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Board of Supervisors Cuts Property Tax Rate
   Keeping your taxes as low as possible has always been one of my top priorities. This year, we have once again voted to cut your property tax rate, showing that Maricopa County leads the way in fiscal responsibility.
Key Points:
- Cutting the overall tax rate for a sixth consecutive year.
- From 2022-2026, Maricopa County had the lowest average property tax levy growth when compared to the state and same local governments, as in prior years.
- Using 2026 budget data, Maricopa County now has the lowest spending per person of the seven largest counties in the U.S.
To learn more, please click on the budget link below and
Budget Documents | Maricopa County, AZ
Court of Appeals Grants Emergency Motion for a Stay
On June 18, the Court of Appeals granted the Board’s request for a stay in the Recorder Heap vs. Board of Supervisors court case. A stay is a legal order that pauses the lower court's order pending appeal. The Appeals court agreed with the Board stating that major changes to election procedures right before an election could disrupt elections. The Appeals Court also said that the Board is very likely to succeed on its merits. This decision provides an opportunity to administer the upcoming primary and general elections without disruption to both election workers and voters.
Making significant operational changes so close to an election could have created unnecessary challenges and uncertainty. I remain hopeful that Recorder Heap will work collaboratively with my colleagues and me to resolve our differences and move forward in good faith. We share the same goal: conducting secure, efficient elections that voters can trust.
Read the Order
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West Valley Animal Care and Control Groundbreaking
I had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) facility in Glendale, near Northern Ave and 99th Ave. Projected to open in May 2028, the facility has been thoughtfully designed to expand the County’s capacity to care for animals, support staff and volunteers, and increase the region’s access to shelter services. Thank you to Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, Glendale Vice Mayor Ray Malnar, Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, and former Supervisor Clint Hickman for joining us to celebrate.
Senior Cyber Safety and Computer Basics Workshop
 I had the chance to attend a Senior Cyber Safety and Computer Basics Workshop at the Sun City Library that is hosted monthly by the Maricopa County Human Services Department’s Workforce Development Division. The workshop helps seniors navigate technology confidently and safely by teaching them internet basics and tips for scam and fraud prevention. Watch a video from my visit here.
Arizona Angel Families
 I had the honor of joining Congressman Biggs at an event where I met six Arizona Angel Families at the State Senate. These families are relatives of victims who were killed, assaulted, or harmed by individuals who were in the U.S. illegally. It was very inspiring to hear about this group’s work to campaign for stricter border security and the deportation of violent criminal migrants.
El Mirage Celebrates 75th Anniversary
 Congratulations to the City of El Mirage on celebrating its 75th birthday! This milestone is a testament to the city's rich history, strong community spirit, and continued growth. I am proud of the partnership between El Mirage and Maricopa County, and I look forward to our continued collaboration as we work together to serve residents and build an even brighter future for the next generation.
Officials & Partners Wish the City of El Mirage Happy 75th Birthday
Team Lesko's Jim Bull Leading our Formal Meeting in the Pledge and Prayer
 Earlier, this month, Jim Bull from Team Lesko opened a formal meeting of the Board of Supervisors with the prayer and pledge of allegiance. I'm grateful for Jim's work on behalf of my office and the great people of Maricopa County!
A Day in Law Enforcement- Virtually!
 Supervisor Galvin and I visited the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to learn more about the work they do and to try out their virtual simulator. This simulator gave us a chance to experience real-life situations that police officers go through in high-pressure situations. Thank you to County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and her staff for offering this opportunity to us!
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Supervisor Lesko Explains Vote on Election Plan
 On June 24, 2026, my fellow Board members and I voted to adopt the 2026 Primary and General Election Plan. The plan outlines how the Elections Department will execute transparent, secure, and accurate elections in 2026, so people can vote confidently.
Throughout this process, I have consistently advocated for transparency in our elections and believe the public deserves an open and accountable election process.
I have also called on Recorder Heap to meet with the Board in a public or recorded setting so we can openly discuss and negotiate how we will work together to successfully administer the 2026 elections. Transparency and collaboration are essential to maintaining public confidence in our election system.
