|
BNSF Hearing Update
ATTENTION: BNSF hearing will be postponed to November 5th.
(Note: There will be no hearing by the Board of Supervisors on the BNSF issue until November 5th)
BNSF Railway is proposing to build a large railway project in Wittman, NW of Surprise bordering Grand Ave, that will include a 1,770-acre Intermodal facility, a 1,420-acre Logistics Park with warehouses, a 1,109-acre Logistics Center and a 22-acre Wastewater Treatment facility. BNSF projects 22,000 vehicle trips per day in and out of the area when the project is at full buildout.
Railways have federal preemptive rights dating back to the 1800’s, which likely means that BNSF railway could build portions of the project, including the Intermodal Facility without local permitting or zoning approval. It is debatable if the Logistics Center could be built without local permitting and zoning approvals, but it appears clear that the Logistics Park, which includes the warehouses, would need local zoning approval. BNSF Railway has told me that they may proceed with portions of the project, even if the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors denies their zoning request.
If you are in favor of or opposed to this project, I need to hear from you. Please submit your thoughts in writing to: www.Maricopa.gov/ContactLesko. Please provide your address when submitting.
I take your input seriously.
|
|
District News
Chief Master Sergeant Jason Q. Shaffer Retirement Ceremony
  On July 25th, I had the pleasure of attending Chief Master Sergeant Jason Q. Shaffer's retirement ceremony from the United States Air Force, held at Luke Air Force Base. It was a privilege to join in celebrating his remarkable career and dedicated service to our nation. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Chief Master Sergeant Jason Shaffer for his unwavering commitment to the United States Air Force and the the ideals of duty, honor and country. We are grateful for his leadership and sacrifice.
Lucid Motors Tour
  I had a great time touring the new Lucid Headquarters in Phoenix! Lucid has positioned itself as a pioneer of advanced technology manufacturing in Arizona and now here in Maricopa County. As part of the company’s planned future expansion, it aims to add hundreds of new jobs in Phoenix over the next 3-5 years. Thank you for having me and welcome to Maricopa County!
 I was pleased to have played a role in having the original Marinette historical marker relocated to its new home at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. This landmark is a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of the Sun City community.
A big thank you also goes out to our wonderful employees at the Maricopa County Department of Transportation who did the heavy lifting!
To read the Sun City Independent article click on the button below.
Photo courtesy of the Sun City Independent.
|
|
CPR and Basic Aid Training
  Team Lesko had a great time getting CPR/AED certified. Maricopa County's Workforce Development Division offers certification classes for Maricopa County employees at both of their East and West Valley career centers. Thank you for having us!!
Goddard School Groundbreaking
 Jim Bull of Team Lesko attended the Goddard School groundbreaking ceremony in Peoria. The Goddard School is a private preschool, emphasizing critical thinking through its inquiry-based curriculum and approach to problem solving. Welcome to the West Valley!
The Refresh Room Grand Opening
 Congratulations to The Refresh Room on their grand opening in Goodyear! Come and check out the great wellness and beauty care services they provide. We welcome you to the West Valley and wish you great success!
Crispy Cones Grand Opening
 Jim Bull attended the grand opening of the new Crispy Cones in Glendale. Come treat yourself to some amazing ice cream! Congratulations Crispy Cones and welcome to the West Valley!
|
|
Supervisor Lesko Discusses Library Updates
Oversight of our county libraries is an important issue to me as a supervisor. I am pleased to report that we are making progress in alleviating parents' valid fears about some of the books in libraries. There is more to come - stay tuned!
 Thank you to all the Maricopa County poll workers who served so admirably during the election earlier this month. These men and women have a lot of responsibilities to ensure a smooth election for voters, and they perform their tasks with distinction!
Supervisor Lesko's Formal Meeting Closing Remarks
 I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and topics I recently discussed. To hear more about the BNSF Railway, my visit to the Sun Cities, the Melendres case, and the recent announcement of our National County award winners, please click the Closing Remarks button below.
