Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

This work study session included a proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (iHelp), a detailed public safety update from the Tempe Police Department, presentations on tribal gaming grant proposals and the public art plan update, and status reports from multiple council subcommittees. The meeting was held in person and virtually, with Vice Mayor Garland participating virtually and Councilmember Keating absent. Proclamation & Announcements - Mayor Corey Woods declared February 12, 2026, as iHelp 20th Anniversary Day in Tempe, honoring the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program operated by Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) since 2006. - A video on conduct guidelines for council meetings was played, and the mayor reminded candidates to refrain from electioneering during the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment cards were submitted during either the issue review session or the committee of the whole portion of the meeting. Discussion Items 1. Tempe Police Department Public Safety Update (Item 4A) - Chief Ken McCoy presented the 2025 crime trends and department initiatives, emphasizing reductions in most crime categories. - Amanda Bunker (Police Analytics Administrator) reported: - Overall calls for service decreased 1% (citizen-generated down 3%, officer-generated up 2%). - NIBRS Group A offenses (major crimes) down 14%. - Violent crime down 8.6% (aggravated assault down 14.5%, robbery down 12.9%). - Property crime down 4.8% (burglary down 19.5%, motor vehicle theft down 29.6%). - Collisions decreased 11% from 2024 to 2025. - Commander Katrina McCann discussed the new Strategic Response Section (SRS), including five units (Neighborhood Response, Community Policing, Tactical Response, Action Team, HIDA partnership). Key highlights: - SRS operations in North Tempe (Operation Autumn Impact, Nov 24–Dec 14, 2025): 320 calls for service (96% officer-initiated), 57 arrests, 27.6% reduction in NIBRS Group A crimes. - Community Policing Unit: 278 community meetings/events in five months, cleared 188 encampments, and facilitated reunification of a homeless veteran with out-of-state family. - Lieutenant Greg Bacon reported on traffic safety and Vision Zero: - Citywide collisions down 11% in 2025; injury collisions down 10%; serious injury collisions down 4%; fatal collisions down 21%. - Photo enforcement (16 fixed cameras at 14 intersections, 4 mobile cameras on 25 locations) launched June 2025. As of January 31, 2026, 33,464 citations issued (7,818 red light, 18,572 speeding). - At camera intersections: collisions down 9% from 2023 and 21% from 2024; rear-end collisions down 52.7% from 2023 and 36.5% from 2024. - Continuing efforts to address street racing through overtime enforcement and regional task forces. - Councilmembers expressed strong support, with Mayor Woods noting his personal change of opinion on photo enforcement. Councilmember Amberg mentioned a state legislative bill that could restrict photo enforcement, and the city is advocating against it. 2. 2026 Tribal Gaming Grant Proposals (Item 4B) - Jonathan Sheffield (Government Relations Director) presented 19 internal requests from two departments (Health & Human Services and Community Services) totaling $1,610,643. External applications are being reviewed with a deadline of February 2, 2026. Resolutions for internal and external programs will go to council on March 5, 2026, with tribal decisions expected in fall/winter 2026. 3. Public Art Plan Update (Item 4C) - Rebecca (Public Art team) and Josh Lapp (Designing Local) presented the updated public art plan after extensive community engagement (approx. 1,800 individuals). Key findings: - 98.4% of Tempe residents are within a 20-minute walk of a public art piece. - Community desires: art reflecting Tempe’s identity, integrated into daily life, interactive, distributed equitably, supporting local artists, and addressing challenges. - Vision: create surprise, wonder, and playfulness; connect with nature; tell Tempe’s story; support artists. - Six objectives: strengthen sense of place, ensure geographic distribution, level up the program, formalize procedures, enhance the Art in Private Development (AIPD) program (possible expansion to mixed-use buildings), and strengthen collection management (including deaccessioning procedures). - Councilmembers praised the plan and suggested broader community outreach and inclusion of student artists. Subcommittee Status Updates (Item 6B) - Age-Friendly Tempe (Vice Mayor Garland): Next meeting Feb 24 to finalize five-year plan, expected at work study May 4. - Animal Welfare & Cruelty (Councilmember Hodge): Next meeting March 6 at 2 p.m. - Community Engagement & Connection (Vice Mayor Garland): Public input meetings Feb 21, 28, and March 7 across the city. - Drink Spiking Education & Prevention (Councilmember Keating not present; Vice Mayor Garland noted intention to keep subcommittee open for education components). - Federal & State Advocacy Review (Councilmember Amberg): First meeting Feb 20 at 4 p.m. - Mixed Use Space (Councilmember Chin): Next meeting likely in March. - Motorized & Electric Mobility Device Safety (Councilmember Adams): Second meeting Feb 19 at 2 p.m. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake (Councilmember Amberg): Met Feb 6; next meeting April 20. - Tempe Term Limits Policy Review (Vice Mayor Garland): First meeting date TBD. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The police department will release the 2025 crime data and statistics to the public via city communications. - The public art plan will be finalized and implemented; council supported the objectives and strategies presented. - Tribal gaming grant resolutions will be brought to council for approval on March 5, 2026. - Subcommittees are continuing their work with scheduled meetings noted above. - The next work study session is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 5:20 p.m. (adjournment time).

