Message from Vice Mayor Ann O'Brien
I hope you were able to make our last community meeting before summer recess. On Friday morning, District 3 Councilwoman Debra Stark joined us, along with Phoenix Police and Fire. District 1 and 3 boundaries overlap, and we share some similar concerns. The Police Department’s Transit Unit shared an update on operations targeting 19th, 27th and 35th avenue corridors for drug use, trespassing and light rail fare violations. They’ve made dozens of arrests for misdemeanors and felonies. On one day, officers, acting on citizen complaints of people using drugs at bus stops along 19th Avenue from Northern Avenue to Bethany Home Road, arrested 10 people and recovered approximately 30 grams of fentanyl powder.
At the meeting, we also heard from the Fire Department about legal and illegal fireworks. With the Fourth of July around the corner, we want everyone to enjoy the holiday—safely and responsibly. That’s why Phoenix has launched a new Fireworks Task Force focused on education, prevention, and enforcement. Our goal is simple: prevent injuries, protect property, and keep our neighborhoods safe. During a press conference at the Phoenix Fire Training Academy, I witnessed how dangerous even legal fireworks can be. As part of a controlled demonstration for media, a firefighter extinguished a sparkler and tossed it in a trash can next to a wooden structure that resembled a house. It took less than three minutes for the structure to become fully engulfed. If you’re going to use fireworks, please get educated on their proper disposal. Our first responders recommend soaking used fireworks in water overnight before disposing of them. You can find more information at www.phoenix.gov/fire
Next week is our last council meeting before summer break. The meeting will begin earlier than normal at 10 a.m. As always, you can attend in-person at City Council Chambers downtown or tune in on the city’s website www.phoenix.gov or the city’s YouTube channel. We have many important items on the agenda, including my request that the City get a non-voting seat on Keys to Change board. Keys provides critical services for people experiencing homelessness at the Key Campus near downtown. It also serves as the campus administrator to 11 other organizations, including CASS. Phoenix contributes significant dollars to both Keys and Cass. In 2023, after raising financial concerns about CASS, I fought for a non-voting seat on CASS’s board and got it!
I want the same with Keys to Change and discussed it in this article. Having a seat at the table will improve collaboration and communication and help all us do better so that we can help more of our residents end their cycle of homelessness.
Phoenix hosted a kick-off reception for the U.S. – Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum and I was honored to address a group of dignitaries as we work to strengthen bilateral relationships. When TSMC announced their record $165 billion investment in our community, they didn't just choose North Phoenix – they chose North America. They recognized what we've known for a long time—that the future of semiconductor manufacturing depends not on any one city or one country, but on the strength of our regional partnerships. The facilities being built In District 1 represent more than just manufacturing capacity – they represent the foundation of a truly integrated North American semiconductor ecosystem. This ecosystem cannot reach its full potential without Mexico and the deep partnerships we're building.
Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting with two groups of young people this week. First, I met with campers taking part in the Irish Cultural Center’s Teen Week. The camp is one part of the center’s larger youth summer program. I also met students affiliated with the Foundation for Blind Children, a Valley-based resource for blind and low-vision people. Talking with both groups, I was encouraged by their curiosity about local government and their desire to contribute to our community in meaningful ways.
Ann O'Brien
Vice Mayor of Phoenix
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Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting
WE'LL SEE YOU AFTER THE SUMMER!
News From the City of Phoenix
Metro District Community Collaboration: Building a Stronger Community Together
The Metro District Community Collaboration (MDCC) is a nonprofit focused on uniting local businesses, property owners, and residents to reimagine and revitalize the former Metrocenter Mall area. Together, we're building a safer, more vibrant, and better-connected community.
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Join us at our next Community Meeting
Be part of the conversation and hear about new initiatives shaping the future of the Metro District.
When: Tuesday, August 26th at 10:00 AM
Where: Adelante Healthcare West – 9610 N. Metro Pkwy W., Phoenix, AZ
Lockbox Program Citywide
 The City of Phoenix Lockbox Program allows firefighters to gain entry to your home in case of emergency without causing any damage to your residence. This is done by utilizing a key that you provide in a secure lockbox attached to your entryway. This program not only provides free lockboxes to those vulnerable Phoenix residents; it also allows those who already have their own lockbox in place to register their lockbox code with the fire department.
