Public Meetings - Phoenix, Arizona

This meeting of the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee covered several informational presentations and action items, including the Phoenix Public Libraries Summer Reading Program, Mental Health Awareness Month, urban street activation and retail vacancy rates, a partnership with the Phoenix Tool Bank, and the annual GPEC contract. All action items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The subcommittee unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - Phoenix Public Libraries 2025 Summer Reading Program: Aaron McFarland and Wendy Resnick presented the program, which runs from May 1 to August 1 with the theme "Color Our World." They highlighted the importance of preventing summer learning loss, noting that students can lose two to four months of learning. On average, only 30% of third graders in Phoenix public schools are proficient readers. The program offers free enrichment activities, including STEM, cultural programs, and teen volunteer opportunities (150+ teens recruited). Registration begins May 1 online. Council members expressed strong support, noting the program's lifelong impact and the role of libraries during hot summers. - Mental Health Awareness Month: Jacqueline Edwards, Human Services Director, presented plans for the city's first Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025. Background: 20% of U.S. adults experience mental illness yearly; anxiety and depression are top health issues in Phoenix; 58% of residents have difficulty accessing care. Activities include lighting City Hall green, a resource fair on May 8 at Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, a social media campaign, and employee wellness webinars. The initiative was developed by a 17-member task force. Council members praised the effort and noted the importance of reducing stigma. - Urban Street Activation, Development Codes, and Retail Vacancy Rates: Deputy City Manager Alan Stevenson, Planning Director Josh Bednarik, and Economic Development Director Christine Mackey presented on form-based codes and retail vacancy in mixed-use buildings. They explained frontage types (e.g., stoop, porch, storefront) that promote activity without requiring retail. Vacancy rates: downtown Phoenix 10% (healthy), midtown 32%, East Lake 100% (one building). Councilwoman Stark noted that ground-floor activation does not require retail; flexibility is key. Councilwoman Hodge Washington asked about East Lake, and staff committed to exploring interim activation strategies. The discussion emphasized that retail follows rooftops; downtown now has 30,000 residents, 176,000 workers, and 300,000 conventioneers. Staff noted ongoing efforts like the downtown redevelopment plan and code text amendment on the agenda. - Phoenix Tool Bank Partnership: Neighborhood Services Director Yvette Roder, Program Manager Greg Gonzalez, and Phoenix Tool Bank Executive Director Jana Ferraro presented a partnership to merge the city's tool lending program with the Tool Bank. The Tool Bank has over 550 tool types, 35,000 items, and served 52,000 loans in 2024. Under the agreement, no money changes hands; neighborhood groups continue to borrow at no cost and gain access to a wider inventory and online reservation system. The partnership will also use the city's graffiti busters warehouse for expanded storage. Council members unanimously supported the partnership, citing cost savings and expanded access for neighborhood associations. - GPEC Amendment (Annual Contract): Christine Mackey, Brian Smith, and Thomas Maynard from GPEC presented the annual contract for fiscal year 2025-26, requesting $831,362 (48 cents per capita). They highlighted GPEC's results: in the current fiscal year through February, 436 jobs located in Phoenix with average wage of $108,000, and $250 million in capital investment. Over five years, GPEC has generated $149 return for every dollar spent by Phoenix, totaling $600 million in city revenues. The contract is part of a regional partnership with 22 cities. The subcommittee unanimously approved forwarding the recommendation to full council. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the minutes. - Unanimous support for the Phoenix Public Libraries Summer Reading Program (informational, no vote needed). - Unanimous support for the Mental Health Awareness Month initiative (informational). - Unanimous support for the partnership with Phoenix Tool Bank (motion approved). - Unanimous approval of the GPEC contract recommendation to full council. - Future agenda item: Councilwoman requested an update on the Tenant Assistance Program, which is scheduled for the May subcommittee meeting.

The Phoenix City Council held a regular meeting on April 9, 2025, beginning at approximately 10:30 AM. The meeting featured an invocation, approval of minutes, multiple consent items, and a lengthy planning and zoning agenda. Key highlights included the approval of a development impact fee update, several affordable housing projects, a ceremonial street naming for Mary Rose Wilcox, and a motion to issue an RFI for the Pastor Transit Center. Councilman Galindo Alvira was recognized for his service as this was his last formal meeting. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes of December 18, 2024 and January 15, 2025 unanimously. - Boards and Commissions Appointments: Approved unanimously, followed by a swearing-in ceremony for new commissioners. - Liquor License Items (4-23, except item 7): Approved unanimously. Item 7 (new liquor license in District 2) was discussed separately after an anonymous voicemail opposition, but no substantiating records were found; approved 8-0. - Ordinances, Resolutions, New Business, Planning and Zoning (Items 24-101, with exclusions): Approved 8-0. Items 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 58, 59, 60, 62, 73, 83, and 93-101 were considered individually (see discussion items). Item 34 continued to May 21, 2025; Item 83 corrected address; Item 90 withdrawn; Item 93 taken out of order. