Public Meetings - Phoenix, Arizona

The meeting featured a report on a compromise reached between Phoenix and Tempe regarding the 1994 Sky Harbor noise and overflight agreement, which had been subject to different interpretations and potential legal action. The speaker, likely a Phoenix council member or mayor, expressed gratitude for the resolution. Discussion Items - The speaker reported that after good faith negotiations, a compromise was reached between the two cities, avoiding legal action. The speaker thanked Mayor Woods (Phoenix) for extensive meetings, and recognized City Manager Jeff Barton, Aviation Director Chad McCowski, the legal teams, Tempe City Manager, and Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board Member Andrew Cohn for their efforts. Key Outcomes - The parties reached a compromise through good faith negotiations, averting litigation over the interpretation of the 1994 Sky Harbor noise and overflight agreement. No formal vote was recorded in this excerpt.

The Transportation Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee met on November 20, 2024, to discuss two major items: an update on the regional transit fare collection system and a proposed new city code chapter to license fiber optic network infrastructure providers. The meeting also included a consent agenda item, public comment, and a call to the public. Consent Calendar - Item 2 – Approval of Route 27 service change: Moved and seconded, passed unanimously with a voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - John Hines (public comment on fare collection system): Expressed grave concerns about the new fare system, stating he does not own a cell phone or use the internet, and objected to required registration and data collection, citing privacy and data breach worries. He noted he is a senior citizen and prefers paper tickets. - Jeremiah Davis (registered lobbyist for CWA Local 7050, on fiber license item): Disclosed his lobbying status and spoke about tracking Gigapower fiber deployment in Mesa, where over a dozen subcontractors were used. He asked the subcommittee to include contractor transparency, verification of licensure, and training requirements in the city code changes. - Chad Eckenbach (CWA staff representative, registered lobbyist, on fiber license item): Cited public records showing 40 underground utility hits by Gigapower contractors in 18 months in Mesa, with over $135,000 in damages. He referenced an incident in Gilbert where a contractor drilling into a sewage line displaced a family. He urged adding contractor transparency and safety disclosure to the code. - William Cody (CWA area vice president, on fiber license item): A 26-year broadband technician with CenturyLink/Lumen, he described the negative impacts of low-road subcontracting on work quality, safety, and wages. He called for codified contractor disclosure requirements. - Edward Zinks (call to public): Asked about the study on automated traffic flow management along Glendale Avenue, inquiring about its availability and conclusions. Staff indicated they would connect with him. - Jerry Van Gess (call to public): Reported massive illegal dumping of construction earthen materials in South Mountain Park discovered four years ago, stating a 78-page criminal complaint was filed with the Arizona Attorney General's Office. He offered tours of the dump sites and said no city officials had taken the offer. - Harry Whitesell (call to public): Raised concerns about fiber optic installation in his HOA with private streets, noting unmarked CenturyLink trucks digging trenches and holes on private property without HOA board permission. He asked how citizens can track fiber installation locations and permits. Discussion Items - Item 5 – Regional Transit Fare Collection System Improvement Project Update: - Presentation: Valley Metro staff (Public Transit Director Jesus Sapien, Fair Programs Manager Dane Riles, CFO Kevin Kessler) provided an overview. The new system (SmartFare/fare capping) began rolling out in phases. Fare pricing remains unchanged. Customers can use a Copper Card or Valley Metro app; fares are capped at $4 daily, $20 weekly, and $64 monthly for full-fare local service. Cash options remain available on buses and at light rail stations. Over 850 retail locations sell and reload Copper Cards. Reduced fare qualifications unchanged; online application added. Outreach included over 50 community events and 19 pop-up events. Old magstripe passes can be credited through end of 2024; extended timeline for program organizations. - Council Questions & Concerns: Councilwoman Laura Pastor raised issues about seniors and people with disabilities who lack IDs, smartphones, or internet access. She noted that reduced