October 22, 2025 Community Services & Education Subcommittee Meeting Summary
October 22, 2025 Community Services & Education Subcommittee Meeting Summary
The October 22, 2025 Community Services and Education Subcommittee convened to review routine administrative items, receive detailed presentations on the Phoenix Public Library Foundation's upcoming fundraiser, the city's Head Start program, the second annual evaluation of the Naloxone program, and a refresh of the citywide homelesness action plan. The subcommittee engaged in significant deliberation regarding the governance structure of Head Start, strategic expansion of overdose reversal kit distribution, and the balance between service-first approaches and neighborhood safety regarding homelessness. The meeting concluded with the approval of the planning process for the 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting via unanimous motion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dr. Michelle Shiota (ASU Professor & Director of Saturn Network): Expressed full support for the breadth and success of the Naloxone program and emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive strategic plan that includes prevention, youth-focused interventions, and expanded harm reduction efforts. She supported the view that the diversion of some opioid settlement funds to the state correction system limited opportunities for city-county partnerships.
- Jeff Spellman (Violence Impact Project Coalition): Argued that while leading with services is vital, the subcommittee must acknowledge the deeply embedded criminal elements within some encampments, specifically citing prostitution and drug dealing in the 27th Avenue corridor. He stated a position that community safety requires separating these individuals from criminal networks through enforcement before they can accept services, noting that 100% of residents in his neighborhood associate the perceived danger directly with homelessness-related criminal activity.
- Councilman Hernandez: Stated a firm position that criminalization is the wrong response to homelessness, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes housing and de-emphasizes police involvement in resolving homelessness.
- Councilwoman Stark: Expressed strong support for the Office of Homeless Solutions, particularly the creation of the Community Court. She voiced a position that housing is the primary solution to homelessness and highlighted the severe disparity in Housing Choice Vouchers received by Phoenix compared to the sixth-largest city, urging bold action on city-funded subsidies and volunteer opportunities.
Discussion Items
- Phoenix Public Library Foundation: The Foundation Executive Director provided an overview of the organization's four key investment areas (early literacy, education access, meaningful spaces, and cultural destination) and detailed the 40th annual "Raise the Stacks" fundraiser scheduled for November 7-14, 2025.
- Head Start Program Overview: Human Services officials presented the governance model, noting the City of Phoenix serves 2,209 children with $44 million in annual funding. Councilwoman Hernandez and Councilman Stark inquired about the governance structure, confirming that policy changes flow from staff to a Policy Council before reaching the subcommittee, and that additional meetings separate from the subcommittee are not required. The group discussed eligibility criteria (income at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines, homelessness, public assistance, or foster care) and the current waiting list status (22% overall). Councilmembers expressed concern regarding the ongoing federal shutdown but confirmed operations remain stable with no changes to services.
- Naloxone Program Evaluation: Public Health officials presented data showing a 38% increase in kit distribution in Year 2 (14,660 kits) and a rise in pre-arrival administration of naloxone from 7% (pre-program) to 13% in Year 2. Discussions highlighted the need to improve distribution in Council Districts 2 and 4 where overdose rates are high relative to kit availability. Councilman Hernandez and Dr. Shiota advocated for expanding distribution to community centers, mobile units equipped with motivational interviewing, and greater investment in prevention and treatment initiatives alongside harm reduction. Councilman Hernandez expressed strong support for a public health lens over criminalization, while Councilwoman Stark emphasized the need to see demographic data on who is using the kits to ensure targeted outreach.
- Homelessness Plan Refresh: The Office of Homeless Solutions presented the draft refresh of the Strategies to Address Homelessness plan, focusing on five areas: Prevention, Safety, Coordination, Housing, and Accountability. The team clarified the "No Wrong Door" policy and the role of the Community Court. Councilman Hernandez questioned the balance between service provision and police interaction, while Councilwoman Stark emphasized the urgent need for more housing and Housing Choice Vouchers to address the crisis. The subcommittee and staff discussed increasing shelter quality to ensure efficient exits to permanent housing and expanding coordination with behavioral health systems.
- HUD Annual Action Plan: Neighborhood Services proposed the planning process for the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan, outlining community engagement strategies via surveys and public hearings from November to March. Councilman Hernandez inquired about risks from the federal shutdown, with no immediate threats identified for the proposed grants, though LIHEAP remains at risk.
Key Outcomes
- Motion Carried: Approved the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan process for HUD entitlement grants (CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, ESG) via unanimous vote.