Who qualifies? Free lockboxes are donated by the Phoenix Area Association of Realtors and are distributed on a first come, first served basis to vulnerable Phoenix residents who are 55+, have special needs or mobility issues.
If you have any questions about the City of Phoenix Lockbox Program or would like to be removed from the program, please email pfd.lockbox@phoenix.gov
You can click here to apply for a lockbox.
Attention Phoenix Parents and Swimmers
 Mark your calendars! The City of Phoenix swim lesson enrollment opens on June14,2025 at 10AM. If you're looking to boost confidence and skill in the water, don’t miss this opportunity!
Click here to view available classes and register:
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Swim Lessons
Whether you're starting at the basics or refining your technique, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers lessons tailored for all ages and abilities. Spots fill up fast, so be ready when registration begins!
Pro Tips:
- Set a reminder so you don’t miss the 10AM start time.
- Create or log into your City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Activenet account beforehand to speed up the checkout process.
- Have your child’s age and skill level ready – it’ll help you choose the right class.
Let’s make a splash this summer!
Monsoon Season Inbound!
 When it rains, stormwater flows directly into our rivers, washes, and retention areas without any treatment. Guess what it carries along - chemicals, trash, and pet waste, which can harm our water. Unlike the water from our kitchens or toilets, stormwater isn't treated. This makes it important for us to take steps each day to prevent stormwater pollution like putting litter in the trash, and always picking up your pet’s poo.
Always remember: “Only Rain in the Storm Drain!”
Learn more: phoenix.gov/stormwater
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
Back Soon with More Exciting News!
News From Washington Elementary School District
The WESD is Hiring!
 The WESD is hiring for the 2025-2026 school year! Please join us for our Job Fair on Monday, July 14, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the WESD Administrative Center, located at 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave. We currently have a wide range of job openings in our KidSpace, Nutrition Services and Transportation Departments, as well as, a variety of available teaching positions!
Our District offers competitive teacher salaries of $53,000-$84,950 with performance pay, student loan forgiveness, school-age child care discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, and employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement. The WESD also provides the most support for teachers including instructional coaches on every campus, weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), regular professional development and social workers on each campus.
For questions, please call 602-347-2622. To view our job vacancies and apply online, please visit jobs.wesdschools.org/. We look forward to meeting you at our job fair!
Fresh Fruits and Veggies Awarded to 10 WESD Schools
 We are excited to share some "fresh" news! Ten WESD schools have been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2025-2026 school year! The goals of the FFVP are to encourage healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education, increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children, and make a difference in children’s diets to positively impact their present and future health.
Congratulations to: Acacia Elementary, Desert View Elementary, Ironwood Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Moon Mountain Elementary, Roadrunner Elementary, Sahuaro Elementary, Shaw Butte Elementary, Sunburst Elementary and Sunnyslope School. Thanks to the FFVP, the WESD Nutrition Services Department will be able to serve students at these schools with free fruits and vegetables in addition to nutritious breakfast and lunch meals all school year!
WESD Extends Summer Meals
 The WESD is proud to share that free summer meals will be extended through July! From June 20 to July 25, free breakfast and lunch meals for all children and teenagers up to 18 years old will be available Monday through Friday at seven different locations. Due to Independence Day, meals will not be served on Friday, July 4. No application or registration is needed. All meals must be consumed on-site. Adult meals will also be offered at a cost.
Please see the images for specific dates and times for each location. For more information, please contact the WESD Nutrition Services Department at 602-896-5235.
WESD Enrolling Kindergarten Students for 25-26 School Year
 The WESD is now enrolling kindergartners for the 2025-2026 school year! Available at 27 locations, our free, full-day kindergarten program offers a developmentally appropriate and research-based curriculum that addresses reading, writing and math in a caring and welcoming environment with kind and patient teachers! In the WESD, kindergarten also fosters a joy of learning through engaging activities and instills creativity and social skills in each child. All locations offer free breakfast and lunch, as well!
Children turning five before September 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors who have a soon-to-be kindergartner! Beat the rush and simply enroll online by visiting www.wesdschools.org/kindergarten. We look forward to meeting the future class of 2038!
News From Glendale Union High School District
GUHSD Wishes Everyone a Great Summer!
Interested in serving on Phoenix's Boards and Commissions?
 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: September 9th
- Next City Council Formal Meeting: July 2nd
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
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