fare online applications cannot accept medical disability documentation. She expressed concern about reliance on Copper Card registration and app, citing burdens on older adults and people experiencing homelessness. Valley Metro staff clarified that in-person options exist and accounts are not required for reduced fare. Councilman mentioned potential partnerships with nonprofits and senior centers for assistance. - Councilmember Hodge Washington asked about cash options and reduced fare with cash, which staff confirmed is available with ID. Also asked about system failures (server/connection issues); staff explained buses have offline mode with an accept list. - Public comment from John Hines was heard. - Item 6 – Establish Network Infrastructure License (New Chapter 5D of Phoenix City Code): - Presentation: Deputy City Manager Alan Stevenson, City Engineer Eric Froberg, and Special Projects Administrator Kevin Sonoda presented. The ordinance would allow fiber-to-the-home providers (e.g., Gigapower, Google Fiber, Desert INET, Zoom, BAM) to install fiber optic networks in city rights-of-way. Key proposed fees: 3% of gross revenues for internet service providers (ISPs), 6% for wholesalers, plus permitting/inspection fees. A $6 per home passed annual minimum fee (AMF) was set after stakeholder negotiations (down from $12). Micro-trenching (shallow cuts) was not recommended by Streets Department due to pavement damage concerns; a pilot program was offered but details pending. The city's pavement restoration policy (slurry seal for cuts) would apply to fiber companies, consistent with other utilities. Staff noted 99% of Phoenix already has high-speed broadband access per FCC maps. - Council Questions & Concerns: Councilwoman Laura Pastor expressed concern about moving items to full council without full subcommittee resolution; she wanted clear language on any changes. Councilman sought clarity on contractor certification and training assurances. Vice Mayor requested that if discussions with CWA and law department are not complete by December 18, the item be continued. Staff agreed to present a memo outlining changes and legal constraints, and suggested the motion could include direction to continue work with CWA. - Public comment from three CWA representatives was heard. - The subcommittee voted to move the item to the December 18 full council meeting with the caveat that staff continue discussions with CWA and the law department, and that any agreed-upon changes be incorporated into the ordinance or license agreement. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Fare collection system update: No vote required; subcommittee received the update and discussed concerns. Staff will follow up on data security information for riders and consider extending the deadline for program organizations' ticket credit processing. - Fiber license ordinance (Chapter 5D): Moved to December 18 full council formal agenda (with a 30-day effective period). The motion included direction that staff continue working with CWA and the law department, and bring forward additional language changes as appropriate. If unresolved, a continuance memo may be issued. The subcommittee expects contractor transparency, training, and licensure verification to be addressed in the final proposal.

The Phoenix City Council held a formal meeting on November 20, 2024, beginning at 9:30 AM. The meeting included an invocation by Police Chaplain Bob Fesmeyer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of minutes. The council addressed numerous agenda items, including liquor licenses, ordinances, resolutions, planning and zoning matters, election canvassing, and citizen comments. Key decisions involved accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and short-term rental regulations, as well as the adoption of the city's election results. Consent Calendar - Items 1–4 (Minutes and Boards/Commissions): Unanimously approved. The minutes of April 17, 2024, and May 1, 2024, were adopted. Mayor and council nominations for boards and commissions were approved, and new commissioners were sworn in. - Items 5–20 (Liquor Licenses): Approved 9-0, except Item 16. Item 16 (in Council District 7) received a vote of no recommendation (9-0) to allow the neighborhood to file a protest with the state liquor board, after the business owner and neighborhood reached an agreement. - Items 21–66 (Ordinances, Resolutions, Planning & Zoning): Approved 9-0, excluding Items 22, 32, 37, 60, 61, and noting that Items 62–63 were withdrawn, and Items 65–66 were add-ons. Public Comments & Testimony - Rosa Pastrana (District 7 resident, 28-year Maryvale resident): Thanked Councilman Galindo for efforts to reduce homelessness and commended