Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The regular meeting of the Tempe City Council was called to order on April 30, 2026. The presiding officer announced that additional seating was available in the front rows and noted that the meeting could be watched on Cox Cable Channel 11 or online at Tempe.gov/Tempe11, with virtual attendance also available via Microsoft Teams. A moment of silence was observed, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The available transcript ends during the opening remarks regarding public comment and conduct, before any agenda items, discussion, or votes were introduced.

The City of Tempe Board of Adjustments met on April 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider two variance requests for properties at 100 and 106 East Broadway Lane, both seeking to increase front yard wall height from 4 to 7 feet. The board also approved prior meeting minutes and voted to hold an executive session. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 25, 2026 study session and regular meeting minutes by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Art Gadet, a nearby property owner of 30 years, opposed the 7-foot wall height, stating that 6 feet is adequate unless the property is on a very busy street. He noted his own property has a 6-foot maximum. The applicant clarified the properties directly front Broadway Road, with 25,000+ vehicles per day. Discussion Items - Variance Requests (100 & 106 East Broadway Lane): The applicant, Bill Thomson, a registered landscape architect and 56-year Tempe resident, explained the walls were built based on a mistaken property line (he believed the line was at the back of the sidewalk, but it was 5 feet north). Both walls are 12 feet from the property line and within the 7-foot height limit. Staff (Senior Planner Karen Stovall) recommended approval, citing special circumstances: the lots front Broadway Lane directly adjacent to Broadway Road (arterial with 25,000 vehicles/day), making the location unusual for single-family uses. A neighborhood meeting in February 2026 drew 8 attendees in support plus 2 emails. - For 100 East Broadway, the applicant proposed a peephole (fisheye lens) instead of a 12x12 window in the pedestrian gate to maintain tenant privacy. Staff indicated the board could modify the condition. For 106 East Broadway, the applicant requested to permanently weld the gate open (currently broken and always open) rather than install a window. Staff expressed concern about future modification and preferred gate removal or a window. Key Outcomes - Variance for 100 East Broadway Lane: Approved unanimously (all ayes). The board modified Condition of Approval 2, removing the 12x12 window requirement and replacing it with a fisheye peephole to ensure pedestrian safety while maintaining tenant privacy. - Variance for 106 East Broadway Lane: Approved unanimously. The board upheld the original conditions as stated in the staff report, requiring a window in the pedestrian gate rather than allowing the gate to remain permanently open, to ensure long-term compliance and pedestrian safety. - Executive Session: The board voted unanimously to hold an executive session following the regular meeting.

This was a regular meeting of the Tempe Development Review Commission (DRC) held on April 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM MT. Chair Andrew Johnson presided, joined by Commissioners Forte, Spears, Lloyd, Richter, Vice Chair Schwartz, and (online) Commissioner Rihanna Corbett. City staff in attendance included Jeff Tamolevich, Ryan Levake, Michelle Dalke, Robert Mansileo, Whitney Mayfield, Joanna Barry, and Jason Wolfe. The meeting began with approval of previous minutes and then moved through a consent agenda of six items, all of which were approved unanimously without discussion. No public comments or separate discussion items were heard. The next regular meeting was scheduled for May 12, 2026. Consent Calendar - Study session minutes (April 14, 2026) and regular meeting minutes (April 14, 2026) – Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Richter, second by Commissioner Forte). - Item 4A – Request for a use permit to allow a detached engineered shade structure in the R-16 zoning district for the Wilson Wilson Schlemler residents. - Item 4B – Request for a use permit to allow a private school in the GID (General Industrial District) zoning district and the general industrial overlay district for Jersey College. - Item 4C – Request for a use permit to allow a massage establishment in the RO (Residential Office) zoning district for The Unwinding Space. - Item 4D – Request for a use permit to allow one required parking space in the front yard building setback for the Hurman residents. - Item 5A – Request for a general plan projected land use and residential density map amendment from commercial to mixed use; a zoning map amendment from GID PAD (Planned Area Development) to MU4 PAD; and an amended planning area development for Legends City District at Papago. - Item 6A – Request for zoning and development code text amendments covering: Part 4 updates to signs; Part 3 clarifications, corrections, and reorganizations of sections pertaining to accessory structures; Part 4 updates, clarifications, and modifications to use permit standards, general development standards, parking, landscape, and lighting; Part 6 updates to applications; and Part 7 additions to definitions. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke or submitted comment cards for any agenda item. Discussion Items No items were discussed outside the consent agenda. No separate hearing or deliberation occurred. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved – Both the April 14, 2026 study session minutes and the April 14, 2026 regular meeting minutes passed unanimously. - Consent agenda approved – All six items (4A–4D, 5A, 6A) were approved in a single unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Richter, second by Commissioner Forte). - Next meeting – The Commission will next convene on May 12, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a work study session on April 28, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:02 PM (after a late start due to technical issues with Microsoft Teams audio). The meeting included two proclamations, public comment, a detailed budget review session focused on long‑term financial stability, and updates from council subcommittees. Key topics were proposed sales tax increases to offset permanent revenue losses from state legislative actions, with council consensus to forward the proposals to the April 30 formal meeting for a call of election. Proclamations - Neurodiagnostic Week (April 19–25, 2026): Mayor Corey Woods read the proclamation recognizing neurodiagnostic technologists for their role in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. Representatives Thammarie and Anna accepted. - Week of the Young Child (April 11–17, 2026): The proclamation highlighted early childhood education and the 55th anniversary of the event. Lisa from First Things First accepted. Public Comments & Testimony - Kelsey Files (Tempe resident): Spoke on proposed transit tax increase (0.1%) and called for prior engagement with the Transportation Commission. He expressed full support for expanding the transit tax but urged the council to brief the commission before the April 30 vote. The mayor confirmed that the city manager had already arranged a meeting with the commission chair. Discussion Items Fiscal Year 2026‑27 Budget Review Session Presented by Deputy City Manager/CFO Lissette Camacho and Municipal Budget Director Robert Baer. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Recommended CIP is $6.5 million higher than the March 23 proposal due to reappropriation for the water utility building asset management project. Overall FY 2026‑27 CIP is 18% lower than the current adopted budget. - Operating Budget: Recommended FY26‑27 operating budget is 2% higher than FY25‑26, driven by compensation increases, Valley Metro transit costs, and new positions for the Novus fire station. Non‑cost‑neutral supplemental requests were limited. - Long‑term Financial Stability Strategies: - Revenue losses from state actions: Approximately $14.4 million (general fund), $6 million (transit fund), and $1.3 million (arts & culture fund) annually, plus $2.4 million from federal income tax conformity and $1.6 million from Santan Valley incorporation. - Proposal 1: A 0.4% local sales tax dedicated to public safety (police, fire, park rangers) – estimated $40.3 million annually. This would be placed before voters as a dedicated fund, not commingled with the general fund. - Proposal 2: A 0.1% increase in the existing transit tax – estimated $10.1 million annually – to fund streetcar expansion, pedestrian/bicycle improvements, and continued transit operations. - No change to the food tax (remains at 1.8%). - If both approved, Tempe’s total sales tax rate would rise from 1.8% to 2.3% (additional $0.50 per $100 spent). - Proactive steps taken: Second consecutive year with no new budget additions; mid‑year 10% budget reductions in Q4 FY25 saved $12.4 million across general, transit, and arts & culture funds; procurement secured $2.5 million in