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.
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.