police-community communication. Criticized the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) for not coordinating effectively with police, stating that the best employees are sent to Laveen, leaving Maryvale underserved. Urged better inter-departmental coordination to support police in moving people and providing services. - Christine Ader (City of Phoenix employee since 1998, COMEA member since 1998): Alleged possible fraud and unethical business practices within the COMEA employee resource group. Claimed that five NSD members overspent $10,000 at eight events, hired family members, and double-charged COMEA; also reported that $55,000 was moved from an investment account to an operating account to cover overspending. Offered to provide documentation for investigation. City Manager Jeff Barton responded that an audit had already been conducted and follow-up information would be provided to council. Discussion Items - Item 22 – Canvass of Votes (Election Results): Councilman Galindo (District 7) reported earning 53% of the vote, transitioning from appointed to elected status. He thanked voters and emphasized continued focus on public safety, heat mitigation, homelessness, and parks. Councilwoman Guardado (District 5) thanked voters for re-electing her for a third term. Vice Mayor Stark (District 3) noted 82% voter turnout. Councilwoman O'Brien (District 1) expressed gratitude for a second term. Mayor Gallego noted he was the only Maricopa County mayor re-elected in November. The canvass passed 9-0. - Item 32 – Deferred Compensation Program (Ordinance G7325): Amended city code to replace one citizen member with a retired city employee who is a current plan participant. Passed 9-0. - Item 37 – Phoenix Film and Digital Media Permit Fee (Ordinance G7324): Adjusted the permit fee; the film office celebrated its 50th anniversary, with $21.8 million total spend and over 1,300 projects. Passed 9-0. - Item 60 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): The council adopted amended ADU rules per state law, which removed local requirements that ADUs be used for housing (not short-term rentals). Several council members (Pastor, Vice Mayor Stark, O'Brien, Hodge Washington) expressed disappointment that the state preempted Phoenix's more protective ordinance, but voted yes to comply with state law and avoid financial penalties. Councilman Waring voted no, stating the legislation strips residents' voice and eliminates the public process. Passed 8-1. - Item 61 – Short-Term Vacation Rentals (Ordinance G7323): Amended city code to comply with state law, removing the city's prohibition on short-term rentals in ADUs. Council members expressed similar concerns but voted to comply. Passed 9-0. Key Outcomes - Election Canvass Approved 9-0: Councilman Galindo, Councilwoman Guardado, Vice Mayor Stark, and Councilwoman O'Brien were re-elected; Mayor Gallego returned for a third term. - ADU Ordinance Passed 8-1: The amendment aligning with state law was adopted over the objection of Councilman Waring, who cited loss of local control. - Short-Term Rental Ordinance Passed 9-0: City code updated to comply with state preemption, removing local restrictions on short-term rentals in ADUs. - Liquor License Item 16: No recommendation sent to state, allowing neighborhood protest (9-0). - Citizen Comment Follow-Up: City Manager confirmed an audit of COMEA had been conducted and will provide additional information to council. - All other consent and regular agenda items approved unanimously.

The Phoenix City Council convened on November 13, 2024, at 9:30 AM for a formal meeting. The meeting included the invocation, pledge of allegiance, approval of minutes and nominations, a swearing-in ceremony, approval of consent agendas, a discussion and vote on the Shade Phoenix Plan, a public hearing on impact fees, a vote on rezoning application processes, and public comments. All votes were unanimous (8-0) where taken. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the formal meeting minutes (items 1, 2, 4) and continued item 3 to November 20, 2024. - Approved Mayor and City Council boards and commissions nominations. - Approved liquor license recommendations (items 6-15, except item 8 continued to December 18, 2024). - Approved ordinances and resolutions (items 16-79, excluding items 33, 37, 38, 72, 79; items 73, 74, and 75-78 continued to specified dates). - Approved the 2025 Downtown Enhanced Municipal Services District Assessment (item 38) and the rezoning application review time frame and written protest petition exemption (item 79). Public Comments & Testimony - Blue Crowley (Citizen): Criticized lack of bus facilities in freeway expansions, questioned why shade plan does not include bus