savings on security contracts and $300,000 annually on software; $8 million in vacancy savings budgeted for FY27. - Timeline: Council consensus sought to move forward; call of election on April 30, public outreach August–October, election day November 3, new rates effective January 1, 2027. Council Questions and Deliberation - Councilmember Hodge: Asked why the tax is permanent rather than sunsetting; staff explained the revenue loss is permanent (state preemption of rental tax) and cannot be recovered through economic growth. - Councilmember Keating: Asked about fund balance policy (20–30% of revenues) and whether a dedicated public safety tax would stabilize funding; staff confirmed the proposed 0.4% tax is dedicated. Keating also queried alternative revenue sources (bed tax, secondary property tax) – staff explained those are either restricted by law or already used. Keating noted the proposed tax appears to exceed the shortfall; staff clarified the $40 million is for public safety needs, not solely the $18 million deficit. Keating questioned whether a 60% voter approval is required; city attorney confirmed only a simple majority is needed. - Councilmember Chin: Clarified the deficit ($25–26 million total) is from state/federal actions beyond city control. She asked what cuts would be necessary without new revenue – staff replied reductions would fall on public safety and other core services, which residents consistently rank as top priorities. - Councilmember Amberg: Supported sales tax as the correct approach because it captures spending from the 200,000 daily non‑resident workers. He questioned the 0.4% rate and whether the 0.1% transit tax for one‑time projects (pedestrian bridge) should be funded by bonds rather than ongoing tax; staff explained ongoing operating and maintenance costs (e.g., $10 million annually for streetcar operations) require permanent revenue. - Councilmember Adams: Expressed reluctance to raise taxes but acknowledged the city’s hands are tied by state actions; asked for deeper cuts before raising taxes. - Vice Mayor Garland: Noted the city already cut $12.4 million in services and froze positions before the rental tax loss hit. She emphasized public safety and human services need stable funding given population growth. She asked for better engagement with boards and commissions on transportation issues. - Mayor Woods: Recalled past service reductions (e.g., bulk trash pickup) that caused public backlash. He highlighted a 21% reduction in violent crime in Tempe and warned that cutting police/fire would reverse progress. He supported the proposal but asked staff to explore a voluntary buyout/early retirement program (staff agreed to examine cost and feasibility). - Councilmember Adams (second round): Expressed support for including park rangers in the public safety tax and inquired about using AI to reduce costs; staff confirmed AI initiatives are underway but require IT security approval. Committee of the Whole / Subcommittee Updates - Animal Welfare & Cruelty: No update; awaiting contract negotiations. - Community Engagement & Connection: Next meeting May 21 at 4 PM at Tempe Library. - Drink Spiking Education & Prevention: Focus groups ongoing; a testing kit vendor offered a possible donation. - Federal & State Advocacy Review: Met once; next meeting April 27 at 11 AM. - Mixed‑Use Space: Next meeting May 7 at 2 PM. - Motorized & Electric Mobility Devices: Third meeting held with Bird and Lime; field view was informative; new ordinance expected. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake: Heard from Holly Street and Diggs Studios; next meeting likely in June after survey results. - Tempe Term Limits Policy Review: No update. Key Outcomes - Council consensus (unanimous, all seven members present) to direct staff to prepare the resolution for the April 30 formal meeting (call of election) with the current proposals: 0.4% public safety sales tax and 0.1% transit tax increase. No formal vote was taken at this work session; the April 30 meeting will include a vote to place the measures on the November 3, 2026 ballot. - Council requested staff to examine a potential retirement buyout program as one element of cost savings, with a report back at a later date. - The transit tax proposal will be briefed to the Transportation Commission before the April 30 meeting (city manager confirmed a meeting is scheduled). - Staff will present a consolidation of financial policies (including fund balance policy changes for ambulance and water/wastewater funds) for adoption at the June 25, 2026 council meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.

