Largest Pay Increase for Law Enforcement Officers in 15 Years
Half of this tentative FY2026 budget funds public safety. This includes a long overdue pay increase for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and a retention bonus package for detention officers. I am unabashedly pro-law enforcement and proud to deliver on this promise from my Chairman's speech in January.
Meet Our New Economic Development Director
When I became chairman in January, I vowed to open Maricopa County‘s first economic development office. I’m proud to say we’ve officially hired Matt Brandon as our new Economic Development Director! He has considerable experience in government and economic development, and he has hit the ground running. Welcome to the team, Matthew!
Zoning Ordinance Overhaul
It’s been a great month for cutting red tape and making progress on my goals as Chairman. On June 5, we held a well-attended stakeholder meeting to learn how to best modify zoning policy and processes in Maricopa County. A second stakeholder meeting will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with venue and time details forthcoming.
Budget Op-Ed
Here is my Arizona Republic op-ed about the County's tentative budget for fiscal year 2026. This budget reflects the theme of my chairmanship, to "promote prosperity and ensure safety." I am proud of a budget that cuts the overall tax rate for the 5th year in a row while increasing investment in public safety and delivering good services to County residents in all our lines of business.
More Budget News
I also joined Mike Broomhead on KTAR to discuss the successful budget vote, as well as the latest for Chase Field and the County's Stadium District. You can hear the full interview by clicking the image below.
Third Annual Lake & Trail Safety Event
Just before Memorial Day, I hosted my Third Annual Lake & Trail Safety event at Lake Pleasant. If you’re going to be around water this summer, it’s important to remember key safety tips. Last year there were 16 fatal drownings in County parks and 144 search & rescue operations. I’m grateful for the local news media that came out so we can convey our message to the public. Check out these stories from KTAR and Arizona’s Family on our event.
State-of-the-Art Election Center Construction Begins
This month my Board colleagues and I broke ground on a new election facility in the heart of Maricopa County. The new facility is more than triple the size of our current tabulation and election center. It will also allow for more space for media and public observation for even greater transparency in our elections. Learn more about the new center with these stories from ABC15, 12News, KTAR, and our video below.
Maricopa County Kids Care Center Grand Opening
Maricopa County held its grand opening event for their new employee on-site childcare center, Maricopa County Kids Club. Employees can enroll their kids at a 50% discount off the market rate tuition. One of the biggest barriers for working parents is affordable childcare. This new county benefit will help attract and retain a qualified workforce. Thank you to Arizona’s Family, KTAR, 12News and all others who came to tour the new facility.
Holocaust Education Center Groundbreaking
I am proud to have provided funding for immersive exhibits and subsidize admission fees for public school students to visit the new Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center at no cost. Below is the video I provided for the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this month.
Let’s Talk Business!
I recently joined the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s “Let’s Talk Business Phoenix” podcast. I spoke with host and President and CEO, Todd Sanders, about my goals for Maricopa County in the short term and long term.
Keep Your Pup Cool!
You're not the only one feeling this summer heat! You can help keep your furry friends cool this summer by following these tips from our friends at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control:
- Make sure they have plenty of access to fresh, clean water.
- Create a shady place for pets to rest any time they are outside.
- Keep animals indoors during extreme heat and limit outdoor exposure.
- Never walk your pet on asphalt or pavement when its hotter than 90 degrees to avoid injury to their paws.
Addressing Substance Use Risk in Extreme Heat
In 2024, nearly 60% of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County involved substance use. Maricopa County Public Health is hosting a webinar to address this. It will cover:
- The combined risks of heat and substance use
- Harm reduction and intervention strategies
- Local approaches to reduce risk and save lives
Learn more and register at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3350201382678705495
Local Favorite: Taquitos Jalisco
For more than 20 years Taquitos Jalisco has been serving up some of the most authentic Jalisco-style Mexican food in the East Valley. The family-run shop offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering seven days a week! For everything from breakfast burritos, to tortas, to flan, check out this Mesa staple!
District 2 is on a mission to spotlight the district's tastiest food. Whether you're a new restaurant, a food truck, or a local staple that's been around forever, please fill out the below form so we can follow up with you about potentially showcasing your story in our newsletter.
My Office Is Here To Assist You
We want to ensure our constituents have the information they need. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 602-506-7431.
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