shelters, and claimed Phoenix controls MAG. - Diane Parker (District 7 resident): Expressed support for the shade plan, mentioned an upcoming EPA hearing on the Motorola Superfund site, and urged oversight of contractors. - Shana Brown (Citizen): Urged council to work with animal rescues (Handover Rover, Poverty’s Pets, Sky Sanctuary) to address animal welfare. - Timothy (Neighborhood resident): Complained about garbage and gravel on streets (specifically East Thomas Road), requested more waste baskets and an ordinance requiring gravel barriers. - Renee Domingas (Homedale resident): Opposed the continued contract of a dance organization at Smith Park, alleged noncompliance and lack of youth activities, requested a new performance evaluation. - Coco Garcia (Founder, Handover Rover): Described severe stray animal overpopulation in lower-income areas, requested city support for mobile spay/neuter clinics. - Christy Margario (Concerned citizen): Presented statistics showing exponential reproduction of unaltered pets, argued that animal welfare contracts do not include spay/neuter, and urged council to invest in prevention. - Missy Pritt (Cat advocate): Shared stories of animal cruelty, called for city programs like Tempe's community cat program, stressed the crisis is a human rights issue. - Elizabeth Venable (Citizen): Encouraged sustainable funding for homeless programs, criticized reliance on ARPA funds, supported general fund allocations. - Frank Urban (Fund for Empowerment): Expressed support for using Prop 312 funds for mental health and housing solutions rather than barriers. - Terry Perez (Homedale resident): Supported Renee Domingas’ comments about Smith Park, highlighted lack of after-school programs and community center services, urged city action. Discussion Items - Shade Phoenix Plan: Jessica Bueno (Chispa Arizona) expressed support and noted community feedback; she asked about workforce development for non-English speakers. Council members expressed support, emphasized maintenance of trees and shade structures, and requested attention to existing trees and community concerns. - Development Impact Fees (Item 72): Public hearing on land use assumptions and infrastructure improvement plans. Staff and committee chair presented the 10-year growth projections and projected $1.6 billion in revenue. Council members discussed cost impacts on development, state land challenges, and the need for affordability considerations. Public comment from Patrice raised concerns about reimbursement and land use changes. Key Outcomes - Shade Phoenix Plan approved unanimously (8-0). The plan includes $60 million investment over five years to plant 27,000 trees and build 500+ shade structures. - 2025 Downtown Enhanced Municipal Services District Assessment approved unanimously. - Rezoning application review time frame exemption approved unanimously. - Impact fee public hearing held; no action taken. Next steps: council action on December 18, 2024, public hearing in January, and final action in March-April 2025. - All other consent items approved unanimously. Next Steps - Various continued items scheduled for upcoming meetings. - Impact fee program updates to be brought back for action in December 2024 and January 2025. - Staff directed to respond to public concerns raised regarding shade plan and animal welfare.

This work study session of the Phoenix City Council, chaired by the Mayor, covered two major topics: the fiscal year 2023-24 general fund budget results and a comprehensive update on the city's housing efforts, including a recently completed housing needs assessment. The meeting highlighted the city's strong fiscal management despite state-level revenue reductions, and showcased progress toward the Housing Phoenix Plan goal of creating or preserving 50,000 housing units by 2030, with 48,391 units already achieved as of September 2024. Budget Discussion - Presentation: Jeff Amber, Budget and Research Director, and Amber (Budget and Research team) presented the FY 2023-24 general fund results. General fund resources ended at $2,138.4 million (0.3% above estimate), expenditures at $1,844.9 million (0.6% under estimate), and the ending fund balance came in at $293.5 million, $16.9 million above the estimated $276.6 million. The $16.9 million in one-time savings will remain in the fund balance to offset future deficits. - State Revenue Losses: The state's elimination of the residential rental tax (SB 1131) and reduction of the individual income tax rate to 2.5% (SB 1828) will cause significant revenue losses. Estimated FY 2024-25 loss to the general fund is $44.6 million, with total all-fund losses of $85.5 million. Through FY 2028, cumulative general fund losses are projected at $157.6 