This hearing officer meeting, convened virtually on April 21, 2026, addressed six code violation abatement requests for properties in Tempe, Arizona. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement for each property, authorizing the city to remediate nuisances including deteriorated landscapes, inoperable vehicles, junk, trash, debris, and green pools. One agenda item was withdrawn due to compliance. The hearing officer also approved the minutes from the March 17, 2026 hearing. Note: The transcript references the hearing date as April 24, 2026, but the official meeting date provided is April 21, 2026; this discrepancy is noted. Consent Calendar - The hearing officer approved the minutes from the March 17, 2026 hearing, stating they accurately reflected the proceedings. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke or were present at the hearing. Only city staff attended. Discussion Items Item 1: 1208 West Malibu Drive – Brown Property - Code Inspector Supervisor John Salazar presented the case, initiated December 11, 2025, by a public complaint for overhigh grass/weeds, an inoperable vehicle, and a deteriorated fence. The property owner, Kinton Brown, was reported to have passed away, and no family members were located. Multiple notices and a pink flyer went unanswered. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement, noting the property’s uncertain ownership. Item 2: 438 West Hermosa Drive – Moore Trust Property - Inspector John Salazar described a case initiated October 28, 2025, for a deteriorated roof, broken window, carport ceiling, and landscape including a dead tree. No communication from the property owner. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement, citing the photographs as self-evident. Item 3: 1307 East Broadmoor Drive – Wynn Property - Inspector Michael Zapolo presented a case from November 24, 2025, for a deteriorated landscape and green pool. The owner, Danny Newian, failed to appear for a citation. Minimal progress (grass cut but roots and debris remained) was insufficient. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement, noting the owner did the bare minimum. Item 4: 619 West 12th Street – New Capitulous LLC Property - Inspector Kevin Kowalski summarized a case from December 2, 2025, for overgrown grass/weeds, later adding deteriorated roof, junk/trash/debris, and large tree stumps from an October 2025 storm. The owner, Tim Wright, failed to respond. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement, remarking that the city might be doing the owner a favor by removing the stumps. Item 5: 1702 East Drake Drive – Smith Property - Inspector Melissa Ensing presented a case initiated October 20, 2025, for deteriorated landscape, trash/debris, and a deteriorated pool. The property appeared vacant. The owner failed to appear in court. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement, noting the property has been unresponsive for six months. Item 6: 1313 East Wesleyan Drive – Three Country Amigos LLC Property - Inspector Michael Zapolo described a case from November 6, 2025, for a deteriorated landscape, junk/trash/debris (abated), and a green pool. A coyote was observed living on the property. The owner failed to respond. The hearing officer approved a 180-day open abatement, citing minimal progress. Key Outcomes - Approved 180-day open abatements for the following properties (allows the city to abate nuisances and bill the owner): - 1208 West Malibu Drive (CE257574) - 438 West Hermosa Drive (CE256732) - 1307 East Broadmoor Drive (CE2573) - 619 West 12th Street (KCE257503) - 1702 East Drake Drive (CE256520) - 1313 East Wesleyan Drive (CE256996) - Item 4 withdrawn (property brought into compliance prior to hearing). - Next hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in council chambers and on Tempe 11.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on April 16, 2026, at 2:15 PM (actual start time approximately 7:07 PM adjournment). The meeting included presentations, proclamations, public comment, consent agenda approval, multiple contract awards, first and second public hearings on zoning and financial ordinances, and council announcements. All votes were unanimous (7–0) unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (Item 4A1): Approved 7–0. - Board, Commission, Committee Minutes (Items 4B1–4G7): Approved 7–0. - Consent Agenda (Items 7B1–7B13, 7C1–7C3): Approved 7–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Brennan Metcalf (Tempe Lake neighborhood): Expressed concern about Colorado River negotiations, urged the council to accelerate