- Strategic Direction (Naloxone): The Office of Public Health committed to conducting a geographic needs assessment in Year 3 to reduce disparities in kit distribution relative to overdose rates, with a specific focus on expanding access in Council Districts 2 and 4.
- Strategic Direction (Homelessness): The subcommittee endorsed the "No Wrong Door" policy and the plan refresh's focus on preventing homelessness, improving shelter quality, and linking residents to behavioral health and employment services. Staff agreed to provide the subcommittee with an updated draft plan before seeking full Council approval in January 2026.
- Informational Action: Staff agreed to share demographic data on naloxone administration (including age breakdown) with the subcommittee for future review.
- Operational Confirmation: Confirmed that Head Start operations will continue unchanged despite the 22nd day of the federal shutdown, with funding receipts current.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, everyone. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Welcome to the October 22nd, 2025 Community Services and Education Subcommittee meeting. I would like to introduce City Attorney David Benton. Please explain the role of public comment. The issues being addressed, however, must be on subject matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the subcommittee and has the power to act upon the open meeting law, permits subcommittee members to listen comments, but prohibits members from discussing or acting on matters presented. Madam Chair, I'll have another uh comment when you get to agenda items. Thank you so much. Thank you. Um, I would like to now introduce our interpreter for today, Elsie Duarte, who will give a brief announcement. Thank you, Madam Chair Hatch Washington. Good morning, my name is Elsie Duarte, and I will be providing interpretation during today's session. I will now take a moment to address our Spanish speaking audience. But escuchar la reunion in Spanish presencialmente favor de Pasar Purunos Audífonos ubicados al entrada de la sala de camaras. Las personas que pasen al frente, al igual que las personas que se register registraron virtualmente foras publico, potran libremente hablar sin interrupciones durante el tiempo disponible. Thank you so much. We will begin with our call to the public, and I see that we have one registered speaker virtually, um, David Redke. Okay, he's not on. Thank you so much. We will move on to item number one, uh, approval of our minutes from our October 2nd, 2025 meeting. I'll move to approve. All in favor. Aye. Motion carries. Next, we will turn to item number two, which is Phoenix Live Public Library Foundation. Raised the stack. We welcome Phoenix Public Library Deputy Director Carl Kendall and Foundation Executive Director Kelly Beauchamp to this table. These organizations work tirelessly to help assist the library with its mission to provide information and resources to Phoenix residents of all ages. Today I'm proud to have with me the director of our Phoenix Public Library Foundation, Kelly Bouchon, to talk to you a little bit about the Foundation and about one of its uh upcoming signature events. Kelly. Founded in 1997, the Phoenix Public Library Foundation was initially conceived to oversee the Capitol campaign, which raised funds for Burton Barr Central Library. Shortly into those efforts, we expanded our mission to champion a broader library mission for our communities. The Phoenix Public Library Foundation now focuses on four key areas that reflect our commitment to the community. First, we invest in programs that strengthen early literacy, helping children and families build the reading skills that form the foundation for lifelong learning. Second, we expand access to education for people of all ages, supporting those working to earn their high school diploma, pursue college, or advance their careers. Third, we help create meaningful spaces for children and families, environments designed to encourage learning through play, reading, and exploration. And finally, we support the library's role as a cultural destination, a place where the community gathers to learn and be inspired. Through the foundation's support, we're able to strengthen key library programs that reach residents across every age and stage of life. Our summer reading program keeps children and families engaged in learning year-round. Story walks bring books into parks and neighborhoods, combining literacy, movement, and outdoor fun. College Depot provides free, comprehensive guidance to help students and adults achieve their educational goals. And mock one, our makerspace gives children, teens, and adults hands-on experience and STEM from coding to 3D printing, helping them build creativity and confidence for the future. Raise the Stacks is our annual fundraiser. It's now in its 40th year. It's going to run from November 7th through 14th. It begins with our online silent auction and concludes with an in-person celebration at Burton Barr Central Library. Funds are raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and community donations, all supporting library programs that expand access to education and literacy across Phoenix. This year's lineup features local restaurant gift cards, staycations, it airs on our resorts, artwork from local artists, and family experiences that reinforce literacy. We'll also have themed packages, including book and bottle bundles, books paired with adorable stuffed animals, and library-inspired gifts, all celebrating reading, creativity in our Phoenix community. Our in-person Raise the Sachs celebration will take place Friday, November 14th from 5 30 to 8 p.m.
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