June 14th, 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

It’s been a whirlwind week filled with international conversations and local action! First, I’m pleased to share that a public safety program we launched in District 1 is expanding citywide. In 2023, I worked to create a pilot lockbox program, which allows first responders access to homes during an emergency without causing damage. Thanks to Phoenix Realtors for donating the lockboxes, residents who are over the age of 55 or have mobility issues, can request a lockbox be installed outside their home and provide the code to be used only in an emergency. This life-saving program also includes garages and other door codes. For more information or to request a lockbox, please email pfd.lockbox@phoenix.gov

New housing has bloomed in District 1! On Thursday, I took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bloom at Deer Valley, a community offering nearly 300 homes for lease. With one, two and three-bedroom detached houses, along with duplexes, Bloom offers more choices for residents who want the privacy and space of single-family homes, the benefits of modern construction, and the flexibility of renting. And with amenities like pools, spas, dog parks, and walking trails, residents don’t just get a home, they get a lifestyle. This development helps our city grow in a thoughtful way. It reflects the vitality of north Phoenix and supports our broader goals of creating connected, inclusive neighborhoods across all parts of the city.

I continue to support and strengthen our relationship with Taiwan. I had the pleasure of welcoming six companies at Venture Café, located at the Phoenix Bioscience Core downtown. The group is on its way to Boston for the BIO International Convention, and we were fortunate to hear their pitches first! Like Taiwan, the City of Phoenix believes in the power of science, technology, and entrepreneurship to improve lives. That focus began more than 20 years ago, when we welcomed Dr. Jeffrey Trent and TGen to what is now our 30-acre Phoenix Bioscience Core. At the time we were just getting started, Boston and San Francisco had a hundred-year head start! Yet today, Phoenix ranks among the Top 20 life science markets in the U.S. That’s proof of what’s possible when vision is matched by investment and collaboration. Our next major life science hub—adjacent to TSMC at Halo Vista—will include a science and tech park modeled on innovative campuses built in Taiwan. We’re building a future that connects global talent, advanced research, and community-driven entrepreneurship.

Finally, I met with a delegation of mayors from 5 cities in Ukraine. Their trip is part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, with the goal of sharing local government insights and building relationships. I was moved by their resilience and commitment, especially considering they are managing local operations while their country is at war. While eager to share their pride in their country, culture and language, they asked thoughtful questions about how Phoenix addresses homelessness and public participation in council meetings and the budget process. I’m grateful to have spent time with them and promised that, despite the miles between us, Ukraine will remain close in our hearts.

Ann O'Brien 

Vice Mayor of Phoenix

Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting

Our next meeting will be Friday, June 27th, at the DoubleTree Resort Metrocenter 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

Police Chief Forum Coming Up

The City of Phoenix is hosting a public forum in the process of selecting a new Police Chief. Candidates will answer questions presubmitted by the public at City Council Chambers and it is an important step in the hiring process.

You can join in the process by completing the City’s community feedback survey and submitting a potential question to the candidates online: Phoenix.gov/PDChiefRecruitment

You can submit feedback online up until two hours before the event itself or even submit in-person at the forum.  

The Phoenix Police Chief Public Forum takes place Monday, June 16, at 5 p.m. at Phoenix City Council Chambers, 200 W Jefferson St. The event will be streamed live on YouTube at youtube.com/CityofPhoenixAZ

After Park in the Dark

Mark your calendars for a magical evening under the stars—After Dark in the Park is back, and this year it's bringing a bold new experience to the skies. For the first time ever, the event will feature a drone light show, replacing the traditional fireworks with a high-tech, eco-friendly spectacle.

Join us on Friday, June 21 from 6–9 p.m. at Deer Valley Park (19602 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix) for an evening of community fun, food, music, and entertainment. The highlight of the night—the drone show—begins at 8:45 p.m., promising a breathtaking display of synchronized lights choreographed to music.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and sense of wonder, and come experience this innovative twist on a local favorite. We’ll see you After Dark in the Park!

Attention Phoenix Parents and Swimmers

Mark your calendars! The City of Phoenix swim lesson enrollment opens on June 14, 2025 at 10 AM. 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 10 AM 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!

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: June 24th
• Next City Council Formal Meeting: June 18th

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