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick McDaniel (Phoenix Community Alliance): Spoke on the Seventh Avenue and Washington redevelopment, urging the council to consider strong affordable housing requirements in the RFP. (Also spoke during citizen comment on the downtown impact fee and the need for affordable housing.) - Christina Tyler: Commented on the city's budget for fire department response time, advocating for the use of Pulse Point app to engage volunteer responders, citing Casa Grande's experience. - Heidi Kimball (Chair, Impact Fee Advisory Committee): Testified in support of the development impact fee update, noting the thorough process and acknowledging the fee burden on affordable housing while recommending future revisions if costs decrease. - Dave White (Chair, Water and Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee): Expressed support for the impact fee update, emphasizing its role in funding water resiliency infrastructure and equitable growth. - Michael Norton (Rogers Ranch community): Supported the impact fee but urged the city to address parks underfunding, noting that over 120 acres of park land in the Southwest region will remain undeveloped by 2040. Discussion Items - Item 50 (Contract with AZ DES for Community Action Agency Funding): Approved 8-0. Mayor Gallego highlighted the importance of LIHEAP, which helped 2,845 residents with energy assistance, and expressed concern over federal staff cuts to the program. Vice Mayor O'Brien emphasized that these programs are federal investments, not handouts. - Item 51 (Senior Bridge Project – Solar-Powered Shipping Container Housing): Approved 8-0. The project will provide transitional and permanent housing for low-income seniors using converted shipping containers, eliminating monthly energy bills. Councilwoman Hodge Washington praised the innovative model. - Item 52 (Fireworks Events): Approved 8-0. Discussion focused on air quality concerns from fireworks on January 1, 2025, when West Phoenix had the worst air quality in the country. Vice Mayor O'Brien announced that the Deer Valley July 4th event and the Double Take event will switch to drone shows. Councilwoman Pastor noted that switching to drones would cost more and require community input. - Item 53 (7th Avenue and Washington RFPs for City Land): Approved 8-0. The city will issue RFPs for redevelopment of three parcels. Mayor Gallego mentioned concepts like a gateway arch and a vertiport. Councilwoman Pastor called for high-quality architecture. - Item 93 (69th and Thomas Redevelopment Area Plan): Approved 8-0. Councilwoman Guardado expressed support but requested staff to review raising affordable housing percentage requirements for GIPLID projects. Staff agreed to bring recommendations back. - Item 59 (Development Agreement with 51% Affordable Housing): Approved 7-1 (Councilman Waring opposed). Councilman Galindo Alvira made the motion, noting the transformation of a blighted lot into mixed-income housing. The modification requires a minimum of 51% of units affordable to households at 80% AMI or below. - Item 60 (Aviation Land Reuse – Disposal of Properties): Approved 8-0. Councilwoman Hodge Washington added a stipulation that city-owned parcels with three or more contiguous lots in areas F, G, H, I must go through a public offering process, with projects returning to council for approval. Staff explained that property transfer would occur only after building permits are ready to avoid land speculation. - Item 73 (Mary Rose Wilcox Way Ceremonial Sign): Approved 8-0. Council members gave extensive tributes to Mary Rose Wilcox, the first Latina to serve on the Phoenix City Council and later Maricopa County Supervisor. The sign will be at 2nd Avenue and Grand Street in front of El Portal restaurant. - Item 83 (Senior Affordable Housing – Former Super 8 Conversion): Approved 8-0. The project will provide 126 units of affordable housing for seniors 55+ with very low incomes. Construction design contract awarded to Smith Group, with leasing expected to begin June 2026. - Items 99-101 (Development Impact Fee Update): Approved 8-0 after a public hearing and extensive discussion. The update covers 11 fee categories, with the highest fees in northern growth areas. The fees are based on a 10-year, $1.6 billion infrastructure plan. Mayor Gallego noted that the program asks growth to pay for growth. Councilwoman Pastor and others asked about affordable housing exemptions; staff stated that state law prohibits waiving fees, but the council could backfill from other sources. Councilwoman Stark made a motion to approve and direct staff to track inflation and pursue outside funding for advanced water treatment. Key Outcomes - All consent items and most individual items were approved 8-0, except Item 58 (7-1) and Item 59 (7-1). - The development impact fee update (Items 99-101) was approved, establishing new fees to fund $1.6 billion in infrastructure over 10 years, with a phase-in period per state law. - The RFI for the Pastor Transit Center at Central and Broadway was approved 8-0, with a two-year initial term and potential extension. - Council directed staff to review affordable housing percentage requirements for GIPLID projects and to report back. - The meeting concluded with citizen comment and adjournment.

The Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee met on April 2, 2025, to receive updates on the city's drone program, the Family Advocacy Center, Arizona Task Force One, and the Community Assistance Program (CAP). The meeting included public comments, approval of prior minutes, and informational items. The subcommittee heard from city staff and community members, with discussions focusing on program achievements, staffing, funding concerns, and future expansion. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The subcommittee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 5, 2025, meeting. A motion was made, seconded, and passed with all in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Annie Ender (President, Operation Blue Ribbon) spoke on police department hiring and recruitment (item 6). She requested that future staffing reports include: current sworn total (noting 2,493), citywide and precinct response times (citing 2024 priority one at 7:26, priority two at 28 minutes, priority three at 61 minutes), projected attrition, reasons for early departures, academy recruitment losses, financial impacts, breakdown of Community Action Officers (CAOs), and benchmarking activities with other agencies. She also provided a positive update on Officer Moldovan's recovery, noting 1,172 days since his critical injury. - Orla Bobo spoke on item 7 (fire department funding). She expressed that underfunding of the fire department led to the death of Archie Wiggins in a February 7 house fire in Arcadia, citing an 18-minute delayed response due to occupied fire trucks. She argued the city's proposed TPT tax funding is insufficient, criticized delays in building voter-approved GO bond fire stations, and urged the city to cut other expenses to meet national response time standards. Discussion Items - Drone Program Update: Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Cheatham, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Jared Rogers, Deputy Communications Director Ashley Patton, and Police Commander Christine Calderon presented on the city's UAS (drone) programs. - Fire Department: Program launched June 2022. Now operates 10 pilots and 3 visual observers, 7 days a week (initial had 1 pilot/1 observer, 5 days/week). Drone One response vehicle centrally located, with three types of drones, two tethered drones (in Council Districts 2 and 8). Live streaming to command officers and executive staff. Used for fires, technical rescues (about half of mountain rescues have drone first locating patient), hazmat, fire prevention, solar panel inspections, and community engagement. Future: drone-in-a-box (Drone as First Responder), new van with screen. - Police: Approved February 2022; began with 12 pilots, expanded September 2023 with 19 additional; now 28 pilots (16 specialty, 12 patrol). Average 150 calls per month. Four internal customers: investigations, tactical, patrol, events. Uses include burglary alarms, fleeing persons, search and rescue, event support (MLK March, Fabulous Fourth, WMBA All-Star, NCAA Final Four). New drone with speaker for aerial announcements. Researching Drone as First Responder. - Parks: First flight September 2024; 35 flights as of February 14, 2025. Uses include trail inspection, cultural resource monitoring, invasive species identification (e.g., stinknet, buffelgrass), trash/debris mapping, monitoring construction projects (Holbert Trailhead), and event support. Future: spectral imaging drones. - Communications: Joined January 2024; 4 FAA Part 107 pilots; 36 flights completed. Captures footage for city projects, events (e.g., WMBA All-Star weekend), beauty shots. Nominated in a worldwide film festival. - Committee questions: Councilwoman Garado asked about training consistency (yes for FAA, but department-specific missions), police flying restrictions (Fourth Amendment considerations, no crossing fence lines, 40-hour pilot training, quarterly training). Vice Mayor O'Brien asked for deeper data on call types and outcomes; staff noted an open data portal with flight details. - Family Advocacy Center (FAC) Update: Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards and Assistant Director Tracy Hall presented. - FAC houses victim services, Phoenix PD Family Investigations Bureau, Crimes Against Children Unit, Child Help (safe placement, court prep), Honor Health & Phoenix Children's (forensic exams), DCS Child Welfare Investigations, La Frontera Impact (long-term therapy), and Jewish Family & Children's Services (shelter without walls). - Data for 2024: Child Help served over 4,000 persons (unduplicated), conducted over 2,000 forensic interviews, 3,000+ therapy sessions, 700+ medical exams, 4,000+ victim advocacy services, and 15,000+ training opportunities. Victim Services received 3,800+ referrals (3,424 from Phoenix Police), served just over 3,000 individuals (15,000+ services), 2,000+ safety planning efforts, 400+ protective orders (94% success rate on applications), and 800+ forensic medical exams. - Budget: $3.2 million; 16 general fund FTEs, 8 VOCA-funded FTEs. VOCA grant expires September 2025; funding has decreased and is uncertain. Human Services is piloting a therapeutic services solicitation (no cost to clients) and exploring other grants. - Arizona Task Force One Deployment: Assistant Fire Chief Mark Gonzalez, Division Chief Jake Van Hook, and Deputy Chief Chris Haley presented. - Task Force formed 1994, one of 28 FEMA USAR teams (ESF 9). Funded by annual $1.4 million DHS grant (readiness cooperative agreement). 206 members. Deployed September 27–October 17, 2025 (20 days) to Hurricane Helene and Milton responses. For Helene, activated September 27, deployed 45-member team, 16 vehicles (100,000 lbs, $7 million), drove 52 hours to Asheville, NC (no power/water/cell/fuel). Conducted searches along French Broad River; responded to Milton in St. Petersburg, FL, performing structural damage assessments. Demobilized October 13, returned home without incident. Acknowledged funding uncertainty and efforts to secure support. - CAP Program Update: Assistant Fire Chief Raya Choa and CAP Administrator DC Ernst presented. - CAP at 80% staffing (20% vacant). Behavioral health units (BHU) now 6 units, 7 days/week, 23.5 hours; crisis response (CR) units 6 units, 7 days/week, 22-24 hours. Goal: 9 BHU (at 67%), 10 CR (at 60%), expected full staffing by Q1 2026. Reached 24/7 BHU dispatch coverage on March 31, 2025. Transferred calls from PD: 234 in Jan-Feb 2025 (142% increase from 2024). BHU responded to 496 calls in February (47% from PD transfers); 105% call increase over two years. CR units saw 13% call increase. Average response times: BHU 24 minutes, CR 23 minutes. CAP received congressional recognition from Rep. Greg Stanton for mental health work. Plans continue hiring and increasing unit coverage. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - No formal votes were taken; presentations were informational. - Future agenda items: Park security scheduled for June meeting. - Subcommittee requested more detailed data on drone calls and response times, and a multi-year view of CAP call data. - Acknowledged federal funding uncertainties for VOCA and Task Force One; staff committed to seeking alternative grants. Additional Information - The meeting adjourned at 11:26 AM. No action items were passed except the minutes. Public comment period included two speakers. The subcommittee also noted the presence of an interpreter (Elsa Duarte) for Spanish-speaking attendees.