million, all funds at $302 million. - Other Fiscal Challenges: Unfunded needs for homelessness programs (due to ARPA expiration) are $15 million in FY 2025-26 and $27 million ongoing; rising costs for health insurance, pension, facilities, and vehicles; expiring SAFER grant for 32 firefighter positions ($4.5-4.9 million); and potential impacts from Proposition 312 (property tax refunds for nuisance complaints). - Budget Calendar: The budget development process will continue with a fund status update on February 25, 2025, trial budget on March 18, community engagement in April, proposed budget on May 6, and final adoption on June 18, 2025. Housing Update - Presentation: Deputy City Manager Gina Montez, Assistant Housing Director Aubrey Gonzalez, and Deputy Housing Director Samantha Keating presented the housing update, including progress on the Housing Phoenix Plan and a new housing needs assessment. - Housing Phoenix Plan Progress: As of September 2024, 48,391 housing units (96% of the 2030 goal) have been created or preserved, with 22% affordable. Key initiatives included zoning code updates (e.g., ADUs citywide, parking reductions), redevelopment of city-owned land, expanded rental rehabilitation program (over 4,700 incentive payments, 900 new landlords to voucher program), and a community land trust for homeownership. - Housing Needs Assessment: The assessment, supported by Bloomberg Associates, found a gap of 59,000 affordable and available rental units for households at or below 50% of area median income (AMI). The largest gap is at 30% AMI and below, with 32,000 units needed. From 2019 to 2022, median rents increased 47%, home prices 56%. To afford the median home price of $440,000 (July 2024), a household needs income of $135,000 (over 100% AMI). Naturally occurring affordable housing is decreasing, and short-term rentals (2% of rental stock) and out-of-state investor purchases (30% of pandemic-era sales) are reducing supply. - City’s Role: Phoenix contains 57% of zoned acres for multifamily housing in Maricopa County and has the highest percentage of owner-occupied homes among the five largest U.S. cities. The city is advocating for increased federal housing choice voucher allocations (currently 9th among top 10 cities) and for state-level support, including continuation of the state tax credit and more low-income housing tax credit projects. Council Member Comments and Positions - Councilman Galindo Oliveira: Asked about consequences of underfunding police; staff explained it leads to growing unfunded pension liability. Also thanked staff. - Councilwoman Hodge Washington: Praised budget accuracy; noted collective savings across departments. Expressed concern about Proposition 312 forcing litigation with residents. Called for a regional approach to homelessness. Commended housing staff for comprehensive report and highlighted the need for more housing choice vouchers. - Councilwoman O'Brien: Thanked staff for fiscally conservative approach in setting aside one-time funds. Emphasized that legislative revenue cuts will impact public safety, parks, libraries, and pools. Noted that state cuts override voter-approved spending for public safety and streets. - Councilwoman Pastor: Questioned the unfunded need for homelessness programs ($15M next year, $27M ongoing). Noted that rising costs are also unfunded needs. Called for serious conversations about essential vs. non-essential services. Urged celebration of housing accomplishments. - Vice Mayor (Councilwoman Stark): Thanked staff; concerned about state revenue losses and aging infrastructure. Suggested toll booth joke for legislators. Asked for clarification on multifamily zoning percentage. - Councilman Robinson: Praised housing report; linked stable housing to reduced crime and generational improvement. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the session was informational (work study). - The council received the budget update and housing presentation with appreciation and direction to staff to continue monitoring revenue losses, explore extending affordability periods for LITEC projects, and consider adding signage to publicly funded housing projects. - The budget calendar for FY 2025-26 will be on the next council agenda for approval. - Staff will continue to advocate at the state and federal levels for increased housing funding and voucher allocations, and will track Proposition 312 impacts. - The housing needs assessment will be used to inform future policy and budget decisions.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no detailed summary can be produced. The meeting was scheduled for 2024-11-07 at 18:45 UTC, but no content is available to report on discussion items, public comments, or decisions.

