OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tempe City Council Work Study Session – February 12, 2026

City Council — Thursday, February 12, 2026
BodyTempe, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, February 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:18:26

Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

Good afternoon, everyone.

0:07

Welcome to the Tempe City Council work study session.

0:10

Item number one is call to order.

0:12

Council meetings can be watched in real time via Cox Cable Channel 11 and at Tempe.gov slash Tempe11.

0:18

Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually through Microsoft Teams.

0:22

Just a note before we get started.

0:24

Vice Mayor Garland is going to be participating virtually today.

0:27

Councilmember Keating will not be here this afternoon.

0:30

And also want to let you know because there are people in vacant seats here, I did shower this morning.

0:36

Item number two announcements for the mayor and/or city manager.

0:39

After that announcement, I'm probably done.

0:40

That of city manager, any announcements?

0:42

No announcements.

0:43

Thank you, Mr.

0:43

Mayor.

0:44

Thank you so much.

0:45

That brings me to item two A, IHEP recognition 20th anniversary.

0:50

Let's see.

0:50

Is Mr.

0:51

Sharp Ah, there you are.

0:53

Come on, come on down, sir.

0:54

Come and join me at the podium.

0:58

Of course you can.

0:59

We love the entire team at TCAA.

1:11

Oh my gosh.

1:14

This is my time to run.

1:21

Squeeze bone.

1:23

You know I provide the same thing.

1:34

All right, so this is for the IHELP 20th anniversary celebration, and I'm going to take the little sticker off here so it's not distracting to those watching at home.

1:47

And this proclamation reads, whereas since its inception in 2006, the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, otherwise known as iHelp, operated by the Tempe Community Action Agency has provided vital emergency shelter services to adults experiencing homelessness in Tempe, offering overnight lodging, meals, hygiene services, and long-term pathways to housing stability.

2:11

And whereas, through their core focus on four primary areas of impact food security, housing stability, health and well-being, and economic mobility, TCAA in the iHealth Emergency Shelter has served as Tempe's long-standing shelter resource, providing safe overnight space, meals, showers, laundry services, employment assistance, and intensive case management aimed at helping individuals overcome barriers to obtaining permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

2:40

And whereas for 20 years, iHealth was exemplified and put into practice the spirit of community care and collaboration that underpins our city, assisting hundreds of men and women each year to access resources, build stability, and work toward lasting independence.

2:56

And whereas the City of Tempe is proud to recognize the profound impact of iHealth Service and the countless volunteers, donors, staff, and partners whose dedication has strengthened the social fabric of and contributed to the ongoing legacy of compassion, service, and community partnership embodied by the TCAA and the iHealth emergency shelter over the past 20 years.

3:21

Now, therefore, I, Corey Woods, mayor of the City of Tempe, Arizona, do hereby declare February 12th, 2026, as iHealth 20th Anniversary Day in Tempe, Arizona.

4:46

All right, just a quick note before we move on with the agenda.

4:49

Guidelines for conduct at City Council meetings are on the table near the entrance for those in attendance at tonight's meeting.

4:55

We will now play a video with the proper protocol for ensuring the appropriate conduct at City Council meetings.

5:04

The City of Tempe welcomes public comment at this time.

5:07

Disruptive behavior will not be allowed.

5:10

Continued disruptive behavior will lead to removal from the council chambers.

5:14

We need to be able to hear everyone in the room.

5:16

Behavior that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of any city council meeting is not helpful and is not permitted.

5:24

This includes behavior both inside and outside of the council chambers.

5:28

Should individuals inside the council chambers become disruptive so that city business is not able to be conducted.

5:34

The mayor will first ask that the individuals allow city business to be completed.

5:38

There will be time for public comment during the call to the audience portion of the meeting.

5:42

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.

5:50

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.

5:58

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.

6:07

Security personnel should not engage in any way, but only escort them from the council chambers.

6:12

If individuals refuse to leave, security personnel shall warn them that they are trespassing, and that the next step will be arrest by a Tempe police officer.

6:20

Tempe officers may have to arrest if individuals refuse to leave.

6:24

Charges for trespass and disorderly conduct may apply, as well as other charges.

6:29

Should anyone be asked to be removed, the mayor will recess the meeting.

6:34

So before we continue or move into the call to the audience portion of the meeting, I want to take a moment to address campaign-related activity, especially as we are now very much in the 2026 election season.