The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee met on March 26, 2025, to discuss and vote on several items including the Phoenix Bioscience Core update, a shopping cart ordinance, land acquisitions and disposals, and development agreements. The meeting also included public comments urging the committee to add a right to counsel ordinance to the April 9 agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. - Items 2 through 5: Approved on consent without discussion or opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Mandy (Phoenix DSA, Take Back Our Homes campaign): Urged the subcommittee to add a right to counsel ordinance to the April 9 meeting, citing 87,000 eviction filings in Maricopa County last year and the need to prevent homelessness, especially during extreme heat. - Juniper Bradford: Shared personal experience of unstable housing and echoed the call for right to counsel, emphasizing the need for preventative measures. - Eric Mahaffey: Described three retaliatory evictions and the lack of legal representation for tenants, stating that right to counsel would reduce evictions and homelessness. - Pamela Silvas (retired nurse): Told the story of her 80-year-old cousin evicted after a hospital stay and urged right to counsel. - Ruth Kintijan (AFLAC regional director, Safety Around Water LLC): Described severe maintenance issues and a prolonged eviction case, arguing that the landlord-tenant act is not enforced. - Darren Jezick (Take Back Our Homes): Stressed that time is running out before summer heat and urged the committee to add right to counsel to the April 9 agenda, criticizing police funding priorities. - Evelyn (Phoenix field organizer, Take Back Our Homes): Shared data on eviction rates and called for right to counsel to keep tenants housed and save public money. - Andrea Lina Cervantes (Take Back Our Homes): Highlighted community education efforts and urged the committee to act before summer heat. - Sebastian Del Portillo (campaign manager, Take Back Our Homes): Described the multiracial, multi-generational organizing and requested right to counsel be added to the April 9 agenda, noting it is evidence-based and cost-effective. - Catherine Branch: Shared personal experience of fighting eviction without legal help and described rent hikes via algorithm, urging support for right to counsel. - Michelle Ashton (agency assisting elders, Take Back Our Homes): Argued right to counsel would decrease homelessness and heat-related deaths, reduce police interactions, and save resources. Discussion Items - Phoenix Bioscience Core Update: Christine Mackey and Claudia Whitehead presented the history and economic impact of the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC). Key points: The city acquired 30 acres starting in the 1980s; the PBC now has 2 million square feet built, with a $3.1 billion economic impact in 2025; TGen has generated $606 million in impact and spun off 26 companies. Questions from council members addressed land ownership (city still owns all land, leases to universities), federal funding impacts (University of Arizona paused construction of a building due to uncertainty), and private sector interest (Mayo Clinic announced a $2 billion expansion, no desperate calls from companies). Councilwoman Stark requested a future report on federal impacts on Head Start. - Shopping Cart Restrictive Device Ordinance: Spencer Self and Anna Maria Ortega presented an updated ordinance framework. Data showed 74% of abandoned carts come from 12 retailers, with Walmart averaging 131 carts per store. The proposed ordinance requires registration for all retailers, locking wheel mechanisms for stores over 50,000 sq ft, or a compliance plan with iterative reviews. After three violations over three years, a mandatory minimum plan (locking wheels, GPS, daily retrieval) would be enforced. Stakeholder feedback was considered. The subcommittee voted unanimously to move forward with drafting the ordinance. - Spark Area Land Acquisition: Thomas Sawyer presented the acquisition of three parcels (19,800 sq ft) from Bag Piper Investments LLC for $495,000, funded by 2023 GO bonds. The purchase will fill ownership gaps in the Spark Area 2 to facilitate redevelopment. Approved unanimously. - Aviation Noise Land Disposal: Thomas Sawyer and Christine Mackey presented the disposal of parcels in blocks F, G, H, I, J north of I-17, following FAA approval. The parcels will be marketed for light industrial use, with adjacent owners given first opportunity. Proceeds go to aviation. Approved unanimously. - Development Agreement with ArtX LLC: Anton Keating presented a 14-story mixed-use project at 1 W Madison and 10-20 W Jackson, including 262 residential units, 20,000 sq ft retail, historic preservation, and a 25-year excise tax agreement (no abatement). The developer will donate to the Affordable Housing Trust and improve pedestrian circulation. Approved unanimously. - Development Agreement for Affordable Housing at 1016 N 2nd Street: Jeff Stapleton and Gretchen Wolf presented a 100% affordable housing project by Penrose Development (5 stories, 60% AMI, 40-year deed restriction). Purchase price $1.5 million, with community support. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All votes passed unanimously: Approval of minutes, consent items, the shopping cart ordinance framework, land acquisition, land disposal, ArtX development agreement, and the affordable housing development agreement. - Public comment request: Multiple speakers urged adding a right to counsel ordinance to the April 9 subcommittee agenda. Councilwoman Hodge Washington requested that an update on the eviction legal services program be scheduled for an upcoming agenda.

The Phoenix City Council convened on March 26, 2025, at 10:45 AM for a formal meeting that included an assisted housing governing board session, ceremonial recognitions, and discussion and action on a wide range of items including homelessness services, technology infrastructure, economic development, and public safety. The meeting lasted several hours and included public testimony on multiple agenda items and a citizen comment period. Assisted Housing Governing Board - The board approved minutes from previous meetings, a resolution (passed 8-0), and Resolution 226 (passed 8-0) as required by the federal government. The board then adjourned. Invocation and Pledge - Fire Chaplain Troy Holtor delivered an invocation. Vice Mayor O'Brien led the Pledge of Allegiance. Consent Calendar (Minutes, Boards & Commissions, Liquor Licenses, Omnibus Ordinances & Resolutions) - Minutes: Approved unanimously for November 13, 2024, November 20, 2024, and December 4, 2024. - Boards and Commissions: Approved unanimously; new commissioners were sworn in. - Liquor Licenses: Items 5–12 approved unanimously, with item 7 withdrawn. - Ordinances, Resolutions, New Business: Items 13–81 approved 9-0, with items 52 and 81 withdrawn and items 30, 64, 66, and 69 excluded for separate public comment. Discussion Items - Item 18 – Brycon Corporation Payment Ordinance (Shelter at 71st Avenue & Van Buren): Approved 9-0 after discussion. Councilman Waring questioned the $8.5 million cost. Staff explained that the payment covered the final build-out of the new shelter at 7171st Avenue & Van Buren, including shade structures, sprung structures, removal of a temporary tent, and preparation for two additional X wings and restrooms. The facility shelters up to 280 individuals per night and is a referral site offering wraparound services. Councilman Galindo Alvira noted