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March 15th, 2026

In this week's issue: 


Message from Councilwoman Ann O'Brien

The City of Phoenix Proposed 2026–27 City Manager’s Trial Budget will be available to view beginning Thursday, March 19. This is your opportunity to review how your tax dollars will be spent and tell us what matters most to you. Starting March 19, you can read the trial budget at your convenience at www.phoenix.gov/budget That’s where you will also find ways to provide your valuable feedback via email and phone. I review every comment before the Council votes. The City is also holding in-person and virtual community meetings to review the trial budget and gather input. At our District 1 meeting on Monday evening, March 30, at 6pm at Beuf Community Center, City staff will walk us through the trial budget and gather input. In addition to meetings held in each Council district, two hybrid meetings will take place in-person at City Council Chambers downtown and virtually on Saturday, April 11 at 10:30 am and Thursday, April 16 at 6pm. Sign up for the virtual meetings at www.phoenix.gov/budget/hearings

This weekend, I’m heading to Washington, D.C. to meet with our Congressional delegation, as well as federal officials to fight for our fair share of Colorado River water. The seven Colorado River basin states, including Arizona, missed a federal deadline to agree on new water-sharing guidelines and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is considering imposing its own solution. The scenarios being considered fail to consider how critical we are to the national economy and innovation, including the federal government’s priority to reshore semi-conductor manufacturing and the world class medical research happening here. Based on water rights established a century ago, Arizona has low-priority and we are first in line to face cuts. That’s unacceptable and unsustainable. Phoenix has always been prepared for drought and taken conservation efforts seriously. Now we need the federal government to do its part and ensure any new Colorado River framework is fair and reflects the sacrifices Phoenix and other Arizona communities have already made.

Ahead of Phoenix hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four for the first time, we unveiled a new mural downtown. Created by artist Antoinette Cauley, it spotlights four exceptional athletes from local high schools. Antoinette describes the mural as both a gift to Phoenix and a reminder to support girls - in sports and in life - the same way adults showed up for her as a young artist. It was a joy to see the girls’ reactions when the cover was removed, and they saw themselves in action! You can find the mural outside the Regency Garage at 40 N 2nd Street. The Final Four has numerous fan activities, including free and family-friendly events like festivals in and outside the Convention Center, a youth parade with participating fans getting a free t-shirt and basketball to dribble along the route, and a concert  Hance Park. You can find details on all the events at www.phoenixfinalfour.com

Ann O'Brien 

District 1 Councilwoman

 


Mark Your Calendars: Community Meeting

Our next meeting will be Monday, March 30th, at the Beuf Community Center located at 3435 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Plan for check-in to begin at 5:30pm and the meeting to start at 6:00pm.

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

Need Support? Helping PHX Families Has You Covered

834e9195-a043-4d37-98d0-36144e0cc0a0.pngThe City of Phoenix is here for you at every age and every stage of life. Our new Helping PHX Families webpage makes it easy to find trusted programs and services to support you and your family all in one place. 

Need help paying utility bills? Looking for afterschool programs for kids? Want transportation and services for seniors or emergency assistance during tough times? You’ll find these resources and more,  just a click away.  

Explore the page today and connect with the support you need: phoenix.gov/helping

 

PHX Free Little Library Now Open at America's Friendliest Airport

7b96fc6a-c5bc-4448-af0a-c5bdcc90fd73.jpgA new addition to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport brings the joy of reading and the convenience of picking up a book to travelers. 

The PHX Free Little Library offers books for readers of all ages. Travelers can take a book or donate one for others to enjoy. Books are supplied by Phoenix Public Library and Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. 

The PHX Free Little Library is located in the Culture Corner in Terminal 3, Level 4, post-security, between Gates F3 and F4. 

For more information, visit skyharbor.com/LittleLibrary

 

Get Free & Discounted Phoenix Rising FC Tickers with Your Library Card

6793c85a-23b0-4994-8422-604a8c29e1ba.pngPhoenix Public Library has partnered with Phoenix Rising FC to bring library cardholders free and discounted access to professional soccer matches. Cardholders can check out 2 free tickets to select home matches by visiting any Phoenix Public Library location. Additional tickets are available for just $16 when you show your library card at the stadium box office. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more at PhoenixPublicLibrary.org

 

 

 

Become a Lifeguard

697b102f-a43d-4182-ac5b-3f9b7da6e9f0.pngThe City of Phoenix is looking for motivated individuals to join our Aquatics team for the upcoming summer season. If you are looking for a rewarding way to serve the community, build professional skills, and stay active, becoming a lifeguard is the perfect opportunity.