The Phoenix City Council convened a formal meeting on October 30, 2024, with all nine members present. The agenda included approval of prior meeting minutes, boards and commissions appointments, liquor license recommendations, multiple ordinances and resolutions, and a citizen comment session. All votes were unanimous except where noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved unanimously for August 28, 2023, September 6, 2023, and November 21, 2023. - Boards and Commissions: Mayor and City Council recommendations approved unanimously. - Liquor Licenses (Items 5-11): Approved unanimously. - Ordinances and Resolutions (Items 13-42): Approved unanimously, excluding Items 20, 26, and 31, which were considered separately with public comment. Items Removed for Separate Consideration - Item 20 – Grant from Ford Foundation for Tree and Shade Master Plan: Leonard Clark spoke in support, emphasizing the need for shade and heat safety. Councilman Galindo de Avila thanked staff for the plan. Approved 9-0. - Item 26 – IGA with Community College District for EMT/Paramedic Preceptorships: Councilwoman Pastor did not participate. Approved 8-0. - Item 31 – Ordinance Amending Speed Limits at 27 Locations: Approved 9-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Diane Barker (District 7): Discussed environmental cleanup, recycling, and the importance of creating jobs near affordable housing. Suggested the city explore holistic corridors for zero waste and employment. - Beatriz Contreras: An ESL tutor at Smith Park, she requested continued support for educational programs due to loss of sponsors; noted that four courses have been completed. - Leonard Clark: Commented on speed limits, expressing concern about lack of enforcement. In citizen comment, he called for updated plaques at Phoenix Indian School Park and asked for transparency on the number of indigenous children who died at the school. - Coco Garcia (Founder of Handover Rover): Advocated for a law prohibiting confinement of animals in spaces too small for free movement, citing behavioral and health risks. - Missy Pruitt (Founder of Lagatara Cat Cafe): Highlighted a cat crisis with over 500,000 cats on the streets and requested city funding for animal rescue. - Paul (Country Gables resident): Opposed the Valley Metro bus reroute onto his street, citing safety concerns and a petition signed by 21 of 23 affected homeowners. Noted that the city previously spent $292,000 on a traffic calming device at that intersection. - Emily Stirrup (Board member, Handover Rover): Shared how volunteering with animal rescue improved her own health and urged support for community involvement. - Erlinda Calderon (Director at Smith Park): Expressed disappointment over the closure of Smith Park, stating that the community had self-funded programs and asking for continued support. Criticized Councilman Carlos Galindo for not supporting the Latino community. - Victoria Gonzalez Gomez: A student at Smith Park, she expressed sadness over the closure and hoped the programs could continue. - Teresa Martinez: A former student who earned her GED through Smith Park programs, she urged the city to preserve educational opportunities there. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous 9-0 except Item 26 (8-0, Pastor recused). - Item 12 (liquor license) was disapproved 9-0 due to the applicant's failure to complete the required paperwork. - The citizen comment session was limited to 30 minutes, with two speakers unable to speak due to time constraints.

The meeting began with the Assisted Housing Governing Board convening to approve Resolution 224, followed by the regular City Council meeting. The council addressed a consent calendar of routine items, several contested agenda items, and heard public testimony on a range of topics including liquor licensing, fire station funding, trailhead maintenance, and transit fare changes. Key decisions included denying a liquor license for a store near a children's learning center, approving new fire station property, and authorizing a trailhead janitorial contract after a lapse in service. Consent Calendar - Items 1–3: Approval of meeting minutes from May 3, 2023 and June 14, 2023 (unanimous). - Item 4: Board and commission nominations and swearing-in ceremony for Youth and Education Commission members (unanimous). - Items 5–31 (except item 16): Liquor license applications approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda. - Items 32–94 (with exceptions): Ordinances, resolutions, and planning/zoning items approved on consent (9–0). Items 37, 42, 53, 57, 66, 75, 81 and others were pulled for separate votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 16 (Foothills Beer & Wine): Ram Rahman Rana, owner of a Kumon Learning Center next to the proposed store, spoke in opposition. He stated that 40 letters from families of students were rejected and that Arizona law does not protect child-care businesses. He noted safety