the grand opening that morning. - Item 30 – Pay Changes: Approved 9-0. A public speaker, Scott Kirk, expressed dissatisfaction with the city's handling of pay equity and cultural competency, though he thanked staff for meetings. - Item 37 – Fast Track Cities HIV/AIDS Community Outreach Event: Approved 9-0. Councilwoman Stark and Pastor highlighted the $250,000 budget for outreach, partnerships with multiple community organizations, and a 20% increase in HIV diagnoses in the last year. Councilman Galindo Alvira praised their leadership. - Item 66 – Wallace and Ladmo Way Ceremonial Street Name (taken out of order): Approved 9-0. The council suspended rules to take this item early. Multiple speakers, including Pat McMahon (cast member), Julia Caggert (Sunny Slope Historical Society), Randy Murray (building owner), Rita Davenport, and Dan Horn, testified in support, emphasizing the show's cultural significance and fundraising. Councilmembers shared personal memories. The street sign will be placed near the mural at the old KPHO studio. Councilman Galindo Alvira announced that a limited number of Ladmo bags would be available at the event. - Item 38 – Christown LLC Lease Modification (Yucca Library): Continued to April 9, 2025, by a vote of 9-0. Councilwoman Pastor requested continuation to explore purchasing the property or relocating the library, given the 50-year lease extension. Staff noted the landlord is not interested in selling but the city could negotiate terms. - Item 48 – Acquisition of Property in Rio Reimagined Area: Approved 9-0. Councilman Galindo Alvira described the parcel as a catalytic anchor for the Rio Reimagined corridor, supported by the 2023 bond question. Councilwoman Pastor (daughter of the late Congressman Ed Pastor) expressed personal pride. Mayor Gallego noted additional upcoming investments including a pedestrian bridge. - Item 50 – Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board Certification: Approved 9-0. Councilwoman Pastor highlighted the program's innovations, including mobile career units, youth summer employment, and the nation's first semiconductor apprenticeship program. - Item 56 – Customer Engagement Software Contract (Blockwise for Police Department): Approved 9-0. Councilman Robinson and Councilwoman Pastor discussed the software's purpose to measure community perceptions of safety, fairness, respect, and voice, and to improve transparency and accountability. Staff clarified that Blockwise is a feature within existing Zen City software, specifically for policing surveys. - Item 60 – Fiber to Home Code Amendment (Chapter 5D): Approved 9-0 after a substitute motion by Councilwoman Pastor. The amendment allows licensed fiber optic providers to install infrastructure in city rights-of-way. Key provisions include a 3% fee on direct gross revenue for providers that also serve as ISPs, 6% for wholesalers, and a minimum annual fee of $6 per home passed until revenue fees exceed that. Public testimony from Kelly Henshaw (BAM Broadband) and Andrew Novoselski (Novos Fiber) supported the ordinance; Jeremiah (CWA) and Fernando Roman (CWA) urged strong oversight. Councilwoman Pastor's motion added requirements for contractor registration numbers, pre-construction meeting forms, and the city's right to revoke licenses for non-compliance. Staff noted a micro-trenching pilot with Google starting in May. - Item 64 – Terminal 4 Lobby Retail Solicitation Contract: Approved 9-0. Councilwoman Guardado questioned the 10-year term and the $576 per square foot investment. Staff explained the pre-security location's lower demand, the need to amortize capital investment, and that the contract includes heat safety and anti-discrimination provisions. The winning bidder, Parity's Lagarde Air, committed 30% to local small businesses. - Item 67 – Small Business Enterprise Program Extension: Approved 9-0. Mayor Gallego noted that over the last five years, the program directed $555 million in construction dollars to small businesses, with nearly 3,300 contracts and over 300 new certified firms. - Item 69 – Rio Reimagined Third Street Rio Salado Bridge: Approved 9-0. Public testimony supported the pedestrian and bike bridge. Council members noted its importance for connectivity and economic development. Public Comments & Testimony (on specific agenda items) - Item 18: No public testimony. - Item 30: Scott Kirk spoke about pay equity concerns. - Item 37: No public testimony. - Item 66: Pat McMahon, Julia Caggert, Randy Murray, Rita Davenport, Dan Horn, and Ben Tyler testified in support, sharing personal memories and the show's legacy. - Item 38: No public testimony on the item itself (later continued). - Item 48: No public testimony. - Item 56: No public testimony. - Item 60: Kelly Henshaw (BAM Broadband) and Andrew Novoselski (Novos Fiber) spoke in support; Jeremiah (CWA) and Fernando Roman (CWA) emphasized oversight and transparency. - Item 64: David Bonia and Lucia Salinas (both Unite Here Local 11) urged the city to hold contractors accountable for heat safety and anti-discrimination standards. - Item 69: Suzanne Day, Gina Thomas, and Nicole Sanderson spoke in support of the bike/pedestrian bridge and urged connectivity to downtown. Citizen Comments (general) - Bill Sheel thanked the council for bike infrastructure and expressed disappointment that the county dropped the Bike to Work event. - Coco Garcia (Handover Rover) asked for council support for SB 1658, which would mandate potable water and adequate shelter for animals. - Missy (animal rescuer) described the cat crisis and urged the city to take action. - John Forsyth criticized the city's civil rights record, citing police incidents and the presence of officers at council meetings. - Jerry questioned the use of 3PI funds, particularly the $49 million spent at South Mountain Park. - Emily Stirrup (Handover Rover board) called for animal welfare legislation as a way to increase empathy. - Tim Sirikowski requested transparency on 3PI spending and suggested a forensic audit. - Christina Tyler requested ADA accommodations at county meetings, updates on the Burton Barr Library bookstore, and compliance with HB 2431 regarding police detainees. - David Erberly described a visit from police and planning inspectors without a complaint, and his subsequent complaints to the Office of Accountability and Transparency. - Diane (District 7) urged the city to prioritize paving on major streets over alleys.. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously (9-0): All minutes, boards and commissions, liquor licenses, and the omnibus ordinance/resolution package (except items withdrawn). - Item 18 (Brycon Corp. payment): Approved 9-0. - Item 30 (Pay changes): Approved 9-0. - Item 37 (Fast Track Cities HIV/AIDS event): Approved 9-0. - Item 66 (Wallace and Ladmo Way): Approved 9-0. - Item 38 (Christown/ Yucca lease): Continued to April 9, 2025, by a 9-0 vote. - Item 48 (Rio Reimagined land acquisition): Approved 9-0. - Item 50 (Workforce board certification): Approved 9-0. - Item 56 (Customer engagement software): Approved 9-0. - Item 60 (Fiber to home code amendment): Approved 9-0 with a substitute motion adding contractor transparency requirements. - Item 64 (Terminal 4 retail contract): Approved 9-0. - Item 67 (Small business enterprise program extension): Approved 9-0. - Item 69 (Rio Reimagined bridge): Approved 9-0. - Directives: Staff to update fiber-to-home license agreements with contractor registration, pre-construction meeting forms, and revocation authority; continued exploration of micro-trenching pilot.