  • Get Certified: Register for a mandatory lifeguard certification class. 
  • Apply Online: Visit phoenix.gov/jobs and search for the "Lifeguard" position to submit your application.
  • Interview: Keep an eye on your email! Interview invitations will be sent out this March.

Ready to get started? Visit phoenix.gov/lifeguard for full details, certification class schedules, and apply!

 

Celebrate Mister Rogers Week at Phoenix Public Library 

4329eb88-8b45-4bd6-b30d-e1d0b9a18025.pngPhoenix Public Library is celebrating Mister Rogers Week, March 16–21, with free programs for families across the city. Enjoy themed storytimes, puppet-making, STEAM activities, and a special community celebration at South Mountain Community Library. Join us as we celebrate kindness, creativity, and being caring neighbors.  Learn more at phoenixpubliclibrary.org

 

 

 

 

Help Shape Community Health

87c91dd5-2671-4088-b038-591f27b799fc.pngMaricopa County Department of Public Health in partnership with the City of Phoenix Office of Public Health are conducting a Community Health Survey from February through April to identify local strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improving health. Every three years, in partnership with community organizations and healthcare providers, we gather residents’ input on quality of life, essential services, and physical and mental health. Your feedback helps guide planning and create a healthier Maricopa County for all. Take the survey today: Phoenix.gov/Health

 

 

 

City Launches Community Survey

Zencity Feedback - IG Square.pngThe 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.

 


News From Deer Valley Unified School District

DVUSD Career Fair April 18

Job Fair Flyer 2026 Final Draft.jpgJoin the DVUSD family! As one of the Forbes Best Midsize employers in the state from 2020-2024 there is an opportunity for everyone in several areas of the District! Make and impact on the next generation and the community by beginning a career at DVUSD!  The DVUSD Career Fair is Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. - noon at the DVUSD District Office (20402 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027). 

Explore opportunities now: dvusd.org/joindvusd

DVUSD Offers: 

  • Arizona State Retirement System Benefits 
  • Flexible work schedules aligning with school breaks, including full-time and part-time positions
  • Paid holidays 
  • Competitive Compensation & Benefits Plans
  • Tuition FREE Teacher Prep Program 

 


News From Washington Elementary School District

Hope you're enjoying your Spring Break season!

 

 


News From Glendale Union High School District

Student Art Show: "Young at Heart" Now on Display

District Art Show.pngGlendale Union High School District presents this year’s Student Art Show, “Young at Heart,” hosted at Glendale Community College. On display from March 4 through March 31, the exhibition features an inspiring collection of artwork created by talented students across GUHSD campuses, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces that highlight the creativity of district artists. Community members are invited to view the exhibition throughout the month and join the GUHSD Art Show Awards Reception on March 31 at 5 p.m. in the Glendale Community College Student Union. This special evening offers an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable artistic achievements of GUHSD students and support the continued growth of visual arts education across the district.

 

 

Automation and Robotics Program Now Open

TSMC x MVHS & GWHS.pngGlendale Union High School District is launching a new Automation and Robotics program at Greenway High School and Moon Valley High School to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. In collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC Arizona), students will gain hands-on experience in electronics, sensors, control systems, troubleshooting, and industrial safety. This pathway prepares students for opportunities such as Equipment Technician roles and other entry-level positions in semiconductor manufacturing. Students will graduate with real-world technical skills, confidence, and a clear pathway into a growing industry right here in our community. The future is automated, and GUHSD students are ready!

 


Interested in serving on Phoenix's Boards and Commissions? 

Boards and Commissions.pngDistrict 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: March 24th
  • Next City Council Formal Meeting: March 25th

Councilwoman O'Brien has been appointed chairperson of the Economic Development & Arts Subcommittee, and is also a member of the Public Safety & Justice Subcommittee and the Community Services & Education Subcommittee. Visit the Council Subcommittee webpage for the schedule of public meetings.  


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


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