the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility project, noting Congressman Greg Stanton’s $3 million earmark for FY26. - Danielle Davis (Tempe resident 3.5 years): Described a perceived decline in quality of life: safety concerns at Tempe Beach Park (approached by a student warning of danger), increased graffiti and trash, an incident of public indecency on Mill Avenue, and housing insecurity near her apartment. She asked the council to restore the city’s historic character and safety. - Alex Logman (Tempe resident): Criticized the city attorney’s office for not enforcing Arizona campaign finance laws (Prop 211) regarding illegally placed political signs. He requested a written legal opinion on ARS 16‑1019B before the May 19 runoff and questioned the city attorney’s competence. - Noah James Markham (Tempe resident): Raised several issues: presence of private security downtown (preferring police), desire for better restaurants to attract visitors, support for women police officers, defending the homeless, and expressing support for ICE. - Janet Hamlin (Tempe resident): Thanked the council and staff for the new Kyrene Canal crossing on Warner Road, stating it greatly improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Discussion Items - Kids’ Own Awards Presentation (5A1): Mayor Woods and Tempe Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. James Driscoll honored children and adult partners in the KidZone after‑school enrichment program. The program serves 16 elementary and middle schools. Awardees’ names were read. - Arbor Month Proclamation (5A2): Urban Forester Richard Atkins joined the mayor in declaring April 2026 as Arbor Month in Tempe, marking the 154th anniversary. - Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation (5A3): Mayor Woods read a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the theme “25 years stronger.” The city’s Care 7 Victim Services team served 503 individuals and families reporting sexual violence last year. - Sustainability & Resilience Commission Appointment (5A4): Brian Fellows was appointed to the commission (item 7A1). - First Public Hearings (Items 8B1–8B3): - 8B1: Zoning map amendment from Residential Office to Commercial Shopping and Service for 3910 S Rural Road (Lux Holdings). Applicant Adam Baugh described a plan to rezone only the northern building and courtyard for occasional event space (with a good‑neighbor policy limiting hours to 9 PM weekdays/10 PM weekends, on‑site parking attendant, complaint response). No public testimony. Final hearing April 30, 2026. - 8B2 & 8B3: Introductions of ordinances authorizing General Obligation bonds and Excise Tax Revenue Refunding obligations. No public testimony. Final hearings April 30, 2026. - Second Public Hearings (Items 8C2–8C5): All approved 7–0. - 8C2: Zoning map amendment for Novus Parcel 5F (720 & 800 E Rio Salado Parkway) – moving from MUED planned area development overlay to ASU Athletic Facilities District Planning Area Overlay. No substantive changes. - 8C3: Ordinance amending City Code Sections 2‑365 and 2‑367 regarding member selection process. - 8C4: Partial abandonment of alley right‑of‑way north of 7th Street and east of Myrtle Avenue for 108 E 7th Street. - 8C5: Abandonment of ingress/egress and public utility easements south of Apache Boulevard and west of Price Road for 2152 E Wildermouth Avenue. Key Outcomes - Contracts Approved (Items 8A1–8A3): - 8A1: Awarded irrigation replacement contract at Ken McDonald Golf Course to Mid‑America Golf and Landscape Inc. (Project 6311491). - 8A2: Awarded wastewater collection system rehabilitation job order (Phase 2) to TF Contracting Services LLC (Project 3221024). - 8A3: Approved addenda with five contractors (Cactus Transport 2, MR Tanner, Nesbitt Contracting, S Paveg, Talus Construction) for paving master job‑order contracts (2020‑2025). - Continuance (8C1): A zoning/development item was continued to the June 4, 2026 regular council meeting with the condition that no further continuances will be granted without extraordinary cause. Approved 7–0. - Council Announcements: - Councilmember Hodge: Congratulated student sister‑city ambassadors, upcoming All‑Abilities awards, and Music Under the Stars (April 24 at 7 PM). - Councilmember Amberg: Promoted Zero Waste Day on April 25 (7 AM–1 PM) for Tempe and Guadalupe residents. - Councilmember Adams: Encouraged citywide celebration of Earth Day (April 22). - Mayor Woods: Recognized Deputy City Clerk Mike Sue for earning the Certified Municipal Clerk designation. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM. Next regular meeting scheduled for April 30, 2026.