The Phoenix City Council held a policy meeting on March 25, 2025, starting at approximately 10:45 a.m. The primary focus was the presentation and approval of the city's 2025 Heat Response Plan, along with related contracts for a new 24/7 respite center and extended-hour cooling centers. Council members also provided district updates and heard public testimony. Votes on all agenda items passed unanimously (8–0). Consent Calendar - All agenda items were approved unanimously. The items included: (1) approval of the 2025 Heat Response Plan; (2) authorization to lease 20 West Jackson Street for a 24/7 respite center; (3) a contract with Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) for operations and supportive services; (4) an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County; and (5) a contract with CBI for security services (police overtime, not to exceed $700,000). Public Comments & Testimony - Cleo (nonprofit operator, District 1): Expressed strong support for the collaborative approach, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for families and the importance of prevention and resource coordination. - Stacy Champion (advocate): Criticized the plan as insufficient, arguing that heat deaths are undercounted and that more proactive measures are needed, such as posters at convenience stores, better enforcement of cooling ordinances, and advocacy for utility disconnection protections. She noted that many deaths among unsheltered individuals are not counted as heat-related. - Reverend Katie Sexton (Arizona Faith Network): Voiced strong support, calling the city's leadership a model for the nation and emphasizing the moral imperative to address extreme heat. - Jenny Spann (ASU Edson College of Nursing): Praised the partnership with the city, highlighting that nursing students provided wound care, mental health screenings, Narcan training, and education at cooling centers, gaining valuable community health experience. Discussion Items - Council Member Reports (prior to the main agenda): - Councilwoman Hodge Washington (District 8) announced upcoming events: a community budget hearing (April 7), a coffee chat with Keisha (April 10), and a Health and Wealth Fair (April 12). She also noted Women's History Month celebrations and the street naming of Avenida Mujeres del Movimiento. - Councilwoman Pastor (District 5) reported on the 1,000th gated alley milestone, the Grand Canalscape phase 3 opening (March 29), and a Maryvale Mercado event. She also raised concerns about delayed responses from staff regarding incidents involving unsheltered residents. - Councilman Galindo Elvira (District 7) reported on a cleanup at Tres Rios wetlands (6 tons of trash removed), the St. Patrick's Day Parade, a Latina Shaping the Future Breakfast, and the Avenida de Mujeres del Movimiento street naming. - Mayor Gallego recognized National Cleaning Week and thanked cleaning professionals. - 2025 Heat Response Plan Presentation (by Deputy City Manager Gina Montez, Dr. Nick Staub (Maricopa County Public Health), Chief Tim Kreis (Fire Department), and Dr. David Hondula (Office of Heat Response and Mitigation)): - Heat Surveillance Data: 2024 was the hottest summer on record (113 consecutive days ≥100°F; 70 days ≥110°F). Confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County fell to 602 (preliminary), the first decline in a decade after a 52% increase in 2023. 80% of deaths were male; 50% occurred in individuals experiencing homelessness; 50% involved substance use, with 89% of those involving stimulants. - 2024 Program Results: - 20% reduction citywide in heat-related 911 calls. - Over 25% reduction in calls within 1 mile of the five enhanced sites (Burton Bar, Senior Opportunities West, and three library locations). - Cold water immersion treatment by fire department used on 311 patients (May–October), saving lives. - Five enhanced sites logged 35,000 visits from 5,000 unique visitors; 962 placements into shelter/housing/family reunification. - 1.2 million water bottles distributed; $300,000 in grants to 18 community organizations. - Proposed 2025 Changes: - New 24/7 respite center: Consolidate operations from Burton Bar and Senior Opportunities West into one facility at 20 West Jackson Street (short-term lease, $40,000/month including utilities). Aim to serve up to 100 individuals at a time, with dedicated areas for families, women, and general population. Staffed by CBI (two 12-hour shifts, minimum 9 staff per shift) plus police overtime for exterior security. - Extended-hour cooling centers: Three libraries (Choya, Yucca, Harmon) will remain fully open until 10 p.m. (Monday–Saturday, plus Sunday noon–10 p.m.) with full library services. Staffing includes 40 seasonal part-time employees and additional security. - Budget: Approximately $4.9 million funded by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), opioid settlement funds, and Maricopa County Department of Public Health. - Council Questions and Concerns: - Councilwoman Hodge Washington raised issues about community outreach (some meetings pending), efficiency of cooling a large facility, competitive bidding for CBI contract (no new RFP; based on qualified vendor list from 2024), and data on indoor deaths (62 occurred in homes with AC units but often non-functional). She requested better enforcement of landlord cooling ordinances and noted that 115 notice of violations and 11 citations were issued last summer out of 180 cases. - Councilwoman Pastor asked about adding more contractors for AC repair (Neighborhood Services Department acknowledged delays and is working on additional capacity). - Vice Mayor O'Brien asked about transportation to cooling centers (free rides via 211 rideshare continuing this year) and coordination with business districts (e.g., warehouse district). - Councilman Galindo Elvira requested improved communication strategies, especially for non-internet users (e.g., radio, Spanish-language media). - Councilwoman Guardado emphasized worker safety and enforcement of the city's heat ordinance for contractors. Key Outcomes - Item 1 – Approval of 2025 Heat Response Plan: Passed 8–0 (Councilman Galindo Elvira motion, including a directive for staff to provide requested information to council and public record). - Items 2–5 – Leases and Contracts: Approved 8–0. Councilwoman Hodge Washington explained her vote, expressing disappointment over insufficient community engagement and lack of competitive bidding, but voted in favor due to immediate need (97°F on meeting day). Councilwoman Pastor noted uncertainty about contract structure but voted yes. - Next Steps: - The new respite center at 20 West Jackson is expected to open May 1, 2025, with a possible extension into October if needed. - Extended library hours begin May 1. - Staff will provide weekly heat response reports to council and the public (available at phoenix.gov/heat). - The Neighborhood Services Department will work to add more contractors for AC repair and streamline the weatherization program application process. - Communication efforts will include targeted advertising, social media geofencing, radio, and Spanish-language outreach.