Maricopa County Public Health School Stock Medication Program
 Our Public Health Department's School Stock Medication Program continues to be a life-saving resource for students. The School Stock Medication Program provides enrolled schools with emergency respiratory drugs: Epinephrin, Albuterol, and Naloxone on-site. The program also provides training on how to administer the medications. 730 schools are already enrolled in the program.
Maricopa County Board of Health Meeting
 Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the quarterly Board of Health meeting, where I was pleased to engage in meaningful discussions on important matters related to public health. I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to help shape rules and regulations that will ensure the protection and preservation of our community's health and well-being. I look forward to continuing to serve in this capacity and contribute to the important work of the Board of Health.
Maricopa County Rising Star Award
  On August 4, I was honored to personally congratulate this year's winners of the Rising Star Award. The award recognized five Maricopa County employees who have made a meaningful impact within their departments. Congratulations to each of these award recipients! You inspire us all.
To learn more about the Rising Star winners, please click the button below.
|
|
Public Health Update
Heat Resource Information
As of July 26, 2025, there are 22 confirmed heat-related deaths and 314 suspected heat-related deaths currently under investigation by the Office of the Medical Examiner.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s Heat-Related Deaths Dashboard can be found here.
Here are some tips to stay heat safe:
- Stay hydrated; drink water before you feel thirsty.
- Consider drinks with electrolytes if you’re sweating heavily or active.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use A/C when possible. Fans alone are not effective.
- Check on older adults and people living alone often.
- Never leave children, pets, or anyone else in a parked car.
- Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, vomiting, confusion, etc.
- Find nearby cooling and respite centers: azmag.gov/heatrelief.
- Access heat relief services: Visit maricopa.gov/heat or call the 2-1-1 Call Center.
You can learn more about the call center by watching this video.
|
Maricopa County STEM Program
Introducing a one-stop STEM shop for Arizona educators!
The new maricopa.gov/STEM site is your free hub for classroom-ready resources, hands-on activities, videos, and guest speaker requests made by local public agencies.
Designed by the Flood Control District, Air Quality, and Environmental Services to help you bring real-world STEM into the classroom.
✅ K–12 curriculum ✅ Outreach request forms ✅ Downloadable activities ✅ 100% FREE
To learn more, please click on the following link: https://www.maricopa.gov/5091/STEM-Curriculum
|
Human Services Update
Maricopa County to Offer No-Cost Professional Skills Credential to All Residents
Maricopa County residents looking for work, or just hoping to boost their skills, now have a new, free tool at their disposal.
Maricopa County residents looking for work, or just hoping to boost their skills, now have a new, free tool at their disposal. The Workforce Professional Skills course is a no-cost, self-paced online class offered through the Workforce 2 You program, which is designed to strengthen workforce development and economic opportunities in Maricopa County.
To learn more, please click on the button below.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Find Maricopa County Contacts
Below is a contact list for Maricopa County constituent services. Don't see what you're looking for? Visit our County Contacts Webpage.
|
|
|
Abandoned Vehicles
County Owned Roads 602-876-1011
Private Property 602-506-3301
Animals
Adopt-a-Pet, Barking Dogs, Bite Reports, Dog Licenses, Lost & Found 602-506-7387
Assessor's Office
Assessor Website 602-506-3406
Birth & Death Certificates
Birth Certificates Death Certificates 602-506-6805
Building/Construction Permits
Private Property: Building, Electrical, Fencing/Grading, Mechanical, Plumbing, Pool/Spa, Solar 602-506-3301
County-Owned Right-of-Way 602-506-8600
Building Safety
Non-permitted construction 602-506-3301
Clerk of the Board Clerk of the Board Website 602-506-3766
Code Enforcement Code Compliance 602-506-3301
Consumer Complaints
AZ Attorney General 602-542-5763
Dust (Air Quality)
Complaints 602-506-6010 Permits 602-506-6010
Economic Development
Homebuyer Assistance 602-506-7294
Low-interest Loans 602-506-1888
|
|
|
|
|
Was This Email Forwarded to You?
You can subscribe to Supervisor Debbie Lesko's newsletter by clicking the subscribe button below.
Contact Our Office
Unsubscribe
|
|
|
|
|