6:44

City Council meetings are open to the public and are a vital forum for civic engagement.

6:49

We welcome all individuals, including candidates, to speak on matters of public concern during the public comment portion of the meeting.

6:56

However, because this is an official city council meeting that is both televised and live streamed using city resources.

7:02

We ask all candidates, including any current council members, to refrain from electioneering or campaign-related activity while participating in this meeting.

7:10

That means no discussing your candidacy, asking for votes or signatures, or displaying campaign materials such as signs, t-shirts, or literature while speaking.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████████████████████32%
Transportation Safety██████████████████18%
Public Art███████████████15%
Procedural█████████████13%
Homelessness█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Economic Development████4%
Arts And Culture███3%
Zoning and Land Use███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tempe City Council Work Study Session – February 12, 2026

This work study session included a proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (iHelp), a detailed public safety update from the Tempe Police Department, presentations on tribal gaming grant proposals and the public art plan update, and status reports from multiple council subcommittees. The meeting was held in person and virtually, with Vice Mayor Garland participating virtually and Councilmember Keating absent.

Proclamation & Announcements

  • Mayor Corey Woods declared February 12, 2026, as iHelp 20th Anniversary Day in Tempe, honoring the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program operated by Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) since 2006.
  • A video on conduct guidelines for council meetings was played, and the mayor reminded candidates to refrain from electioneering during the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comment cards were submitted during either the issue review session or the committee of the whole portion of the meeting.

Discussion Items

1. Tempe Police Department Public Safety Update (Item 4A)

  • Chief Ken McCoy presented the 2025 crime trends and department initiatives, emphasizing reductions in most crime categories.
  • Amanda Bunker (Police Analytics Administrator) reported:
    • Overall calls for service decreased 1% (citizen-generated down 3%, officer-generated up 2%).
    • NIBRS Group A offenses (major crimes) down 14%.
    • Violent crime down 8.6% (aggravated assault down 14.5%, robbery down 12.9%).
    • Property crime down 4.8% (burglary down 19.5%, motor vehicle theft down 29.6%).
    • Collisions decreased 11% from 2024 to 2025.
  • Commander Katrina McCann discussed the new Strategic Response Section (SRS), including five units (Neighborhood Response, Community Policing, Tactical Response, Action Team, HIDA partnership). Key highlights:
    • SRS operations in North Tempe (Operation Autumn Impact, Nov 24–Dec 14, 2025): 320 calls for service (96% officer-initiated), 57 arrests, 27.6% reduction in NIBRS Group A crimes.
    • Community Policing Unit: 278 community meetings/events in five months, cleared 188 encampments, and facilitated reunification of a homeless veteran with out-of-state family.
  • Lieutenant Greg Bacon reported on traffic safety and Vision Zero:
    • Citywide collisions down 11% in 2025; injury collisions down 10%; serious injury collisions down 4%; fatal collisions down 21%.
    • Photo enforcement (16 fixed cameras at 14 intersections, 4 mobile cameras on 25 locations) launched June 2025. As of January 31, 2026, 33,464 citations issued (7,818 red light, 18,572 speeding).
    • At camera intersections: collisions down 9% from 2023 and 21% from 2024; rear-end collisions down 52.7% from 2023 and 36.5% from 2024.
    • Continuing efforts to address street racing through overtime enforcement and regional task forces.
  • Councilmembers expressed strong support, with Mayor Woods noting his personal change of opinion on photo enforcement. Councilmember Amberg mentioned a state legislative bill that could restrict photo enforcement, and the city is advocating against it.

2. 2026 Tribal Gaming Grant Proposals (Item 4B)

  • Jonathan Sheffield (Government Relations Director) presented 19 internal requests from two departments (Health & Human Services and Community Services) totaling $1,610,643. External applications are being reviewed with a deadline of February 2, 2026. Resolutions for internal and external programs will go to council on March 5, 2026, with tribal decisions expected in fall/winter 2026.