The Phoenix City Council met on March 18, 2025, to discuss the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the trial budget for fiscal year 2025-26, and to vote on a proposed increase to the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) and use tax. The meeting featured presentations from budget staff, public testimony, and council deliberation, culminating in an 8-1 vote to adopt the tax increase. Consent Calendar No consent calendar items were listed or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - Alisa Lyons (Valley Partnership): Expressed support for the TPT increase, stating certainty in the development process could be eroded without it. - Brian Willingham (United Phoenix Firefighters Association, Local 493): Urged support for the tax increase, highlighting firefighter burnout, cancer, and mental health issues, and thanked the council for their courage. - Ann Ender (Operation Blue Ribbon): Supported the increase, asking that funding be directed to the Phoenix Fire Department. - Maggie Acosta (District 7 resident): Supported the tax to maintain parks, libraries, and city services, noting it is a small price to pay. - Stan Bates (District 1 resident): Supported the increase to maintain public safety, sharing personal experiences with the fire department. - Patrick McDaniel (Phoenix Committee Alliance): Expressed support for the TPT adjustments as necessary due to state actions. - Orla (speaker): Opposed the tax, arguing the fire department crisis has been used as an excuse and that the city should prioritize public safety over other spending like shade trees and pools. - Darren (Take Back Our Homes): Supported the tax increase to fund right to counsel for eviction prevention. - Rick Naymark (District 7 resident): Supported the shift from rental and income taxes to sales tax to maintain services. - Ari Barung Huber (Unite Here Local 11): Shared a personal story of a house fire and supported the tax for fire and other city services. - Andrea Luna (Take Back Our Homes): Supported the tax to fund eviction legal aid and a right to counsel program. - Sebastian Bortillo (Take Back Our Homes): Supported the TPT, noting it is necessary due to state politics, and advocated for eviction prevention funding. - Victoria Stahl (Unite Here Local 11): Supported the tax, recalling childhood use of city pools and community centers. - Margaret Schultz (Worker Power): Supported the tax to maintain public transit and other services. - Evelyn Castillo (Take Back Our Homes): Supported the tax for eviction prevention and shared a personal story of homelessness. - Miesha Fish (Take Back Our Homes): Supported the tax, recounting a traumatic eviction experience. - Stacey Towell (Ocateo Glenn Community Alliance): Supported the tax to continue the gated alley program for safety and cleanliness. - Christina Gallagher Funida (North Glenn Square Neighborhood Association): Supported maintaining current service levels through the tax increase. - Linda Blackford (Block Watch leader): Supported the tax to continue the gated alley program. - Ivan Valley (longtime resident): Supported the tax to protect basic services. - Mike Nidas (retired city employee): Supported the tax to maintain street maintenance, tree planting, and gated alleys. Discussion Items - Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Budget Research Director Amber Williamson presented the $11.5 billion CIP, including $2.5 billion for next fiscal year, covering nearly 1,000 projects such as water infrastructure, parks, and the 2023 GO bond program ($500 million). The presentation was informational; adoption will occur in late May/June. - Trial Budget (Fiscal Year 2025-26): City Manager Jeff Barton and Amber Williamson outlined a $39 million deficit due to state actions (flat income tax, elimination of rental tax). Proposed strategies included a TPT increase from 2.3% to 2.8%, use of excise tax proceeds for public safety capital, $24 million in department reductions (no filled positions or direct service impacts), and $34 million in additions—primarily for the Fire Department (134 sworn personnel, 19 civilian positions) and $4.5 million for Homeless Solutions. The deficit would be closed with $17 million surplus set aside for future years. The budget process includes community hearings and adoption in June. - TPT Tax Rate Increase (Ordinance G7369): The council held a public hearing and debated the ordinance. Council members expressed support, citing state revenue losses and the need to maintain services. Councilman Waring voted no. Key Outcomes - Vote on Ordinance G7369: The ordinance to increase the TPT and use tax rate from 2.3% to 2.8% effective July 1, 2025, was adopted by a vote of 8-1 (Councilman Waring opposed). - Trial Budget Next Steps: The trial budget will be presented to the community at 12 budget hearings. The city manager's proposed budget will be presented on May 6, 2025, with council decisions on May 20, tentative adoption June 4, final adoption June 18, and property tax levy adoption July 2. - Fire Department Investments: The budget includes $25 million in new resources to reduce emergency medical response times from 8 minutes 30 seconds to 4 minutes 25 seconds in targeted areas, plus funding for new stations and personnel. - Housing Trust Fund: Mayor Gallego highlighted a priority to establish a housing trust fund in partnership with Councilwoman Hodge Washington, though no specific funding amount was set in the trial budget.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, a detailed summary cannot be generated. No discussion items, public comments, or decisions are available for review.

