CARES Act Funds: Arizona Fire & Medical Authority in Sun Lakes

I am very happy to present a CARES Act check to the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority at the Fire Station in Sun Lakes on September 16. Fire Districts play an essential public safety role in Maricopa County and their job has become even more challenging in dealing with this pandemic. Pictured above, I am presenting the check to the members and Chief Robert Biscoe.

Be Ballot Ready

Remember October 5th is the deadline to register to vote.  You can have a ballot mailed to you, or you can vote in person. Early ballots mail on October 7. In-person voting will be available October 7 - November 3. All voting locations will follow strict physical distancing and cleaning guidelines.

Get started at BeBallotReady.vote.

Interested in being a poll worker? Sign up here>

Business Assistance

This is a tough time to own or operate a business.  We want to remind you that there are resources available at arizonatogether.org and on the Maricopa County Public Health and Environmental Services websites.  Did your business suffer financial losses due to COVID-19?  Consider applying for one of our small business or non-profit grants. Learn about business and non-profit grants through Maricopa County > Hear from a grant recipient (VIDEO) >

Mortgage and Rental Assistance

If you are struggling financially because of COVID-19, one of the most pressing issues may be how to pay your mortgage or rent.  There is help available.  The Arizona Department of Housing has compiled a list of resources for homeowners who need help with their mortgage payments. Maricopa County’s COVID Crisis Rental Assistance Program has helped more than 1,000 households pay their rent over the past two months.  Our program is designed to speed along the process so that people get checks in the mail faster. Applicants will need to submit: Evidence of financial hardship due to Covid-19 Applicant photo Lease agreement Total household income Learn about our process (VIDEO) > See qualifications and apply (WEBSITE) >

Utility Assistance

People who are struggling to pay their utility bills have options.  Both SRP and APS are offering to help customers who are behind on payments, or worried about their next bill.  Maricopa County residents outside the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale may also qualify for assistance through our Human Services Department.  Learn more >

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Adoption Event

An adoption event is being held at the Rio Salado location from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4.  Although Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is not yet prepared to fully re-open this location, this event sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation is to help support the East Valley residents looking for a new addition to their family.  As more information is known about the full re-opening of the East shelter, we will continue to keep you apprised.  Details: Adoption by Appointment Only 1:00pm-6:00pm (5:00pm is the last appointment) Click here for more information.

Buy One, Get One Camping Promotion

Beginning October 1, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will bring back the popular Buy One, Get One camping promotion.  The promotion allows park visitors who pay the camping fee for one night, or more, at a desert mountain county park to receive one night of equal or lesser value for free during that same stay. Click here for more information.

Virtual Ribbon Cutting on the Rittenhouse Bridge in Queen Creek

Rittenhouse Road is now open with a new bridge over the Queen Creek Wash. The roadway and bridge improvements are being completed as two projects, with the roadway anticipated to be complete at the end of 2020.

Click here for more information.

Rio Reimagined

On September 1, I attended a virtual live event to celebrate the Urban Waters Federal Partnership designation of the Rio Reimagined - The Rio Salado Project. This historically significant and underutilized natural resource has been reimagined as a unifying public space that enhances social equity.

Celebration of Taiwan and Arizona Cooperation

I was honored to host our Taiwanese friends at our Maricopa County offices on September 29.  I thanked Taiwan for their generous contributions of personal protective equipment to our State and communities in Arizona and for their continuing exceptional friendship with Arizona. Thank you to Barry Wong, representing Governor Doug Ducey; Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, Maricopa County Public Health and Mayor Kevin Hartke and Commander Chris Pérez from City of Chandler for being part of this celebration.

Unity Pledge Proclamation

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors signed a Unity Pledge Proclamation on September 2 supporting equality for all members of our community and emphasizing that the County is open for business for everyone.