concerns and suggested vacant suites further away. No speaker appeared in support. - Item 42 (Fire station acquisition): Multiple written public comments were read — all in support. Comments highlighted rapid growth in Laveen and the need for additional fire services. - Item 52 (Food systems): One speaker briefly discussed food bank services but was redirected to connect to agenda item; no formal opposition. - Item 53 (CDBG loan agreement with CPLC): Elizabeth Venable spoke in support, encouraging flexible use of block grants. - Item 60 (Trailhead custodial maintenance): Four speakers (Kelly Scholier, Jess Dobbs, Jerry Van Gas, Tim Surikowski) all expressed strong support for the contract but criticized the Parks Department for allowing the contract to lapse. They stated a ranger improperly terminated service without written notice, and that rangers had been forced to clean restrooms instead of performing their duties. Speakers called the situation mismanagement. - Citizen Comment (non-agenda): - Coco Garcia (founder of Handover Rover animal rescue) asked for help revising animal cruelty laws, citing a case where police could not intervene due to legal gaps. - Michael Norton (Rogers Ranch resident) requested better funding for park activation and noted a lack of financial planning in the parks master plan. - Kelly (trail user) complained about unsafe bicycle paths along the Grand Canal and Oak Street pedestrian bridge. - John Hines (bus rider) described problems with the new fare payment system and lack of response from Valley Metro and city officials. - Emily spoke about poor conditions in a city-contracted hotel program for homeless individuals, citing mold and broken promises. - Tim Surikowski again disputed the Parks Department's explanation of the janitorial contract lapse, calling it intentional mismanagement. - George Gallagher (60-year resident, public transit user) raised concerns that the new fare system would exclude seriously mentally ill adults who lack smartphones or credit cards. - Eric Nilson made a general comment about police shooting rhetoric and read a quote from George W. Bush. - Christy Margario introduced PAWS (Phoenix Animal Welfare Solutions), a group offering to help address pet overpopulation. - Elizabeth Hannibal cited data showing poor outcomes for street outreach: out of 648 exits, only 35 achieved permanent housing and 17 temporary housing; 514 ended in homeless situations. She questioned contractor accountability. Discussion Items - Item 16 – Denial of Liquor License: Councilman Robinson moved to deny the license for Foothills Beer & Wine, citing proximity to a children's learning center. He noted the decision would go to the state for a full hearing. The motion passed 9–0. - Item 42 – Fire Station Acquisition at Baseline and 67th Avenue: Councilwoman Hodge Washington thanked the Laveen community and firefighters at Station 58. The item was approved 9–0. - Item 52 – Food Systems (residential garden systems): Approved 9–0 with no substantive discussion. - Item 53 – CDBG Loan Agreement with CPLC: Approved 8–0 (Councilman Galindo Elvida recused). - Item 57 – Ordinance amending rules on poultry, rodents, and minimum area limitations: Approved 9–0. - Item 60 – Trailhead Custodial Maintenance Services: Councilman Hodge Washington questioned Parks Director Cynthia about the contract lapse. Director stated that Bayel Janitorial's contract was not extended due to an oversight, and rangers filled in temporarily. Councilman O'Brien clarified that council approval was required due to the contract amount. The motion passed 9–0. - Item 62 – Cooperative Agreement with FEMA for Arizona Task Force One: Approved 9–0 after brief public comment about disaster preparedness. - Item 63 – Accept Funds from 100 Club of Arizona for Antidotes: Approved 9–0. - Item 65 – Agreement with US Capitol Police: Approved 9–0. - Item 66 – Intergovernmental Agreement with Valley Metro Rail for Public Safety Video: Councilman Robinson and Councilwoman Pastor spoke in support, noting it was a first-of-its-kind IGA with Phoenix. Approved 9–0. - Item 75 – TOD Planning Grant Application: Approved 8–1 (Councilman Waring voted no). - Item 81 – Engineering Service Agreement for 56th Street (Thomas to Camelback): Councilman Robinson thanked Arcadia residents and the street transportation department. Approved 9–0. Key Outcomes - Liquor license denial: Item 16 (Foothills Beer & Wine) denied 9–0; will proceed to state for final determination. - Fire station property: Item 42 approved 9–0, adding a new station in District 7 (Laveen) funded partly by federal spending and the 2023 bond program. - Trailhead janitorial contract: Item 60 approved 9–0, authorizing continuation of contract services and ending ranger cleaning duties. - All other contested items: Approved with votes as noted above. - Public comments: Mayor and council referred follow-ups on transit fare, animal welfare, and outreach data to appropriate staff.