The Phoenix City Council convened on March 5, 2025, at 9:45 AM for a formal meeting with a packed agenda. The meeting opened with an invocation by Police Chaplain John Taylor, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. All nine members were present: Councilmembers Galinda Vida, Guardado, Hodge Washington, Pastor, Robinson, Stark, Waring, Vice Mayor O'Brien, and Mayor Gallego. The council approved minutes, boards and commissions, and a wide-ranging consent agenda, followed by individual hearings on numerous zoning, development, and policy items. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Unanimously approved minutes from October 2, 2024 (item 1), October 16, 2024 (item 2), and October 30, 2024 (item 3). - Boards and Commissions: Unanimously approved nominations (item 4). - Consent Agenda (items 5–19 except 10 and 14): Passed 9-0 after a motion and second. - Items 10 and 14 (liquor licenses): Approved 9-0 with no recommendation from the respective district councilmembers. - Items 20–83 (excluding specified items): Approved 9-0 on consent, with certain items held for separate hearings. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 41 (Tanner Thomas Village Affordable Housing): Kerwin Brown (applicant) confirmed agreement with conditions offered by Councilwoman Hodge Washington. He noted service providers include Faithland (veterans) and Arizona Elk Society (job readiness). No vocal opposition was heard. - Item 46 (City-owned asset leasing): Margaret Schultz (Worker Power) urged the city to lease rather than sell the site, citing long-term community benefits and revenue. She referenced the Edith hotel's delays as a cautionary tale. - Item 53 (Solar-powered EV charging contract): Vladimir Stewart expressed support but asked about federal funding availability under the IRA pause. Staff indicated they believed federal funds could still be used. - Item 73 (Historic preservation grants): Jeremy Thacker opposed the grants, arguing that the 24 homes receiving them (average value $675,000) do not need subsidies, and the money could instead help 55 first-time homebuyers. - Items 79 & 80 (7th Avenue zoning): Vladimir Stewart spoke in favor but raised concerns about state/county interference due to proximity to government buildings. - Item 81 (56th St & Shea): Eleven speakers testified, all in support after the developer worked with neighbors. Lisa Erickson (homeowner) described a collaborative process leading to withdrawal of objection. Rick Pasquale (appellant) withdrew objection but urged future use of RO instead of CO zoning for neighborhood protection. - Item 82 (20th Ave & Van Buren): Multiple community members opposed the rezoning from R3 to R5 for professional counseling services. Michael Novakowski (former councilman) argued it would compromise neighborhood integrity, noting that 80% of the neighborhood is Spanish-speaking and initial notices were only in English. Hilda Rosales (adjacent property owner) cited unknowns despite deed restrictions. Oscar Clotta collected 20 signatures in opposition. The applicant (Gary Plooster, Peter Furlow) emphasized deed restrictions and voluntary stipulations. - Citizen Comment (end of meeting): Speakers addressed police accountability (John Forsyth), keeping heat relief shelters open (John Paul, Frank Urban), preserving historic Alhambra gym (Sandy), homeless funding (Mark), property storage concerns (Elizabeth), and cat overpopulation (Missy). Discussion Items - Item 39 (Reconsideration): Councilman Galinda Vida moved to reconsider item 37 from February 19, 2025; passed unanimously. - Item 40 (Temporary easement – Chicanos por la causa): Councilman Galinda Vida described the project as ADA-compliant affordable housing with 10 dedicated spaces for people with disabilities. Approved 9-0. - Item 41 (Tanner Thomas Village): Councilwoman Hodge Washington read nine detailed conditions into the motion (e.g., 24/7 security, community advisory committee, on-site case management, service provider certifications). Approved 9-0. - Item 46 (City-owned land leasing): Approved 8-0 (one absent). - Item 53 (EV charging contract): Approved 8-0. - Item 59 (Avenida de la Mujer sign): Councilwoman Hodge Washington and Councilman Galinda Vida highlighted the collaboration to honor women in the farm worker movement. Approved 9-0. - Items 70 & 71 (Reconsideration and approval – Chicanos por la causa): Councilman Galinda Vida moved to reconsider and then approve; both passed 9-0. - Item 73 (Historic preservation grants): Approved 9-0 despite public opposition. - Items 79 & 80 (7th Avenue zoning): Planning staff explained the general plan amendment and text amendment to allow higher density (up to 250 feet) and intensity. Approved 9-0 each. - Item 81 (56th St & Shea): After a continuance, the developer (Jason Morris) reported working with neighbors, adding stipulations and deed restrictions. Staff confirmed additions regarding garage design, notification, and signs. Councilwoman Stark noted the property straddles districts 2 and 3. Approved 9-0. - Item 82 (20th Ave & Van Buren): The applicant proposed rezoning from R3 to R5 for professional counseling services (part of Neighborhood Christian Clinic expansion). Voluntary stipulations included matching existing home design, no signage on 20th Ave, and a deed restriction running with the land limiting uses to R3 plus counseling. Parking would be shared with neighboring ministry. Approved 7-1 (O'Brien voted no). - Item 83 (Legal funding for 69th & Thomas): Councilman Galinda Vida moved to approve staff recommendation; required two-thirds vote. Passed 8-0. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously (9-0): Items 1–4 (minutes, boards), most consent items, items 10, 14, 39, 40, 41, 59, 70, 71, 73, 79, 80, 81. - Approved 8-0: Items 46, 53, 83 (legal funding). - Approved 7-1: Item 82 (rezone for counseling services) with Councilman O'Brien dissenting. - No votes recorded against any of the above items except the one no vote. - Key directives: - For Tanner Thomas Village, staff must include nine conditions in the deed of trust or loan agreement, including 24/7 security, a community advisory committee, on-site case management (M-F 8am-5pm), certified service providers, annual operational plans, quarterly metrics reports, and a complaint hotline. - For 56th St & Shea, developer agreed to stipulations and deed restrictions limiting uses. - For 20th Ave & Van Buren, a recorded deed restriction runs with the land limiting future uses to R3 plus professional counseling services, requiring written consent from the Rosales family and the clinic for any changes.