The Development Review Commission of Tempe, Arizona, held a public hearing on April 14, 2026, to consider routine consent items, approve prior meeting minutes, and receive staff announcements. The meeting began at the regular evening session, with all seven commissioners present. No public comments were made, and all items on the agenda were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Study Session & Regular Meeting Minutes (March 24, 2026): Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Richter, second by Commissioner Forte). - Item 4A: Request for two use permits to allow a detached engineering shade structure within the street side yard and one required parking space in the street side yard setback for Pranger residents. - Item 4B: Request for a use permit to allow a private school (Ascent Academy) in the RO zoning district at 2075 South Cottonwood Drive. - Item 4C: Request for a use permit to allow expansion of an existing massage establishment (Neuromuscular Studio) in the PCC-1 zoning district at 430 West Warner Road, Suites 111 and 112. - Item 5A: Request for an amended planned area development overlay to decrease approved building height by more than 10% and modify development standards for lot coverage and landscape area for a proposed four-story mixed-use development with 285 dwelling units (North Bend 2) at 1255 East Curry Road. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak on any consent agenda item. Discussion Items - No separate discussion items were heard; all items were handled via the consent agenda. Key Outcomes - All consent items (4A, 4B, 4C, and 5A) were approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned at the close of business; the next scheduled meeting is April 28, 2026. - A reminder was issued for commissioners to RSVP by April 17, 2026, for the Boards and Commissions Appreciation Event on May 1, 2026.

This was a regular meeting of the City of Tempe Housing Authority, held on April 6, 2026. The board received a quarterly performance update, adopted a resolution approving the fiscal year 2026–2027 PHA annual plan and related policy changes, and approved previous meeting minutes. A National Arab American Heritage Month proclamation was also presented. Proclamation - National Arab American Heritage Month Proclamation: The mayor read a proclamation recognizing the contributions of Arab Americans to American society and the City of Tempe. Four individuals were present to receive three copies of the proclamation. Public Comments - No public comments were received during the agenda item for audience comments or during the public hearing. Discussion Items - Housing Authority Governing Board Quarterly Update (Quarter Ended March 31, 2026): Deputy Human Services Director Irma Holland B. Kane presented the update. Key points: - The Tempe Housing Authority is on track to administer over $18 million in housing subsidy. - Capacity to assist 1,234 households across various voucher types. - As of December 2025: 1,030 vouchers were leased, with a 7.60% attrition (turnover) rate. The transcript contains a discrepancy: it states both "42 vouchers have ported out of our jurisdiction" and "81 vouchers have ported out of our jurisdiction." This likely reflects a misstatement; the intended numbers may be 42 ported in and 81 ported out, but the source is unclear. - Budget utilization was 100.26% of budget authority, with an average per-unit cost of $1,520.38. - Tempe outperforms national and Arizona state averages in leasing and budget utilization. - Highlights from the annual plan: Transition to small area fair market rents (January 1, 2026), addition of seven VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) vouchers, continued operation of the Envision Center, development of virtual briefing modules, and expansion of the Landlord Promise and Security Deposit Assistance programs. - Policy changes to the Administrative Plan include: removal of reference to the equal access rule (due to HUD’s English‑only initiative, though compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 remains), extension of project‑based voucher contracts from 15 to 20 years, expanded provisions for timely compliance with information requests, and added language to ensure respectful conduct in interactions with staff. - Councilmember Hodge asked for follow-up data on the number of landlords in the Landlord Promise program and the geographic distribution of vouchers by zip code. Staff committed to provide the information. - Board Member Kaylee Moss shared a personal testimony of appreciation for the housing program, stating she received placement in 2021 and that the program provided stability for her and her children. Action Items - Public Hearing and Resolution on the PHA Annual Plan (Item 5A): The board held a public hearing to seek input on the fiscal year 2026–2027 annual plan, related certifications, and revisions to the Administrative Plan. No public testimony was offered. A motion to adopt the resolution approving the plan, policy changes, and acceptance of additional HUD vouchers passed unanimously (8–0). - Approval of Meeting Minutes (Item 6): The minutes from the January 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (8–0). Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-XX (tentative number) adopted, approving the fiscal year 2026–2027 PHA annual plan, Administrative Plan revisions, and acceptance of additional housing choice vouchers. - Minutes of the January 22, 2026 meeting approved. - The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 PM. The next Tempe Housing Authority meeting date is to be determined.