3. Public Art Plan Update (Item 4C)

  • Rebecca (Public Art team) and Josh Lapp (Designing Local) presented the updated public art plan after extensive community engagement (approx. 1,800 individuals). Key findings:
    • 98.4% of Tempe residents are within a 20-minute walk of a public art piece.
    • Community desires: art reflecting Tempe’s identity, integrated into daily life, interactive, distributed equitably, supporting local artists, and addressing challenges.
    • Vision: create surprise, wonder, and playfulness; connect with nature; tell Tempe’s story; support artists.
  • Six objectives: strengthen sense of place, ensure geographic distribution, level up the program, formalize procedures, enhance the Art in Private Development (AIPD) program (possible expansion to mixed-use buildings), and strengthen collection management (including deaccessioning procedures).
  • Councilmembers praised the plan and suggested broader community outreach and inclusion of student artists.

Subcommittee Status Updates (Item 6B)

  • Age-Friendly Tempe (Vice Mayor Garland): Next meeting Feb 24 to finalize five-year plan, expected at work study May 4.
  • Animal Welfare & Cruelty (Councilmember Hodge): Next meeting March 6 at 2 p.m.
  • Community Engagement & Connection (Vice Mayor Garland): Public input meetings Feb 21, 28, and March 7 across the city.
  • Drink Spiking Education & Prevention (Councilmember Keating not present; Vice Mayor Garland noted intention to keep subcommittee open for education components).
  • Federal & State Advocacy Review (Councilmember Amberg): First meeting Feb 20 at 4 p.m.
  • Mixed Use Space (Councilmember Chin): Next meeting likely in March.
  • Motorized & Electric Mobility Device Safety (Councilmember Adams): Second meeting Feb 19 at 2 p.m.
  • Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake (Councilmember Amberg): Met Feb 6; next meeting April 20.
  • Tempe Term Limits Policy Review (Vice Mayor Garland): First meeting date TBD.

Key Outcomes

  • No formal votes were taken. The police department will release the 2025 crime data and statistics to the public via city communications.
  • The public art plan will be finalized and implemented; council supported the objectives and strategies presented.
  • Tribal gaming grant resolutions will be brought to council for approval on March 5, 2026.
  • Subcommittees are continuing their work with scheduled meetings noted above.
  • The next work study session is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 5:20 p.m. (adjournment time).

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the Tempe City Council work study session. Item number one is call to order. Council meetings can be watched in real time via Cox Cable Channel 11 and at Tempe.gov slash Tempe11. Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually through Microsoft Teams. Just a note before we get started. Vice Mayor Garland is going to be participating virtually today. Councilmember Keating will not be here this afternoon. And also want to let you know because there are people in vacant seats here, I did shower this morning. Item number two announcements for the mayor and/or city manager. After that announcement, I'm probably done. That of city manager, any announcements? No announcements. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you so much. That brings me to item two A, IHEP recognition 20th anniversary. Let's see. Is Mr. Sharp Ah, there you are. Come on, come on down, sir. Come and join me at the podium. Of course you can. We love the entire team at TCAA. Oh my gosh. This is my time to run. Squeeze bone. You know I provide the same thing. All right, so this is for the IHELP 20th anniversary celebration, and I'm going to take the little sticker off here so it's not distracting to those watching at home. And this proclamation reads, whereas since its inception in 2006, the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, otherwise known as iHelp, operated by the Tempe Community Action Agency has provided vital emergency shelter services to adults experiencing homelessness in Tempe, offering overnight lodging, meals, hygiene services, and long-term pathways to housing stability. And whereas, through their core focus on four primary areas of impact food security, housing stability, health and well-being, and economic mobility, TCAA in the iHealth Emergency Shelter has served as Tempe's long-standing shelter resource, providing safe overnight space, meals, showers, laundry services, employment assistance, and intensive case management aimed at helping individuals overcome barriers to obtaining permanent housing and self-sufficiency. And whereas for 20 years, iHealth was exemplified and put into practice the spirit of community care and collaboration that underpins our city, assisting hundreds of men and women each year to access resources, build stability, and work toward lasting independence. And whereas the City of Tempe is proud to recognize the profound impact of iHealth Service and the countless volunteers, donors, staff, and partners whose dedication has strengthened the social fabric of and contributed to the ongoing legacy of compassion, service, and community partnership embodied by the TCAA and the iHealth emergency shelter over the past 20 years. Now, therefore, I, Corey Woods, mayor of the City of Tempe, Arizona, do hereby declare February 12th, 2026, as iHealth 20th Anniversary Day in Tempe, Arizona. All right, just a quick note before we move on with the agenda. 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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