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I would like to thank all Veterans for your courage, sacrifice and dedication to our great country. May you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Veterans Day.
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Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies Groundbreaking Ceremony
On October 30, I had the pleasure of attending the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies groundbreaking ceremony hosted by the University of Arizona Health Sciences. They will be laying the foundation for a national research hub dedicated to unraveling the complexities of immunology in cancers, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions.
Back on June 28, 2023, my colleagues and I approved $4 million in ARPA funding for the life sciences innovation hub being developed on the Phoenix Bioscience Core in downtown Phoenix. The work done by CAMI researchers will support the health of underserved communities and address the disproportionate impacts of current and future pandemics on the most vulnerable Arizonans. In addition, CAMI is expected to increase economic activity in Arizona by at least $3.9 billion with an increase of at least $140 million in new local tax revenue for Maricopa County and Phoenix.
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Maricopa County Board Approves $5 Million for New Litchfield Park Library
I am extremely proud to announce that my colleagues and I approved $5 million of Community Solutions Funding towards a portion of the construction costs for a new library in Litchfield Park. One of my main priorities as Supervisor was to open more libraries and close jails, and I am proud to say that there are now a total of 7 libraries in my district- some existing and others newly built, relocated or renovated during my time as Supervisor.
Maricopa County libraries have so much to offer from books to entertainment, to school and career development resources and Maricopa County is proud to partner with the City of Litchfield Park to offer local residents a larger and more modern library that they can leverage for personal and professional growth.
The new building will be 40 percent larger than the current library and feature a larger program space, more advanced technology, and decreased book turnaround times. It will also be a key component of the coming hilltop cultural complex that will include the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center, Hilltop Park, and the proposed Agua Fria Arts Academy. The current library will be repurposed for other city civic purposes.
Construction is expected to start in summer of 2025, with an estimated completion date of January 2027.
For more information on the new Litchfield Library, visit News Flash • Board Approves $5 Million for Construction of N
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Board Approves Memorandum of Understanding For A New Recreational Park Facility In Surprise
I am happy to announce that my colleagues and I approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Flood Control District and the City of Surprise that grants the City access to develop and revitalize portions of the McMicken Dam Impoundment Area and Outlet Channel property just northwest of State Route 303. The City of Surprise plans to use the District-owned land for recreational park facilities and open spaces as part of the Surprise Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Surprise General Plan. The first three phases of the City of Surprise park development project will focus on the following:
- Phase 1: Active park facilities were already added between Sun Valley Parkway and Greenway Road and natural space was added between Grand Avenue and Peoria Avenue.
- Phase 2: Next, natural open space will be installed east of Grand Avenue.
- Phase 3: Active park facilities will be built west of Grand Avenue and the McMicken Dam Emergency Spillway.
Since the 1950s, McMicken Dam has played a critically important role in protecting Luke Air Force Base and surrounding cities, towns including Sun City and Sun City West, and agricultural land from dangerous flooding. Through this MOU with Surprise, Maricopa County is reimagining the dam’s purpose beyond flood water collection to also include facilities and outdoor areas that nearby residents can enjoy with their families. For more on the MOU, click on the following link: FCDMC-Surprise MOU.
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Parks Update
Maricopa County Celebrates National Take A Hike Day National Take a Hike Day, celebrated on November 17, 2024, is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with Maricopa County's regional parks. Not only does this day serve as a reminder of the benefits of hiking for physical health and mental well-being, but it also helps you rack up miles towards the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge.
National Take A Hike Day is the perfect time to reconnect with nature. Between Maricopa County's regional parks and the Maricopa Trail, Maricopa County offers more than 615 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Maricopa County's regional park system offers trails suited for every skill level, ensuring everyone can participate in this invigorating activity. As you plan your trek, consider gathering friends or family members to make the experience more enjoyable.
On this day, it's important to remember the principles of Leave No Trace, which encourage hikers to respect the environment by minimizing their impact. Simple actions like staying on marked trails, packing out trash, and respecting leaving the parks as you found them go a long way in preserving the beauty of nature for future generations.
I am also pleased to announce that all of our Veterans get in FREE to any of our Maricopa County Parks on Veterans Day.
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Library Update
Sun City libraries are gearing up for another great holiday season of events. The libraries will be hosting events such as tabletop gaming, informational seminars, wreath crafting, and book clubs. Be sure to keep the library in mind when planning your activities through the end of year. Browse events and learn about all the services available at the Sun City libraries at https://mcldaz.org/sun-city and https://mcldaz.org/fairway.
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Public Health Updates
Public Health Department will be hosting an upcoming Wellness Expo to offer free healthcare services to residents in need on Saturday, November 16th at Somerset Academy Skyway Campus, located at 14900 W Van Buren St, Goodyear, AZ 85338. It is well worth the drive if you’re looking for free healthcare services. Attendees will have access to mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, diabetes and blood pressure health screenings, and a variety of other services.
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Service Spotlight
Honoring Our Veterans
 On Nov 6, Brigadier General David Berkland, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base and John Scott, Director of Arizona Department of Veterans' Services were our honored guest speakers at our Veterans Celebration.
As Commander, Brig. Gen. Berkland's mission for the 56th Figher Wing is to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. As part of Air Education and Training Command, and home to 27 squadrons with F-35A Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the 56th is the largest fighter wing in the U.S. Air Force with over $13 Billion in aircraft and 7,000 total force personnel. The wing graduates more than 200 F-35A pilots, 30 F-16 pilots, and 270 air control professionals annually.
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Director John Scott is the third generation of his family to serve in the U.S. military. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003 as an M-198 Howitzer Section Chief, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. In addition to his duties, John was also the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Non-Commissioned Officer, and Weapons Instructor for his Marine Corps unit. As Director of the AZ Dept. of Veterans' Services, John's duties include executive management of the Arizona State Veteran Homes and the Veteran Services, Public and Intergovernmental Affairs and Administration divisions.
Hearing both of their stories only furthers my admiration not only for them but for all those who have made the selfless decision to serve our country. Here at Maricopa County we have more than 1,200 County employees that are veterans, reservists, and members of the National Guard. That's almost 10% of our entire County workforce. I've said it many times, it is because of their service that we all get to enjoy the freedoms we have today in this great country, and for that I am forever grateful.
To hear both Brigadier General David Berkland and Director John Scott's speeches, please click on the buttons below.
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When you work for Maricopa County, you will be providing vital services to a diverse population in the fourth-largest county in the nation. You'll work with a dynamic group of diverse and talented professionals who are passionate about serving the community to make Maricopa County the best place to work, live, and play.
With over 50 different departments, there is ample opportunity to start your career in one department and advance to another. Our positions vary from entry-level through executive level. View all postings here, or below.
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