Supervisor Lesko Discusses New Tabulation Law
 A new state law went into effect in 2026, providing voters with additional options for returning their early ballot. Voters may continue to return their completed early ballot by mail or deposit it in a secure drop box. In addition, they now have the option of bringing their completed early ballot to any voting location, presenting valid identification, and having it processed on-site. To learn more, click here.
Supervisor Lesko's Formal Closing Remarks
 Catch up on my latest community updates by watching the video above, where I discuss America 250, introduce my new intern, announce my new Boards and Commissions members, and share highlights from a recent community meeting.
 During a town hall I hosted in Sun City back in March 2026, residents voiced concerns about ongoing incidents of public defecation in and around their community and the impact these issues were having on public health and quality of life. Working with County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and county staff, we developed an ordinance that equips law enforcement with an additional tool to address this issue and better safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of Maricopa County residents.
 To learn more about recent community meetings and events I attended- including Buckeye ESD’s community partners breakfast, the North Peoria Rotary Club, cyber safety training in Sun City, meeting the Angel Families, meeting with Jennifer Toth from the AZDOT, a community meeting in Glendale, and the groundbreaking at West Valley Animal Care and Control- please click the play button above.
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Headwall Replacement, 411th Avenue and Camelback Road
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will be replacing a headwall on the west side of 411th Avenue south of Camelback Road in Tonopah, June 22-30, 2026.
Access to 411th Avenue will be maintained at all times, although drivers can expect lane and speed limit reductions in the project area. This work is expected to last approximately one week.
Work Schedule Where: 411th Avenue south of Camelback Road in Tonopah. When: Monday, June 22, to Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Hours: Monday - Friday, 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. No weekend or holiday work is anticipated.
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Environmental Services Update
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MCESD Transfer Station Closures
Maricopa County is closing its six waste transfer stations located throughout the region. Development is pushing past current County facilities, while private and municipal providers are filling the gap to ensure residents have access to proper waste disposal.
The County has a responsibility to ensure our residents have access to proper waste disposal but will not invest taxpayer dollars in areas where services are duplicative. Closures will not impact the County’s current efforts to eliminate illegal dumping.
If you observe illegal dumping, you can report it by calling 602-506-6616 or visiting the customer service portal.
Learn more here or by contacting Logan Pieman at 602-316-0295.
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Public Health Update
Heat Resources and Heat-Related Illness & Death Dashboard
The Maricopa County Public Health Department’s 2026 Heat Season Surveillance Dashboard is now live and can be found here. As of the week ending June 6, 2026, there have been eight total confirmed heat deaths and 92 are under investigation.
Heat can affect anyone, but factors like age, health conditions, certain medications, housing status, and substance use can increase our vulnerability to the heat. Look for signs of heat illness like dizziness, nausea, headaches, heavy sweating, or feeling weak. If symptoms worsen, move to a cooler place, hydrate, and seek medical help.
To stay cool in extreme heat, Maricopa County residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for help or find a heat relief site at a community center, church, or library near them. Remember to check on vulnerable neighbors and learn more about the programs available to help Arizonans pay energy and utility bills, access transportation, and more here.
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Animal Care & Control Updates
Licensing Agreement Between MCACC & Arizona Humane Society
The Board of Supervisors has approved a new licensing agreement between Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) and the Arizona Humane Society (AHS). The agreement expands MCACC’s community outreach by leveraging AHS’s frequent interactions with dog owners who may not otherwise use county licensing services. Ensuring that more dogs in the community are properly ID’d increases the likelihood that dogs will be returned to their owners before even reaching a shelter.
All dogs three months and older must be licensed in Maricopa County. Licenses can be obtained through MCACC’s licensing partner, DocuPet.
Read more about this new agreement here.
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Elections Updates
2026 Primary Election
Maricopa County Elections is administering a Primary Election for Maricopa County on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Please visit Vote to verify your registration status and ensure your information is updated and correct.
Here are important upcoming dates to keep an eye on:
- Friday, July 10: Last day to request a replacement ballot by mail
- Tuesday, July 14: Last day to mail back ballot
- Tuesday, July 21: Election Day
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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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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.
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