The Tempe City Council and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a joint meeting on April 1, 2026, to discuss the Downtown Historic Core Plan status and draft guidelines. Participants included Mayor Corey Woods, council members, HPC members, city staff, and the Historic Preservation Officer. Discussion Items Downtown Historic Core Plan Status (Item 4A) Dr. Lechner, Historic Preservation Officer, provided an update. The consultant MIG and subconsultant PMM have moved into the next phase of drafting the plan after gathering feedback from stakeholders, the public, and commissions in late 2025 and early 2026. A second round of public meetings and stakeholder meetings occurred in March 2026. The goal is to have a full draft by May 2026 for further review and adoption by council in summer 2026, though the timeline may be adjusted. Downtown Historic Core Plan Draft Guidelines Discussion (Item 4B) The council and HPC engaged in extensive discussion on the draft guidelines. Key themes included: - Outreach and Collaboration: Multiple council members (Chin, Garland, Hodge) emphasized the need for joint meetings that bring together developers, property owners, historic preservationists, and the public in the same room to foster compromise. Staff acknowledged past outreach deficiencies and committed to remedying them, including reaching out to Tempe Sister Cities and the Arizona Heritage Preservation Youth Council. - Communication and Accessibility: Councilmember Hodge requested a one-page summary or visual aids to help the public follow the process. Commissioner Karuka echoed this, suggesting 3D visuals for height restrictions. - Inclusion of Diverse Voices: Councilmember Hodge called for involving the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission and seniors who have lived in Tempe for decades. Commissioner Williams emphasized including tribal perspectives and Tempe Butte (Oidbāḍ) as a traditional cultural property. - Balancing Preservation and Development: Councilmember Amberg stressed that economic development and historic preservation must coexist, noting Tempe's landlocked status and need for revenue. Chair Jones argued that historic preservation can bolster economic development through cultural heritage tourism. Commissioner Sana highlighted that cultural heritage tourism is a top-performing sector and that visitors seek authentic experiences. - Stories vs. Structures: Councilmember Chin and others urged capturing the stories of Tempe's diverse communities (including Native, Hispanic, Black, Asian) beyond just buildings. Commissioner Lerner emphasized that stories need physical places to tie to, and that both are important. - Specific Concerns: Commissioner Fackler identified 15 contributing near-term eligible properties along Mill Avenue that should be recognized. Commissioner Lerner noted the pending sale of Farmer Goodwin building and urged action. Several members discussed the need to expand the historic boundary to include Tempe Butte, both sides of University Drive, and College Avenue. - Guidelines Scope: Vice Mayor Garland questioned the inclusion of shade and climate-responsive design (page 43), wondering how it ties to historic preservation. Dr. Lechner said staff would refine the plan. Councilmember Chin suggested that height materials and parking guidelines may be too restrictive and distract from core preservation goals. Historic Preservation Officer Update (Item 5) Dr. Lechner reported two pending agreements: 1. A programmatic agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office for HUD-funded projects to streamline Section 106 reporting. Council recently authorized the city manager to sign, and consultation with tribes will follow. 2. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city, the Four Southern Tribes of Arizona, and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe for formal consultation on city projects. The MOU is pending tribal signatures before council adoption. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The discussion served as guidance for staff and the consultant. - Staff will create a one-page summary and visual aids for public engagement. - Staff will work to schedule joint stakeholder meetings to encourage direct dialogue between developers, preservationists, and the public. - The consultant will incorporate feedback on including Tempe Butte, expanding the historic boundary, and recognizing additional eligible properties. - The MOU for tribal consultation will be brought to council after signatures are obtained. Closing The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Mayor Woods thanked participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration.