February 21st, 2025

In this week's issue: 

• Message from Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien
• Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting
• News From the City of Phoenix
• News From Deer Valley Unified School District
• News From Washington Elementary School District
• News From Glendale Union High School District
• Phoenix Boards and Commissions
• City Council Meetings
• Connect with us!

Message from Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien

As lovely as it has been, being in the 70s, for the past week, I fear it may be short-lived as it sounds like we’re expecting high 80s next week! Summer is just around the corner already – say it isn’t so! I hope you all get the chance to get out this weekend and enjoy the weather while you still can!

The other week I told you all about my efforts to bring back first-time homebuyer products by tackling much-needed policy reforms on a state level down at the Legislature. Earlier this week, my team and I made the decision to suspend our efforts this year to continue working with stakeholders to ensure we have a much stronger piece of legislation for next session. And while it’s certainly prolonging our efforts to effectively tackle the housing crisis, it’s not my only bill down at the Legislature.

As I mentioned sometimes in order to achieve what outcomes we’d like to see on the municipal level, it requires us to take action at the state level. On Monday, I went to the State Senate’s Finance Committee to support a bill I’ve been working closely to create which would allow our cities and towns to hire part-time police officers. Considering we are down almost 600 officers, we cannot afford to lose anymore. Why wouldn’t we want the flexibility to keep highly trained personnel who need a part-time schedule? With this legislation, I wanted to ensure that an existing officer who may need to cut back on hours wouldn’t be forced to leave Phoenix PD and go work a private security job – they could stay a Phoenix Police Officer. My legislation passed out of committee 6-1 and is off to the full Senate floor for a vote!

On Tuesday morning, my staff joined me on a tour of the Safe Outdoor Space located downtown. The Safe Outdoor Space is one of many diverse shelter types we have opened over the past couple of years. As called for in my Proposed Homeless Solutions Plan, diversity in shelter options reduces the impediments of folks on the street accepting shelter. Previously, we were hearing concerns from unsheltered families not wanting to be separated, folks with pets who needed shelters that accommodated their furry companions, and even those who may just not be ready to enter a full shelter space. As we continue to tackle homelessness, we needed to create spaces for everyone, and the Safe Outdoor Space is one of those. This community offers unsheltered folks who may not be ready to fully reintegrate into a structured environment safe from the streets and drugs while they start their journey to recovering from homelessness. This is just one of many homeless programs that are at risk of being defunded due to the loss of revenue from the State Legislature’s removal of rental tax and decreased state shared revenue funds. But, with the proposed sales tax increase I’ve been talking about, this community and our other programs that are showing a high success rate in keeping people off the street and reducing our homeless populations will be able to continue.​​​​​

Lastly, yesterday, I spent the day at the annual Urban Land Institute’s Trends Day with 1,400 other attendees learning about the current trends in development and land zoning. Now, why would a Councilmember be attending an event like this? Events like Trends Day allow me the ability to learn from the development community what is on the horizon and to be able to communicate with them my desires for how I want Northwest Phoenix to grow. One of the fascinating topics of conversation yesterday was a panel on the new expectations in master-planned communities.

Currently, in the northern part of my district, I’m working closely with Pulte Homes to rezone and plan 6,400 acres of land into a master-planned community called North Park. This community would have anywhere from 16,000 to 19,000 residential doors. Estimating 2 to 2.5 people per door, we’re looking at 32,000 to 47,500 new residents in North Phoenix over the next ten years. That’s about half the population of Flagstaff, to put it into perspective. With this community, we’re quite literally building a town with restaurants, grocery stores, retail, and entertainment. Yesterday’s panel helped solidify my desire to see an urban, walkable community in the middle of the desert. The trend for master-planned communities is for everyone within the community to be within a 10-minute walk to their nearest restaurant or retail space. I’ve been working to ensure this community isn’t like a standard suburban neighborhood with all the commercial scrunched up at one intersection. But instead, spread throughout the community so no resident is located too far from their nearest restaurant or retail store.

Don’t forget to get out in the perfect weather while you still can this weekend! Check out any of our amazing trail systems or go visit your local park or library! Or, join me at the Phoenix Police Foundation Honor Run on Sunday at 7am; the start line is at City Hall.

Ann O'Brien 

Vice Mayor of Phoenix

Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting

Our next meeting will be Friday, February 28th, at the DoubleTree Hotel located at 10220 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051. Plan for check in to begin at 7:30am and the meeting to start at 8:00am.

You can register below for the upcoming meeting! As a reminder, please fill out the form SEPARATELY for EACH member of your family planning to attend. Thank you!

News From the City of Phoenix

Phoenix Police Chief Recruitment Survey

The City of Phoenix is looking for a permanent Police Chief. As we go through the hiring process, we want your feedback. Take the survey and let us know your top priorities for police leadership and what questions we should be asking.

Community C.A.F.E. Conversations

Be a part of developing the 2030 Food Action Plan, the Energy Access Plan and the update to the Climate Action Plan. Participate in community C.A.F.É. (Climate, Action, Food, and Energy) conversations. Conversations will focus on different elements of the plans – from heat to energy, water, food, air, and more. These conversations are intended to be an engaging and interactive space. Each community C.A.F.É. conversation will be approximately two hours with both in-person and virtual options available as well as English and Spanish language interpretation options. In-person sessions will include food in appreciation for your time and participation, and activities for children. To learn more about dates, times, and how to register click visit www.phoenix.gov/oep/cap

Bus Rapid Transit Coming Soon!

The City of Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Program is moving forward with its first corridor – 35th Avenue – and we want to hear from you! Visit www.meetphoenixbrt.com to learn more about community outreach events happening in February and March 2025.

CAN I KICK IT? 2025

Downtown Phoenix Inc. is preparing to host its second annual CAN I KICK IT? event on Saturday, February 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Civic Space Park. The free, community-centric event will feature Men In Black (1997) with a fresh, live-scored soundtrack by Washington D.C.-based DJ duo Shaolin Jazz. Beyond the movie, attendees can explore the Buy Black Marketplace, hosted by Archwood Exchange/ACRES, and enjoy a dynamic fashion show presented by The Garment League, showcasing talented Black designers.

Entertainment Schedule:

• 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Live Music by Shaolin Jazz
• 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Black History Trivia by ACRES
• 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. | Fashion Show by The Garment League
• 6:05 - 7:45 p.m. | Men In Black (1997) Movie Screening with Live Scoring by Shaolin Jazz

Share Your Feedback on How Phoenix Spends Grant Funds

Every five years, the City of Phoenix partners with the community to develop a strategic Consolidated Plan. The plan defines strategies to address housing, community development needs, and current market conditions in order for the City of Phoenix to make informed decisions on an estimated $130​​​ million in HUD grant funding.  Grants include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Your feedback is crucial to improving your community. Take the survey now!

Phoenix Public Library is More Than Books

Get ready for spring gardening! Visit a Seed Library at any one of our 17 locations and check out some seed packets to take home. We have a wide variety of fruit, vegetable and perennial seeds available along with tips and materials to get you started. All for free with your PPL card!

Join the City of Phoenix Aquatics Team!

Ready to make a splash this summer? The City of Phoenix Aquatics is hiring lifeguards, and we need YOU!

Get certified with a Lifeguard Certification Class – all you need to do is:

• Be 15 years old by the end of the class
• Pay a class fee of just $20
• Attend all class dates (mandatory!)

Sign up today! Click here to find a class date & time.

Don’t forget to:

• Submit your City of Phoenix application
• Watch your email to sign up for an interview in March!

Get ready to dive into a rewarding summer job with Phoenix Aquatics!

Cactus Park Crime Update

The officers of the Cactus Park Precinct actively work to address criminal activity in our community, and we like to highlight a small fraction of this work with you, our community and business leaders. Regularly, the showcased examples start from a call for service from an engaged community member like you.

In an Emergency or to report suspicious activity 911 | To report a crime or non-emergency 602-262-6151 option #4 | Silent Witness 480-WITNESS 

Here’s the latest update from Cactus Park Precinct:

On February 3, 2025, patrol officers responded to a call of a person passed out in a vehicle in the area of Dixileta Drive and 31st Lane. Upon arrival, officers found the occupant unresponsive, with shallow breathing; clearly in need of medical intervention. Fire Department personnel were requested; however, based on the condition of the occupant, officers issued NARCAN to reverse the apparent drug overdose. Upon arrival, Fire Department paramedics provided additional aid and transported the man to the hospital for further treatment. Paramedics indicated the officer’s NARCAN deployment saved the patient’s life. Great work by our patrol team members and our partners with Phoenix Fire. The Cactus Park Precinct would also like to thank the community member who placed this call. Your actions helped save a life.  Thank you!

On February 3, 2025, a fatal car-pedestrian collision occurred in the area of 37th Avenue and Peoria Avenue. Following the collision, the suspect vehicle fled the area. Real-Time Operations Center specialists were able to retrace the suspect vehicle’s movements to the area of 27th Avenue and Butler Avenue, determining a possible residence location. When responding detectives canvased this area, they located the suspect vehicle and identified a possible suspect. Incredible work by our Real-Time Operations Center personnel!

If you have any questions or concerns in your area or are looking for ways to be more involved in your community, please click on the link below and contact your area Community Action Officer.

Cactus Park Coffee With a Cop

Please join your Cactus Park Precinct Commander Hein along with officers who serve for Coffee with a Cop at The Cracked Egg at 3422 W Glendale Ave on February 26th at 8:00am. This is a great opportunity to come out and meet the members of our police department that make up the Cactus Park Precinct.

Black Mountain Coffee With a Cop

Please join your Black Mountain Precinct Commander Siekmann along with officers who serve for Coffee with a Cop at Biscuits Cafe at 310 E Bell on February 27th at 8:30am. This is a great opportunity to come out and meet the members of our police department that make up the Black Mountain Precinct.

Upcoming Freeway Closures

Upcoming Weekend Closures 

• Northbound I-17 will be closed between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24. 
• Southbound I-17 will be closed between SR 74 and Loop 303 from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, to 5 a.m. Monday, March 3. 

This weekend’s work will replace bridge deck joints in the closed area. For more information, please visit the project webpage at: azdot.gov/i-17HappyvalleySR74.

Drivers should use caution and be prepared to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through any work zones.

City Launches Community Survey

The City of Phoenix is ready to launch the community survey. This survey asks questions on a wide range of topics around life in our community, from what residents think is working, to where they see a need for improvement, providing feedback that is used to calculate ongoing satisfaction scores. The survey is one more way to gather information from residents in our effort to more holistically understand neighborhood issues and enhance our responsiveness to community priorities.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. The survey system sets response targets based on Census data to ensure community representation. Survey responses will be anonymous.   

The survey is served up to residents on various websites and social media platforms. Residents can also respond to the survey directly with this link.

We’ve also created a survey landing page on Phoenix.gov to answer questions, including the security and privacy of the survey.

News From Deer Valley Unified School District

DVUSD Will Be Back With More News!

District 1 is seeking community leaders interested in serving as the District's representative for various boards and commissions, such as the Village Planning Committee. 

To start the application process, please visit the Boards and Commissions webpage. 

Upcoming City Council Meetings

• Next City Council Policy Meeting: February 25th
• Next City Council Formal Meeting: March 5th

Vice Mayor O'Brien has been appointed chairperson of the Economic Development & Housing Subcommittee, and is also a member of the Public Safety & Justice Subcommittee. Visit the Council Subcommittee webpage for the schedule of public meetings.  

Learn more about Vice Mayor O'Brien, her priorities and focus for District 1 on the district's webpage.

Connect with us!

phoenix.gov/district1