The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee of the Phoenix City Council met on September 11, 2024, to discuss and take action on several items including a Head Start orientation, an update on the Mobile Career Unit, a trade office report, a venture cafe sponsorship renewal, and a bioscience strategic initiative. The meeting began with a moment of silence honoring the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. All actions were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting. - Consent actions items 2 through 8, approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Missy Pruitt, founder of Arizona's first cat cafe, addressed the subcommittee regarding the cat overpopulation crisis in Maricopa County. She stated that over 500,000 cats roam the streets and called for community education and government support. She referenced a hoarding situation from the previous year and expressed her intention to attend meetings regularly to advocate for change. Discussion Items - Head Start Governing Board Orientation: Presented by Deputy City Manager Gina Montez, Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards, and Deputy Human Services Director Patricia Kirkland. The Human Services Department receives over $43 million annually to serve 2,209 children through eight educational service providers. Eligibility criteria include income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $31,200 per year for a family of four), as well as automatic eligibility for families experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and families receiving public assistance like SNAP. The program operates on a five-year grant cycle beginning fiscal year 2025. Subcommittee members expressed gratitude and inquired about the waiting list; the department confirmed that a waiting list is required and changes daily, but the exact number was not provided. - Mobile Career Unit Update: Presented by Chris Mackey, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Deb Furlong, Business and Workforce Program Manager. The unit was created through a Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayor's Global Challenge award in 2021, with Phoenix being one of 15 winners globally (only four in the U.S.). The unit hosts hiring events that connect employers with qualified candidates, offering on-the-spot contingent offers. Results to date: 701 job seekers, 439 interviews, and over 260 contingent job offers. The original goal of 207 hires by June 2025 was exceeded in June 2024 with 233 hires, prompting a new goal of 425 hires by June 2025. A new RV unit will arrive on September 18, with a ribbon cutting on October 24. Success stories were shared, including a new immigrant who secured a job at the airport with childcare support and a young mother who got a job at Starbucks with tuition assistance. Councilmembers asked about data tracking and industry success; the team noted that early adopters were in the service sector but are now expanding to advanced manufacturing and other high-wage industries. The city's mapping tool (Arc GIS) is being used to target marketing based on census data such as poverty, veterans, and internet access. - Phoenix Hermosillo Trade Office Results and Funding Authorization: Presented by Chris Mackey and Juan Batres. Mexico is Arizona's top trading partner with $19.8 billion in trade in 2023, representing 27.6% of Arizona's total trade. The trade office in Hermosillo has been operating since 2017, with a current contract awarded to Scuba Phoenix and Arizona LLC. In FY23-24, the office assisted 294 new companies (a 60% increase from the prior year), of which 90% were looking to develop business in Phoenix. Five companies incorporated in Arizona, and four physically located operations in Phoenix. The office also launched a Supply Chain Sourcing North America Services program. The subcommittee approved a motion to replace three one-year extensions with a single three-year contract extension totaling $510,000 (an increase from $140,000/year to $170,000/year) to fund additional staffing and expanded activities across Mexico. The motion passed unanimously. - Venture Cafe Events Programming Sponsorship: Presented by Chris Mackey and Claudia Whitehead. Venture Cafe Phoenix launched in 2022 with city sponsorship and has become the fastest-growing venture cafe in the global network. To date, there have been 111 Thursday gatherings with over 14,000 attendees, 807 sessions, and more than 400 speakers. The program is free to the public. The subcommittee approved a three-year sponsorship renewal of $50,000 per year (total $150,000), funded from the genomics fund (rent from tenants on the Phoenix Bioscience Core campus). The motion passed unanimously. - Bioscience Healthcare Strategic Initiative: Presented by Claudia Whitehead and Chris Mackey. Since the initiative's launch in 2019, Phoenix has seen over $4.2 billion in new capital investment, 6.2 million square feet of new primary facilities, and more than 11,000 new jobs. The average wage in bioscience R&D exceeds $90,000. Phoenix is ranked top five in the U.S. for emerging life science markets and number one in life science job growth (8.5% growth rate). At Bio International 2024 in San Diego, Phoenix had its largest delegation with 60 delegates, over 400 meetings, and 160+ partnership opportunities. The subcommittee approved $110,000 in funding ($95,000 for the Bio International pavilion sponsorship and $15,000 for AZ Bio membership), again from the genomics fund with no general fund impact. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of minutes and consent items. - Unanimous approval of the three-year contract extension for the Phoenix Hermosillo Trade Office ($510,000 total). - Unanimous approval of the three-year Venture Cafe sponsorship ($150,000 total). - Unanimous approval of the Bioscience Healthcare Strategic Initiative funding ($110,000). - Public comment received; no formal action taken.