The Tempe City Council and Tempe Community Council (TCC) Board of Directors held a joint meeting on February 11, 2026, from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 5:04 p.m. The meeting focused on TCC's vision, priorities, accomplishments, direct services, financial health, and a call to action for community support. Key outcomes included updates on the 2025 Needs Assessment, the launch of a three-year funding cycle, and a strategic planning process to be initiated within the next two years. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Vision & Priorities for 2025-2026 (Item 3A): Board Chair Rabani Kahn presented TCC's vision to "nurture Tempe's sense of community where children, seniors, families, and individuals care for and about one another." Priorities include aligning mission with community through a strategic plan, increasing volunteerism, and executing a thoughtful executive leadership transition following former Executive Director Octavia Harris's departure. - Needs Assessment & Funding Process (Items 3B, 3C): Interim Executive Director Tim Birch reported on the 2025 Needs Assessment, conducted with Arizona State University's Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, which identified growing community needs and will guide funding through the Social Determinants of Health framework. Community Impact Manager Kim Venwigan announced a new three-year funding cycle with a renewal process for proven agencies and a $30,000 cap on new agency funding requests. The application deadline was February 2, 2026, with 71 applicants. - Direct Services (Item 3C): Staff highlighted several programs: Threads (expanded to four schools, $300,000 in clothing donated, 40% increase in services), Open Horizons (celebrating 50 years, provided 20 weeks of preschool, bus passes, and over $3,700 in support to one young mother), Triple P Parenting (sessions doubled, registrations up from 70 to 151), and VITA Tax Assistance (872 returns filed, $1.2 million in refunds/credits, $174,000 in saved preparation fees). - Tempe Coalition (Item 3C): Bernetta Coggins reported on the coalition's work to reduce underage drinking and drug use. Data showed 43.1% of Tempe youth reporting inability to manage stress, average substance use initiation age of 13.3, and 28.8% using substances in the past 30 days. Accomplishments included 100% school district participation in the 2026 Arizona Youth Survey, a 300% increase in grant funding ($480,000 from five grants), distribution of over 1,000 boxes of naloxone, and reaching over 4,500 students through prevention messaging. - Financial Health (Item 3D): Treasurer Magda Johnson presented the FY 24-25 audit. Revenue was approximately $2 million, expenses about $2.1 million, and net assets decreased by $68,000 to $1.8 million, described as manageable. Total liabilities were approximately $100,000, indicating low risk. Revenue sources included 41% in-kind from City of Tempe ($1.3 million), 35% pass-through for agency review ($1.1 million), and the remainder from grants and contributions. - Acknowledged Awareness & Call to Action (Item 3E): Chair Kahn emphasized the need for a strategic plan, increased visibility, and expanded support. TCC holds two funds at the Arizona Community Foundation: an endowment and a collaborative fund. The Together Tempe program collected $30,000 in utility bill donations in FY 24-25. The call to action requested city introductions to new businesses, ambassador support through social media, and partnerships. Key Outcomes - Decisions: The meeting was informational with no votes taken. Council members offered support and suggestions. - Referrals: Councilmember Hodge offered to introduce TCC to businesses and school districts. Councilmember Amberg suggested placing corporate representatives on the TCC board to facilitate sponsorships. Councilmember Armenta recommended including a Chamber of Commerce representative on the board. - Next Steps: TCC will launch a strategic planning process within the next two years. The new three-year funding cycle begins with the 71 applications received. The city and TCC will continue to align on human services priorities.

