I had the pleasure of speaking at the Luke Field Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 17th.  The Luke Field project will be a 2.3 million square-foot Class A Industrial facility, located near Northern Avenue and Litchfield Road.  Maricopa County is growing fast- being driven in large part by the semiconductor, manufacturing and distribution sectors.  Luke Field will help ensure that we have the Class A space needed to attract the best companies and bring in high quality jobs to our residents.

At our last Formal Board meeting, my colleagues and I issued a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Over the past year, Maricopa County's $10 million investment to assist domestic violence survivors has helped 31,506 unique clients with shelter, counseling, legal and financial assistance, and other services that can help them leave their abuser and establish independence and security. Although October is about to end, domestic violence remains an issue each and every day, which is why Maricopa County will continue to do what we can to offer support and services for those in need.  If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse, know that you're not alone. Please click on The Hotline button below for free and confidential support.

I invite you all to come join the Maricopa County Parks 100 Mile Challenge.  From November 1, 2023 - February 8, 2024, hikers and trail runners track their miles.  Mountain bikers and horseback riders can join in on the fun, too, but their challenge is to ride 200 miles.  We have four amazing parks just within District 4.  For more information, click on the 100 Mile Challenge button below.

I am very pleased to announce that on Oct 18th, my fellow Board of Supervisors and I met and approved an agreement that will provide $850,000 in funding for support services to people experiencing homelessness.  As part of a broader initiative, the Maricopa County partnership with the City of Surprise will reflect our commitment to tackling homelessness.  

This initiative will make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable residents because this collaboration is more than just an exchange of funds; it is a comprehensive effort to create a better future for those in need.  

This collaborative effort will fund resources to address homelessness, including:

• A Homeless Coordinator at the City of Surprise to manage partnerships, including serving as the primary point of contact for the city to participate in Maricopa County’s Hand in Hand.
• Participation in IHELP, the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program that provides timely access to emergency shelter, sleeping space, and meals offered by faith communities to adults experiencing homelessness.
• Participation in (WVHAC), the newly constructed West Valley Housing Assistance Center, a shelter program in Surprise that provides housing assistance to families experiencing homelessness.

This joint initiative is funded with $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and an additional $250,000 in Maricopa County General Funds (GF).

Fiscal Year 2024: $350,000

• $100,000 for IHELP Shelter Service (ARPA)
• $50,000 for the Homeless Coordinator (GF)
• $200,000 for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center (WVHAC) (GF)

Fiscal Year 2025: $250,000

• $50,000 for the Homeless Coordinator (ARPA)
• $200,000 for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center (ARPA)

Fiscal Year 2026: $250,000

• $50,000 for the Homeless Coordinator (ARPA)
• $200,000 for the West Valley Housing Assistance Center (ARPA)

The partnership with the City of Surprise is one of many ways that Maricopa County is working to develop comprehensive services to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness. For a complete listing of Maricopa County’s investments in homelessness solutions, visit Maricopa.gov/HS.

Jurisdictional Elections for voters throughout Maricopa County are underway with Election Day a week from Tuesday.  Participating jurisdictions are holding "Ballot by Mail" elections where all qualified voters that live in the city or town boundaries are automatically sent a ballot.  Voters have the option to return it by mail, drop it off at a secure ballot drop box or voting location, or vote a replacement ballot in-person.  Click on the link to find participating locations: Jurisdictional Elections (maricopa.gov)

Important Dates

Oct 31st: Last day to mail your ballot

Nov 7: Election Day!

Maricopa County  |  301 W Jefferson St  |  Phoenix, AZ 85003