope example). Councilwoman Pastor stressed the importance of art subjectively and the need for maintenance funding for existing and future artwork. Councilman Robinson noted the Shema Art Center in his district and supported expanding art citywide.
  • Chair O'Brien requested that staff conduct stakeholder meetings with the arts and development communities and return with options for an ordinance. Staff indicated a return in spring 2026.
  • Chair O'Brien thanked Mitch Manchaca for his service, as this was his final Economic Development and Arts subcommittee meeting before leaving the city.

Smart City Phoenix Initiative

  • Michael Hammett (Office of Innovation Director) and Steen Hambrick (Information Technology Services Director) provided an update on the development of the city's first Smart Cities Roadmap, in partnership with IDC. The roadmap aims to coordinate existing initiatives (130+ identified across departments), leverage data and AI, and improve resident quality of life.
  • Notable current projects include: smart water meters and leak detection, AI wastewater monitoring (CANDO), 3D augmented reality for affordable housing visualization (In Situ), digital kiosks with ADA features and language translation, and the ARIN pavement assessment tool.
  • The city has received over 520 community survey responses, with climate and livability as top priorities, and 17% indicating accessibility as important.
  • AI governance is managed under Administrative Regulation AR-165, with 18 AI tools already approved or under review (including Copilot Chat, Copilot Pro, and WebEx AI assistant).
  • Councilwoman Stark asked about citywide smart meter installation for water; staff acknowledged the scale challenge but noted progress with remote monitoring.
  • Councilman Robinson inquired about geofencing technology to warn hikers of extreme heat at trailheads. Steen Hambrick said ITS is evaluating alternatives to address privacy concerns and will report back.
  • Councilwoman Pastor stressed the need for robust infrastructure and thorough testing of AI before public rollout, citing a frustrating experience with an AI non-emergency number.
  • Chair O'Brien emphasized the importance of cross-departmental coordination and integration of technology (e.g., cameras, traffic signals) and asked for a briefing on the new portfolio management tool for tracking smart city initiatives.

Phoenix-Hermosillo Trade Office Results and Update

  • Eric Johnson (Acting Community and Economic Development Director), Nathan Wright (Deputy Director), and Juan Batres (Economic Development Program Manager) presented results for FY 2024-2025. The office assisted 290 companies, helped two incorporate in Arizona, and two locate in Phoenix physically. Since 2021, the office has assisted a total of 810 companies, with 24 incorporating and 7 locating in Phoenix.
  • The office focuses on legacy and emerging industries (aerospace, electronics, pharma, semiconductors) and has signed MOUs with Baja California, Nuevo Leon (Monterrey), and Hermosillo.
  • Arizona's trade with Mexico totaled $20.6 billion (top partner), with exports of copper, electronics, and aircraft, and imports of produce, electronics, and equipment.
  • Risks and challenges include economic uncertainty, U.S. immigration policy, potential tariff changes, and the 2026 USMCA review. Opportunities include a second wave of nearshoring and a planned soft-landing program for Mexican companies.
  • Councilwoman Pastor asked for more details on the soft-landing concept and emphasized the need to provide tools and market analysis to ensure success for incoming businesses.
  • Chair O'Brien requested a summary of the financial impact and job creation from companies assisted.

Disposition of City-Owned Property

  • Eric Johnson and Zandon Keating (Deputy Community and Economic Development Director) updated on several properties:
    • Four Corners (24th St & Broadway): Four offers received (deadline September 15); staff evaluating.
    • Regency Garage: RFP due October 28; under solicitation transparency policy.
    • 19th Ave & Dunlap (10+ acres): Rezoned to walkable urban code; being prepared for RFP in collaboration with community and Councilwoman Stark.
    • 19th Ave & Montebello (10+ acres): Rezoning underway; will be prepared for RFP with Councilwoman Pastor's office.
    • Ed Pastor Transit Center (Central & Broadway): 3.5 acres, subject to federal title ditch abandonment; one RFI response for temporary activation under evaluation.
    • SE corner Central & Broadway (3.76 acres): Rezoning on City Council agenda for October 15; RFP anticipated in 2026.
    • 13th St & Washington/Jefferson (two sites, ~3.3 acres each): Awaiting master planning.
    • 7th Ave & Washington (4.63 acres): Rezoning completed; retail study shows strong need for street-level retail. AIA will conduct an ideas competition for the site, with results expected January 2026; RFP to follow.
  • Councilwoman Pastor asked about the naming of the Ed Pastor Transit Center if it is redeveloped. Staff committed to researching the process and reporting back.