The Development Review Commission met on February 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM UTC to consider minutes from the previous meeting, a consent agenda item, and future meeting schedules. The meeting was chaired by Andrew Johnson. Commissioners Joe Forte, Linda Spears, Barbara Lloyd, Larry Tom, and Vice Chair Michelle Schwartz were also present. Staff members Jeff Tamilevich, Ryan Levake, Michelle Dalkey, Diana Kaminsky, Karen Stoval, Joanna Berry, and Jason Wolfe attended. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the January 27, 2026, study session and regular meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Commissioner Forte). - Consent Agenda Item 4A (a use permit standard to reduce the front yard setback from 20 feet to 18 feet for a new three-story single-family residential development consisting of eight units, known as "Bernardin eight homes") was approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd). No public comments were made on this item. Discussion Items - Staff member Michelle Dalkey announced future commission meetings: on February 24, 2026, the agenda includes two use permits for second-story additions and a use permit standard on West Duke Drive. - The Transportation and Sustainability Department is developing their Transportation Plan 2050. A public meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2026, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. The commission may receive a presentation on the plan in May 2026. Key Outcomes - The minutes from January 27, 2026, were approved unanimously. - The consent agenda (including the use permit for the Bernardin eight homes) was approved unanimously. - No other decisions or votes were taken.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on the evening of February 5, 2026, addressing a range of items including proclamations, public comments, an appeal continuance, and the adoption of a landmark drink-spiking prevention ordinance. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except where noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Items 4A1 through 4A5 (city council minutes) and 4B1 through 4B9 (board, commission, and committee minutes) were approved 7-0. - Consent Agenda: Items 7B1 through 7B3 and resolution 7C1 were approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony General Public Appearances (Item 6): - Carmen Vargas (Tempe resident, speaking for the Safe Shalomar campaign) urged protection of the Shalomar golf course, stating that a proposed cell agreement would replace the historic site with high-density housing. She cited concerns about overcrowding, traffic, and loss of green space, and noted that the Shalomar Association and over 1,000 petition supporters stand in firm opposition to rezoning. - Diane Melrose (Tempe Leadership class 41) announced the “Storm to Shade” project, which aims to replace shade canopy in JC and Mitchell Parks damaged by an October 2025 microburst. She invited the council to an art fundraiser on February 13 at Rocket Space Gallery. - Mario Martinez (Tempe resident) criticized Mayor Cory Woods and Police Chief Ken McCoy regarding alleged bomb‑threat investigations, questioning the administration’s priorities and use of resources. - Suzanne Casey (Tempe resident, 30+ years) spoke in favor of preserving the existing Shalomar golf course zoning (AG: one house per acre), citing its value as a green space, water recharge basin, and community gathering area. Public Hearing on Drink‑Spiking Prevention (Item 8C3): Numerous speakers testified in support of the ordinance. Notable testimony: - Angelica W. (ASU grad student, Phoenix resident) shared a personal account of being sexually assaulted after her drink was spiked, and said the ordinance could have made a difference. - Leah Patrick and Marco McCray (Phoenix residents) recounted an incident at a Mill Ave bar where both were drugged, leading to Leah being found by police with injuries; they urged passage. - Don Franklin Zyrich (lifelong Tempe resident) cited statistics that over half of surveyed ASU students know a drink‑spiking victim and one in four Tempe residents have been victimized, calling the ordinance reasonable. - Jennifer Glendy (Tempe resident, mother) said she already buys drink covers for her daughters and praised the ordinance as a low‑cost, common‑sense safety measure. - Danya Sherman (President of NOPE/No More) pledged $50,000 worth of drink‑testing kits to jump‑start the program. - Jessica Mendoza (Arizona Students Association) represented thousands of students and urged passage, saying safety is a shared responsibility. - Sharon Doyle (Chair, Tempe Coalition) expressed strong support on behalf of the coalition. - Dan Bogert (Arizona Restaurant Association) thanked the council for stakeholder engagement and supported the revised ordinance. - Whitney Wingfield (bar and restaurant owner) initially opposed but after revisions expressed support. - Additional supporting speakers included representatives from Alcohol Justice, Think Twice Save Lives, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, ASU graduate and undergraduate student governments, and Tempe Union High School District. No speakers opposed the ordinance. Discussion Items 8A1 – Appeal of Massage Establishment Use Permit (Massage ACEs): Deputy Community Development Director Ryan Labake requested a continuance to allow staff to research other massage licenses in South Tempe, address appellant arguments, and compile a report with police input. Both the appellant (Matt Smith) and the applicant (represented by Ben Zheng) agreed. The council voted 7-0 to continue the item to March 26, 2026. 8C3 – Drink‑Spiking Education and Prevention Ordinance (Second/Final Hearing): Councilmember Keating, chair of the subcommittee, presented the revised ordinance. Key changes from the first reading: - Removed language allowing patrons to bring their own drink containers. - Replaced liability language with language reviewed by the Arizona Restaurant Association and Licensed Beverage Association. - Moved effective date to August 1, 2026, to allow for preparation and education. - Added a preamble for a formal city education campaign. - Enabled the police chief to grant exemptions for venues not aligned with nightlife (e.g., retirement communities). - Clarified that police department test kits are for investigations only. - Allowed series 6 and 12 licensees to serve alcohol past midnight for special occasions (max 3 days/month). - Changed signage lettering requirement from 1 inch to at least ¼ inch. Communications Director Chris Baxter‑Ging presented a public education plan, partnering with Tempe Coalition and ASU. Lieutenant Greg Bacon of Tempe Police Department stated the department supports any initiative improving public safety. After council discussion, Councilmember Amberg offered a motion to adopt the ordinance with technical revisions: moving the definition of “drink spiking” from Section 26-70 to Section 26-71, removing the exemption from Section 26-70 and placing it in 26-71, and reducing required lettering to ¼ inch. The motion passed 7-0, followed by a unanimous vote to adopt the ordinance as amended. 8B2 – FY 2024-25 Financial Reporting Package and Audit: Financial Services Director Laura Calder and auditor Brittany Williams (Heinfeld, Meech & Co.) presented the annual comprehensive financial report. An unmodified (clean) opinion was issued. No material weaknesses or audit findings were identified. The single audit report is expected by March 31, 2026. The council unanimously approved the report (7-0). 8A3 – Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Renovation (Phase 2): A professional services contract with Gensler was awarded 7-0. 8C1 – Land Use and Zoning Amendment (Marlot’s Garage, 1249 E. 8th St.): A general plan amendment (mixed‑use high to commercial) and zoning amendment (R4‑TOD to CS‑TOD) on 0.7 acres were approved 7-0 (two votes: general plan required two‑thirds majority, zoning simple majority). 8C2 – Land Use and Zoning Amendment (Priestly Alameda, 2750 S. Priest Dr.): A general plan amendment (mixed‑use moderate to mixed‑use industrial moderate) and zoning amendment (MU4‑PAD to GID) on approximately 25 acres were approved 7-0 (two votes). Key Outcomes - Drink‑Spiking Prevention Ordinance (8C3) adopted 7-0, with amendments, effective August 1, 2026. A one‑year review work session was requested by Councilmember Amberg and agreed to by staff. - Appeal of Massage ACEs use permit continued to March 26, 2026, for additional staff research. - All other agenda items (consent calendar, financial audit, stadium contract, land‑use amendments) were unanimously approved (7-0). - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:48 p.m. