Tempe City Council Work Study Session - June 12, 2025
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Tempe City Council Work Study Session - June 12, 2025
The Tempe City Council held a work study session on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12:15 PM (local time). The meeting included a proclamation, presentations on school district demographics, golf course redevelopment, tourism, and a new communication plan, as well as the formation of three new council subcommittees. Councilmember Keating attended virtually. The meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM.
Proclamation
- Dia de Portugal Proclamation: Mayor Woods proclaimed June 10 as Dia de Portugal, recognizing Portuguese American contributions. The proclamation was presented to representatives of the Portuguese American Heritage Club of Arizona. An event was announced for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Tempe Eats (Mill and Southern).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public addressed the council during either call to the audience.
Discussion Items
- 4A – 2024-2025 Demographic Update for Tempe Union High School District: Rick Brammer of Applied Economics (serving the district since 1994) presented data showing the district has lost about 2,000 students over 14 years, with 1,400 lost in the last five years. In-district enrollment peaked at over 12,700 in 2005-06 and is now around 9,300-9,400. Statewide birth rates dropped 18% during the Great Recession and have not recovered. Charter enrollment within the district has not grown significantly, but Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) are increasing. Over 13,000 new housing units (91% multifamily) were permitted in the last 10 years, with 26,000 more potential units identified. Brammer projected continuing enrollment declines, potentially below 10,000 students. He commended Tempe for its affordable housing efforts and encouraged further actions to help families, such as daycare. Councilmember Hodge highlighted the Thrive in Tempe initiative and the need for affordability to retain families.
- 4B – Rolling Hills Golf Update: Jake Hosleton, CEO of Grass Clippings, reported that the redevelopment plan is complete. Key achievements: Arizona's only lighted golf course (operational since December 2023), a new pro shop, outdoor bar, Glen Rosa restaurant (Sonoran live fire cooking, opened April 5, 2025), event lawn, and wash restoration. Night golf occupancy is near 100%. Farmers markets, yoga, live music, and a professional tournament (Grass Clippings Open, 4,000 fans on May 2-3, 2025, broadcast on Peacock) have been held. Trailing 12-month rounds: 63,000 total (20,000 day, 15,000 night, plus leagues and residents). Target for next 12 months: 75,000 rounds. Councilmembers praised the transformation and noted positive feedback from golfers and the community.
- 4C – Tempe Tourism Update: Michael Martin, CEO of Tempe Tourism Office, reported 4.5 million visitors in 2024, generating $1.12 billion in direct spending and supporting over 7,000 direct jobs. Hotel inventory: 7,241 rooms, 1.75 million room nights sold, occupancy ~66-67%, average daily rate $147 (down from $150 in 2023). Total hotel revenue in 2024 was $257 million. The office won multiple awards for branding and marketing, including Crystal Rodriguez being named Arizona Marketer of the Year. A new website, strategic plan, and summer campaign were launched. Councilmembers thanked the team and noted the economic impact.
- 4D – Communication Plan 2025-2027: Communications Director Chris Baxter Ging and consultant David Leibwitz presented a citywide communication plan aligned with the new brand (launched in-house at no cost). Brand statement emphasizes diversity, involvement, respect for taxpayer dollars, public safety, neighborhoods, economy, and public health. They highlighted new team members, technology investments, and a community survey showing >80% satisfaction (highest ever). The plan includes timely information, personal impact stories, visual storytelling, and media training. A new video embedded the six brand priorities. Councilmembers praised the team's work and dedication.
Key Outcomes
- Council Subcommittees Formed (approved by consensus):
- Age-Friendly Tempe (proposed by Vice Mayor Garland, members: Councilmembers Amberg and Keating) – to develop a 2026-2031 action plan aligning with AARP's eight domains of livability.
- Mixed-Use Zoning Requirements Review (proposed by Councilmember Chin, with Councilmember Amberg) – to clarify mixed-use zoning requirements for retail percentages.
- Animal Welfare and Cruelty (proposed by Councilmember Hodge, with Vice Mayor Garland and Councilmember Adams) – to strengthen policies, partnerships, and education.
- Subcommittees Closed:
- Heat Safety for Tempe and Contract Workers (Councilmember Keating) – closed after the item was passed at a prior regular council meeting.
- Increased Advocacy for Tempe Youth with Disabilities (Councilmember Hodge) – closed after completing pamphlet and presentations; grant work continues.
- Next Scheduled Meeting: The next work study session is September 4, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon everyone, welcome to the Tempe City Council work study session. I don't remember what is called order. Council meetings can be watched in real time via Cox Cable Channel 11 and at Tempe.gov slash Tempe 11. Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually through Microsoft Teams. I also want to note too that Councilmember Keating is attending the meeting virtually this evening. All right, next up item number two, announcements from the mayor and or city manager. First of all, I've got a couple of announcements here, uh items two A and two C that are on they are going to actually be moved to a different agenda. So I wanted to make sure to let folks know. That's why I'm gonna be taking things slightly out of order. But then I'm gonna go to item two B, Dia de Portugal proclamation. Well you got it, you got I mean, if you got the flags, you better come up. I mean I don't have any props with me other than the proclamation. So are you good to see you too? I'll tell you a long time. Joe, how are you? All right. So this proclamation reads, whereas June tenth is recognized internationally as Dia de Portugal, El Camelas e das comunidades, Portu Portuguesas, honoring the life and legacy of Portugal's national poet Luis de Camelas, and celebrating Portuguese culture and communities across the world. And whereas Portuguese Americans have made meaningful contributions to the cultural, economic, and civic life of Tempe and the state of Arizona, enriching our communities through hard work, traditions, and heritage. And whereas organizations such as Port AZ, the Portuguese American Heritage Club of Arizona, are working to preserve and promote Portuguese language, culture, history, and identity through community events, educational outreach, and cultural exchange. At Tempe Eats, so right at the southeast corner of Mill and Southern at Tempe Eats. Once again, this Saturday, June 14th. What? So you so you ate some from Wasabi. Fantastic. One, two, three. One, two, three, one more. Oh, I'll just hold I'll just hold it with you. One, two, three, five, four. Thank you so much again. All right. Madam City Manager, do you have any announcements this evening? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. No announcements. Okay, thank you very much. Just want to state that guidelines for conduct at city council meetings are on the table near the entrance for those in attendance at tonight's meeting. We will now play a video with the proper protocol for ensuring the appropriate conduct at city council meetings. The City of Tempe welcomes public comment at this time. Disruptive behavior will not be allowed. Continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers. We need to be able to hear everyone in the room. Behavior that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of any city council meeting is not helpful and is not permitted. This includes behavior both inside and outside of the council chambers. Should individuals inside the council chambers become disruptive so that city business is not able to be conducted. The mayor will first ask that the individuals allow city business to be completed. There will be time for public comment during the call to the audience portion of the meeting. If no cooperation, the mayor will issue a verbal warning and let them know that the continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers. If there is still no cooperation, the mayor will issue a second verbal warning and let them know that the continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers. If there is no cooperation after asking and two verbal warnings, then the mayor will ask security officers to remove only those individuals who were causing the disruption. Security personnel should not engage in any way, but only escort them from the council chambers.
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