Phoenix City Council Meeting – April 8, 2026

The Phoenix City Council met on April 8, 2026, beginning at 10:45 AM. The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call (all nine members present). The council approved a series of consent items, heard public testimony, debated a youth crime prevention contract, recognized a retiring accelerant detection dog, and voted on several land-use and grant items. Key outcomes included canceling a competitive solicitation for youth violence prevention services and directing staff to rework the RFP with greater council input.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimous approvals: Items 2–12 (liquor licenses, except item 12 which was disapproved 9–0), items 13–74 (ordinances, resolutions, and planning/zoning items) with several exclusions, and items 72–73 (rezoning near 64th Street and Mayo Boulevard) were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 25 – Youth Crime Prevention Contract: Mr. Harris (Jacob Harris Foundation) testified in opposition, stating that the recommended awardee, Father Matters Incorporated, lacked capacity and commitment to serve youth. He shared his personal story of losing his son Jacob to a police shooting and emphasized the need for a 100% dedicated organization. He urged the council to vote no and instead directly fund his foundation.
• Item 74 – Rezoning near 11th Avenue and Michigan Avenue: Kimberly Sisk (resident of Michigan Avenue) opposed the site plan design, arguing it would create unsafe traffic conflicts, diminish property rights, and that the city’s traffic impact study was flawed. Cheyenne and Adrian (residents of Rosemary Lane) opposed the two-story homes that would block mountain views and privacy. The applicant, Bill Allison, defended the project as infill housing with traffic calming measures.
• Citizen Comment: Diane Barker commented on the recent Final Four event and requested action on noisy vehicles. Bonnie Nichols raised concerns about safety and management at the city’s Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) program. Noah James spoke about ICE, police representation, and the need for a female city manager.

Discussion Items

• Item 25 – Authorization to Contract with Father Matters for Youth Crime Prevention: The item proposed a $1.5 million, three-year contract using Neighborhood Block Watch funds. Staff reported that the RFP received 20 applications, scored by a three-member panel; Father Matters scored 883 out of 1000. Council members expressed concerns about the lack of an interview process, the organization’s limited youth experience (last youth program in 2008), and the fit for the program. Councilwoman Hernandez and others questioned the selection process and performance metrics. Staff noted that the program would serve 425 youth over three years using evidence-based tools (Botvin Life Skills, Triple P). After extensive debate, Councilwoman Hernandez moved to cancel the RFP and direct staff to rework it with council input, with a goal of launching by January 2027. The motion passed 9–0.
• Item 35 – Recognition of Sonny the Accelerant Detection Dog: Captain Robbie Simpson described Sonny’s seven years of service, responding to over 40 fire scenes per year, reducing investigation time from days to minutes. The council unanimously approved a resolution honoring his retirement.
• Item 41 – Fixed Wing Pilot Training: Approved 8–1 (Councilwoman Hernandez voted no, citing concerns about the program’s scope).
• Item 43 – Homeland Security Grant Funds: Councilwoman Hernandez asked about definitions of terrorism, monitoring of hate groups, and ties to ICE. The assistant chief clarified that grants are for planning and equipment, not immigration enforcement, and that the department does not investigate groups based on ideology alone. The item passed 8–1 (Hernandez voted no).
• Item 50 – Martin L. Schultz Way Ceremonial Signage: The council unanimously approved a ceremonial street sign honoring Martin Schultz for his contributions to downtown development, transportation, and human services. Multiple council members spoke in support.
• Item 54 – Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements: Approved 9–0 after public comment from Diane Barker urging a holistic view of BNSF rail safety.
• Item 74 – Rezoning at 11th Avenue and Michigan Avenue: The applicant sought to rezone from R1-8 to R2 to build 19 single-family homes. Staff confirmed that the cul-de-sac would need completion regardless of rezoning, and that two-story homes are allowed under current zoning. Councilwoman Stark noted the project provides middle housing needed in the city. Councilwoman Hernandez clarified that the street is public, property value impacts are not a zoning factor, and backing into traffic is standard on local streets. The motion to approve passed 9–0.

Key Outcomes

• Item 25 – Canceled RFP for Youth Crime Prevention: The council voted 9–0 to cancel the contract with Father Matters, direct staff to work with council on a new RFP, and discuss goals at the May 5, 2026 policy meeting, aiming for a January 2027 start.
• Item 35 – Sonny’s Retirement: Resolution honoring Sonny passed unanimously.
• Item 41 – Fixed Wing Pilot Training: Approved 8–1.
• Item 43 – Homeland Security Grant Funds: Approved 8–1.
• Item 50 – Martin L. Schultz Way: Approved unanimously.
• Item 54 – Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements: Approved unanimously.
• Items 72, 73, and 74 – Rezoning Applications: All approved unanimously.