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The City of Tempe Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on January 28, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. Board members present included Andrea Samashka, Brett Siegel (online), and others. The meeting addressed election of officers, approval of prior meeting minutes, a variance request, and staff updates. The variance request was approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 17, 2025 study session and regular meeting were approved with a motion by Sean McCarley and a second by Andrea Samashka. The vote was 5–0–2 (two abstentions from board members who were not present at that meeting). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak during the hearing. However, staff noted that one email in opposition was received, expressing concern that approval would set a precedent for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) being built two feet from the property line. Four emails and one letter of support were also received. Discussion Items - Variance Request (1309 East Orange Street): Applicant Kate Weed requested a variance to reduce the east side yard setback from five feet to two feet for an existing detached garage built without permits prior to her ownership. The property is zoned R1-6. Staff (Senior Planner Robert Manzalilo) presented findings: the garage was constructed between 1993 and 1996, and the current owner was notified of the zoning violation in 2024. The variance met all four criteria: special circumstances existed (the structure pre-dated ownership, and the seller disclosure did not indicate a violation); strict application would deprive the property of a privilege enjoyed by others (five similar variances were approved within 600 feet); the adjustment does not grant special privileges; and the circumstance was not self-imposed. The east side neighbor, Martin Whedon, expressed written support. The board discussed the precedent and commended the applicant for pursuing compliance. No questions or concerns were raised beyond the single opposition email. Key Outcomes - Variance Approved: The board voted 7–0 to approve the variance, subject to standard conditions in the staff report. - Election of Officers: Mary Foy was elected Chairperson and Sean McCarley was elected Vice Chairperson, both by unanimous voice votes after formal motions. - Staff Update: The 30-day appeal period for the December 2025 ADU decision had passed. The item will be presented to City Council on March 5, 2026, with a recommendation to vacate the DRC decision as the original applicant withdrew their use permit application after modifying plans. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Tempe Development Review Commission held a public hearing on January 27, 2026, beginning at approximately 1:15 PM (13:15) local time. The meeting was chaired by Andy Johnson. The commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the January 13, 2026 study session and regular meeting, and also approved a consent agenda comprising three land-use items. No public comments were made on any agenda item. Consent Calendar - Item 4A: Request for a use permit to reduce the side yard building setback from eight to seven feet for a detached accessory building in the R16 zoning district (SOSA resident). No public testimony was offered; the item remained on the consent agenda and was approved unanimously. - Item 4B: Request for a use permit to allow two required parking spaces within the front yard setback in the R16 zoning district (Gleason carport to ADU conversion). No public testimony; approved unanimously. - Item 4C: Request for a use permit to allow a fitness center in the GID zoning district (FGFC fitness studio). No public testimony; approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any item on the consent agenda or on any other matter during the meeting. Discussion Items - The meeting opened with approval of the January 13, 2026 study session and regular meeting minutes (motion by Commissioner Richter, second by Commissioner Forte; passed unanimously). - The chair then called for public testimony on each consent agenda item; none was offered, so all three items were advanced to the consent agenda as a single motion. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 13, 2026 regular and study session meetings. - The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda (Items 4A, 4B, and 4C) as presented. - The next scheduled meeting is February 10, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a regular meeting on January 22, 2026, from approximately 6:00 PM to 9:24 PM. Key items included recognition of heroic staff, public comments on Shalomar Golf Course and Flock cameras, and a first hearing on a drink spiking prevention ordinance. The council also approved several items including consent agenda, a lease for Ken McDonald golf course, and various zoning and easement items. