Rio Verde Foothills & Scottsdale: Long-term Water Solution at Last
 The Arizona Corporation Commission approved EPCOR’s application to construct a standpipe for water service to the Rio Verde Foothills (RVF) community. This is the long-term solution that I developed since becoming a Maricopa County Supervisor. I am proud to have helped mediate the dispute between Scottsdale and the RVF, this is a win-win for both communities.
Budget Approved with Property Tax Rate Cut
 In June, we passed a budget that is both responsible to taxpayers and responsive to critical community needs. It includes a property tax rate cut because we know individuals and families are dealing with higher costs elsewhere due to inflation. At the board’s direction, the county budget was reduced by 2.6%. About 50% of the overall budget is dedicated to public safety.
TikTok Banned from All County Government Devices
 In May, I led the effort to ban the social media app, TikTok, on all county government devices. TikTok has security vulnerabilities that could expose County-owned or County-leased devices. Its ties to the Communist Chinese government is concerning. I’m proud that of the five largest counties in America, we were the first to ban TikTok on government devices.
Prioritizing Public Safety
Public Safety is a core government function. At the County government-level, we understand that supporting safe communities and neighborhoods allows residents to thrive. We do this in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) through an integrated and cost-effective smart justice system. Below are some examples of Maricopa County’s intergovernmental commitment to public safety:
- Agreement with the Drug Enforcement Administration to channel Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force grant funds to the Sheriff’s Office.
- Agreement with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs for anti-human trafficking grant funds to further support MCSO’s anti-trafficking efforts and response to sex trafficking incidents.
- Board approved an agreement with HonorHealth's Department of Forensic Nurse Examiners, who will provide specially trained medical personnel to conduct examinations of victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner domestic violence and gather evidence for use in the investigation of criminal cases and prosecution of offenders.
- Approved an agreement with Phoenix Children's Hospital on behalf of the County Attorney’s Office to aid in the investigation and possible prosecution of this criminal activity.
- Board approved a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the County Attorney's Office for the Phoenix Safe Streets Task Force to identify and target for prosecution criminal enterprise groups responsible for drug trafficking, money laundering, human smuggling, crimes of violence such as murder and aggravated assault, robbery, and violent street gangs.
Focus on Fentanyl
 In December, Maricopa County unveiled a new educational video series and website designed to help residents understand the growing impact of fentanyl use and prevent tragedies in their communities. “Focus on Fentanyl” shines a light on the rising number of fentanyl overdoses and the County’s efforts to combat the crisis. Maricopa County departments and elected offices are united in their effort to address this issue with solutions ranging from treatment and prevention to drug seizure and prosecution. Get resources and education to help us save lives by visiting the link below.
Supporting Public Safety Efforts in Towns and Cities in District 2
Municipalities, at times, need assistance from the County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. The Town of Fountain Hills and the Town of Carefree, both in District 2, benefitted from intergovernmental agreements approved by the Board on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office in 2023. Intergovernmental cooperation for public safety purposes makes sense so that residents feel safe and have continuity of law enforcement services and traffic support.
Lake Pleasant Safety Event
 Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend in May, I held an event at Lake Pleasant Regional Park because I was concerned about the number of preventable tragedies occurring at our parks, from boating accidents to heat-related deaths on hiking trails. I joined members of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department to provide important safety information to residents and visitors, hoping to do my part to make sure loved ones returned home safely from fun weekend plans. The Board subsequently approved acceptance of continued funding from the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for Law Enforcement Boating Safety, which is used to pay for personnel costs, purchase equipment, and maintain, repair, or replace watercraft patrol boats so that MCSO can continue to effectively patrol the waterways and keep people safe on the water.
Election Integrity: Renovations at County’s Elections Center
Renovations on the county’s central counting facility, MCTEC, will provide more space for us to count ballots and store equipment in the 2024 election cycle. We estimate that these improvements will allow for over 650,000 more ballots to be reported on Election Night, a 65% increase from 2022. It’s part of our Board’s continued commitment to run fair, lawful, efficient, and transparent elections. I encourage all of you to check your registration status for the 2024 election cycle by visiting the link below.
Accountability: Strategic Goals Dashboard
I believe Americans deserve transparent government. Whether it’s federal, state, or local, government agencies should let citizens know what they’re doing and why, and then, we should be judged on our performance. That’s why I’m proud that, in October, Maricopa County launched a performance dashboard where people can see the strategic goals we’ve set and the progress we are making toward achieving them. From reducing opioid deaths to implementing a long-term transportation plan to increasing the region's affordable housing stock, track how we're doing at meeting our strategic goals by clicking on the link below.
Parks & Recreation: Parks Vision 2030
 Maricopa County has the best regional park system in the country, and now we have a plan to make it even better. In December, the Board of Supervisors approved the “Parks Vision 2030” Plan, which outlines how the County plans to balance growth with protection of open space and wildlife. This approval happened after extensive research, outreach to stakeholder organizations, public meetings, and a public comment period. We have incredible parks in District 2, and I’m proud to support this world-class system that enhances our quality of life immeasurably.
Southeast Justice Center Opening
 In March, I attended the opening of the brand-new Southeast Justice Center, which will serve about 100,000 people every year in the East Valley. The courts handle all kinds of cases—evictions, small claims, protective orders, and more. The state-of-the-art facility combines four justice courts, eliminating three leases and saving the County nearly $700,000 per year.
Workforce Development Investments
 Every year, Maricopa County’s workforce development team helps thousands of job seekers get the skills they need to get the jobs they want. In 2023, 572 residents of District 2 were supported in gaining the necessary credentials to find placement in the careers of their choice. The team also works with employers to fill in-demand positions or offer apprenticeships. This assistance is available in person at county career centers or community locations such as libraries. I’m proud to support this vital work to help individuals find rewarding, well-paying work while we make our region’s economy stronger and more resilient.
Human Services
Maricopa County Human Services Department (MCHSD) provides many crucial services to the residents of Maricopa County, and some of the most important services are performed by the Senior and Adult Services Division (SAIL). They operate the Senior and Adult Independent Living Program which serves seniors and adults with disabilities living independently in their homes. This service allows them to remain in their homes and live independently rather than going into nursing care. In 2023, SAIL served 5,653 residents and made 7,828 home visits to support the aging and disabled members of our community. 577 of these residents are veterans or the spouse of a veteran. I am proud of the work that MCHSD is doing and I will continue to support the disabled and aging residents of Maricopa County.
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Transportation: Gilbert Road Bridge Project
 The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in cooperation with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and the City of Mesa, is constructing a new bridge where Gilbert Road crosses over the Salt River, between Thomas Road and State Route 87. The new four-lane Gilbert Road Bridge will replace the existing two-lane bridge and the low water crossing, which was washed out during high water flows in the Salt River last spring.
As of December 2023, about 40 percent of the construction work is done. MCDOT expects the entire project to be completed in the fall of 2024.
Animal Care: East Valley Animal Shelter Progress
 The Board of Supervisors funded construction on a new animal shelter in the East Valley, and it’s almost ready for staff and pets to move in! The shelter, located at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive in Mesa, will feature improved kennel layouts and new play yards to make shelter life better for the dogs and cats while they wait for their forever home. Even though the animals will have more room to roam, we won’t lose any capacity compared to the current east shelter. All in all, it’s a huge improvement for animal welfare and East Valley residents. Look for an announcement early next year about the Grand Opening!
Christmas Tree Lighting
 This year, the District 2 Office and I hosted a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This is the first time in recent memory that the Administration Building has had a Christmas Tree and it was truly a pleasure to see all of the joy and excitement that it brought to so many County employees.
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