Key Outcomes

  • Art and Private Development: The subcommittee directed staff to conduct stakeholder meetings with the arts and development communities and report back with options for a citywide AIPD ordinance in spring 2026.
  • Smart City Initiative: Staff will continue developing the roadmap and will report back to the subcommittee. ITS will provide Councilman Robinson with an update on alternatives to geofencing for trailhead heat warnings.
  • Hiking Safety: ITS is evaluating alternative technologies to geofencing to address privacy concerns and will report back to the subcommittee.
  • Trade Office: The office will continue its work under the five-year contract (now in year three) and will provide a financial impact summary to the subcommittee.
  • City-Owned Properties: RFPs for several properties are in various stages; the AIA ideas competition for 7th Ave & Washington is expected to finish in January 2026, with the RFP released shortly after. Staff will research the process for renaming the Ed Pastor Transit Center if it is redeveloped.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning and welcome to the economic development and the arts subcommittee meeting on this Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. I'd like to call the meeting to order. And then I will turn to our city attorney, David Benton, to explain public comment. Morning, Madam Chair, members of the subcommittee. During citizen comment, members of the public may address subcommittee for up to three minutes on issues of interest or concern to them. Citizen Comment session is limited to 30 minutes. The Arizona Open Meeting Law permits the city, the subcommittee to listen to the comments but prohibits members from discussing or acting on matters presented with regards to agenda items. Members of the public committee speak up to two minutes on and comment on agenda items to be discussed. Comments may be must be related to the agenda item and action being considered. General comments go beyond that go beyond the scope must be made during citizen comment. Subcommittee and staff cannot discuss or comment on matters related to pending investigations, claims, or litigation. Additionally, any member of the public who appears before subcommittee in their capacity as lobbyists must be required to disclose that fact uh during the comment period. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you so much, sir. Next we will allow our interpreter to induce introduce herself, Elsie Duarte. Madam Chair O'Brien, my name is El C Duarte, and I will be providing Spanish interpretation during today's economic development and arts subcommittee session. I will now take a moment to address our Spanish speaking audience. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Elsie. Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Hearing none, the motion passes unanimously. For our second agenda item, art and private development. We will invite Mitch Manchaka from Arts and Culture, our Arts and Culture Director, Carrie Brown, the Deputy Arts and Culture Director, and Josh Badner, our planning and development director. Thank you so much for joining us all today to talk about this very important topic. Well, good morning, Chair O'Brien and members of the subcommittee. I'm Mitch Manchaka, Arts and Culture Director, and I am joined by colleagues Carrie Brown, Deputy Arts and Culture Director, Josh Bednerick, Planning and Development Director, and we're here to discuss art and private development. The arts inspire and bring joy to residents. They beautify public spaces, strengthen community pride, help students success, create solutions for civic issues, and bolster the economy. For municipal arts agencies like the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, public art is funded by public funds created through a public process and four public spaces. The Phoenix Public Art Program was created through an ordinance that allocates 1% of the city's annual capital improvement CIP budget to public art projects. The Phoenix Public Art Collection comprises over 250 outdoor site specific pieces, like this piece, Shadow Play that's on Roosevelt Road that adds shade, solar power, and also art that was done by the Streets Transportation Project to add to the pedestrian experience on Roosevelt Row. Public art often serves as an iconic landmark that defines the character of urban spaces. It can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces, significantly increase property values, making it more attractive to buyers and investors. This piece known as a path to water on Sixth Street and Butler, which was done through the Water Services Department. During the community engagement and fabrication process, we saw neighbors clean up their yards and paint their homes to welcome the new public artwork. They also create vibrant environments that attract businesses to establish an aesthetically pleasing location, thereby boosting local economies. Art and private development or AIPD is another opportunity to invest in public art where developers allocate a percentage of their project's construction cost to original site specific public art. The art becomes an accessible public amenity, enhancing urban landscapes, creating a sense of place and benefiting both the surrounding community and again the local economy. The image here is a large scale mural on the side of the Majestic Theater in Tempe as part of the City of Tempe's art and private development program. Art and private development goes beyond murals. Artwork can also include sculptures, integrated architectural elements, landscape designs, and again digital new media, just like our CIP program. The piece shown here is an integrated lighting installation of stainless steel lotus flower that provides shade and a visual focus as it hangs over the center courtyard of the Medallion Building Project in Los Angeles. This is part of the LA Department of Cultural Affairs Art and Private Development Program. At night, the sculpture changes color and intensifies as people walk below it. So how does art and private development or AIPD work in most cities? In most cities, public art has a requirement.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com