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes (7-0) - Accepted board, commission, and committee meeting minutes (7-0) - Approved the consent agenda (7-0) including miscellaneous items (7A1-7A3), awards of bids and contracts (7B1-7B8), and resolutions (7C1-7C4). Public Comments & Testimony - Shalomar Golf Course: Multiple residents and representatives spoke in support of saving the golf course and opposing rezoning. Speakers highlighted its role as a community anchor, green space, and venue for junior golf. Specific concerns included traffic impacts, loss of urban canopy, and the desires of residents. - Flock Cameras: Bobby Nichols requested termination of the Flock safety contract, citing concerns over data sharing with federal immigration enforcement based on research from Colorado and the University of Washington. - Drink Spiking Ordinance (8B3): Extensive testimony was heard. Supporters included ASU students, sorority representatives, business owners (e.g., Drink Me Tea Room), and nonprofit leaders (No More, Think Twice, Scrunchie). They cited high prevalence of drink spiking (e.g., 54% of students know someone affected), underreporting, and the need for prevention tools. Opponents included the Arizona Licensed Beverage Association and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, who raised concerns about mandates, liability, and provisions allowing outside containers. Business owners also worried about the cost of security plans and enforcement. Discussion Items - Drink Spiking Prevention Ordinance (8B3): Councilmember Keating presented the first reading. The ordinance would require bars serving alcohol after midnight to provide drink spiking test kits (minimum 10), with incentives for offering drink covers (25% rebate on annual liquor license fee). Stakeholder feedback led to changes: scope reduced from 137 to 60 businesses (series 6 and 12 licenses serving after midnight), penalty structure revised, liability language added, and signage moved to restrooms. Police expressed support. Council questions focused on accuracy of test kits, administration of security plans (already existing for 75-100 businesses), the tax incentive (specifically annual liquor license tax), the open container provision (concerns about allowing patrons to bring their own cups), and the need for a robust education campaign. Councilmember Keating acknowledged the issues and agreed to meet with stakeholders to refine the ordinance for a second reading. - Marlot's Garage (8B1): First hearing for a general plan and zoning amendment to allow adaptive reuse of a historic 1922 gas station into a commercial space with a food truck plaza. Council expressed strong support for preserving the building and activating the site. - Priest and Alameda (8B2): First hearing for rezoning 25 acres from mixed-use to general industrial to attract advanced manufacturing jobs. The developer committed to keeping an existing parking garage to buffer nearby residences and to pursue LEED Silver certification. Council discussed truck delivery times, green building code compliance, and solar readiness. - Ken McDonald Golf Course Lease (8A1): Approved 7-0 to amend and restate the lease and management agreement. - 250 Rio (8C1): Second and final hearing for a 16-story, 110-unit residential building. Approved 7-0 after discussion of green building initiatives and plans to work with the Veterans Commission on the Veterans Way project. - Sewer Code Amendment (8C2): Approved 7-0. - Waterline Easement Abandonments (8C3): Approved 7-0. - Baseline Road Property Purchase (8B2? – listed as 882 in transcript): Approved 7-0 to authorize purchase of real property at 950 East Baseline Road. Key Outcomes - All voting items (consent, 8A1, 8C1, 8C2, 8C3, Baseline Road purchase) were approved unanimously (7-0). - The drink spiking ordinance will return for a second hearing after revisions based on stakeholder meetings scheduled for the next day. - Recognitions: Escalante Multi-Generational Center employees and police officers honored for their response to a January 7 attack; proclamation for departing aide Mariana Pena. - Announcements: Regional Unity Walk (Saturday), Tempe Boat Cruising now accepting reservations, Tempe Blooms event this weekend. - Next regular council meeting: February 5, 2026.

On January 22, 2026, at 12:30 PM, the City of Tempe Housing Authority board met for a regular meeting. The board approved previous meeting minutes and received a quarterly update from staff on housing program performance. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (7-0, with board member Keating absent). Discussion Items - Quarterly Update (Quarter Ended December 31, 2025): Deputy Human Services Director Irma Holamy Kane presented an update. Key statistics include: - Capacity to assist 1,243 households with housing assistance. - Tempe's leasing performance compared favorably to the Arizona average, with a target leasing rate of 95-98%. - Attrition rate: Tempe at 6.92% vs. state average of approximately 10%. - Budget utilization: 100% of allocated funding used, with over $18 million administered. Average per-unit cost: $1,503.70. - HUD funding obligated through January 2026; a continuing resolution or new budget is needed to avoid a shutdown. - Family Self-Sufficiency program: 73 participants, 7 graduates, $109,773 in escrow disbursements, and one graduate achieved homeownership. - New staff: Brandon Bruce hired as Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator to revive home rehabilitation programs. - Home repair outreach: 19 households contacted, 3 completed determination. Larger home rehabilitation loan program targeting 49 households expected soon. - Board Comments: Board member Hodge praised the program as above standard and noted the low attrition rate. Board member Garland expressed appreciation and raised concerns about federal funding continuity; staff noted the update was informational only. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken on the quarterly update; it was for information only. - The meeting adjourned. The next scheduled Tempe Housing Authority meeting is on April 6, 2026.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Tempe Council Chambers, Hearing Officer Vanessa McDonald convened the second hearing of the month. The meeting addressed the approval of minutes from January 6, 2026, and five requests for 180-day open abatements for public nuisance code violations. The hearing officer granted all abatement requests, providing property owners 14 days (until February 3, 2026) to achieve compliance before city abatement begins. Consent Calendar - Minutes from January 6, 2026: Approved as accurately reflecting the prior hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - Whitney Benjamin Tyrell Hale (property owner of 1849 E Hayden Lane) addressed the hearing officer regarding agenda item 5. He stated that the property was an active construction site and that a building permit had just been obtained 10 days earlier. He requested the abatement not proceed, citing reduced debris and the need to finish construction. The hearing officer acknowledged his concerns but explained that four years of non-compliance warranted the abatement order, and encouraged cooperation with code compliance. Discussion Items - Item 2 – Sasere Property (504 E Carver Road): Code Inspector Melissa Ensing requested a 180-day open abatement for deteriorated landscaping, including dead trees, overheight grass/weeds, and a stump. The case began April 23, 2025, with two correction notices sent, five complaints received, and one citation (owner failed to appear). Photos from today showed worsening conditions. No public comment. Approved. - Item 3 – Schmidt Property (1552 E Drake Drive): Inspector Ensing requested abatement for dead tree, deteriorated landscape, alley obstruction, commercial equipment, and trash/debris. Case initiated March 12, 2025; four correction notices sent; one citation (owner failed to appear). The owner had corrected front yard violations but the backyard remained full of commercial pool supplies and miscellaneous junk. No public comment. Approved. - Item 4 – Abbott Trust Property (328 East Palmcroft Drive): Inspector John Salazar requested abatement for overheight grass/weeds, dead tree debris, and junk/trash. Case began September 17, 2025, from a public complaint. Multiple inspections, two correction notices, and notices of intent to abate were sent. No contact with owner. Photos showed overgrowth encroaching on sidewalks, dead tree, piled wood, plastic chairs, and trash bags. No public comment. Approved. - Item 5 – Hale Property (1849 E Hayden Lane): Inspector Andres Lara Reyes requested abatement for trash, litter, debris, and excessive storage dating back to October 27, 2021. The owner had received four civil citations and one criminal citation. Despite three conversations and multiple notices, violations persisted. Photos showed stacked wood, buckets, tarps, shelving, and trash. The property owner, Whitney Hale, spoke (see Public Comments). The hearing officer noted the four-year duration and lack of sufficient progress, but encouraged the owner to work with code compliance within the 14-day window. Approved. - Item 6 – Miles Property (702 East Taylor Street): Inspector Michael Moreno requested abatement for deteriorated landscape and trash/debris. Case initiated June 24, 2025. Multiple inspections, two extensions granted, and one citation (fines unpaid). Photos revealed overheight grass, Amazon boxes, palm fronds, and in the rear yard: a deteriorated jacuzzi, makeshift shelters, suitcases, laundry, and trash—indicating possible homeless encampment. No public comment. Approved. Key Outcomes - All five property abatement requests (Items 2–6) were approved for 180-day open abatements. Property owners have until February 3, 2026 (14 days after the decision) to bring properties into full code compliance; otherwise, the city will abate at the owner’s expense. - Appeal deadline: Any party aggrieved by a decision may appeal to the Board of Adjustment by 3:00 PM on February 3, 2026. - Next hearing: Scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Tempe Council Chambers.