County Budget Approval, Pilot Programs on the Way
Chair Kate Brophy McGee on the budget.
The Maricopa County budget for fiscal year 2027 is conservative and lean, keeping public safety and our taxpayers as the highest priorities. We continue to assess less than our expenditure limit - $278.4 million – and kept tax rates the same, cutting the overall tax rate for a sixth consecutive year. Most departments saw flat or even reduced budgets, even while continuing the same level of service to our residents.
The budget includes one-time dollars for two programs I identified as a priority: court-ordered mental health treatment and eviction diversion.
Expanded Access to Court-Ordered Mental Health Treatment
My office worked with President Judge Pam Gates to streamline courtroom access to individuals with serious mental illness and to open up more beds for increased care. The increased number of beds is vital, as those who are ordered into treatment and are not placed due to a lack of beds “time out” after 72 hours and have to go through the court process again. On average, this happens to 80 individuals a month. Judge Gates has offered a virtual court option to those who get caught in this process. Additionally, we are working with Valleywise Hospital and Mercy Care on additional placement beds. Our goal is to reduce the number of “time outs” and increase treatment placement.
Eviction Diversion Program
Supervisor Gallardo, City of Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington and I have joined forces to launch an eviction diversion program. In Maricopa County, 80,000-plus eviction filings occur every year. Oftentimes, those delinquencies are caused by one-time occurrences such as illness or car trouble. Tenants and landlords go on to incur massive costs related to an eviction process, so we are working with these folks to resolve eviction cases before they get to court. We will follow closely for outcomes on impacted families and landlords.
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Framework 2040: Maricopa County
At the May 18 Board meeting we approved an updated comprehensive plan, which guides growth and development in unincorporated areas through 2040. The Comprehensive Plan, also known as Framework 2040, provides a foundation for evaluating development proposals in relation to infrastructure availability, ensuring growth improves rather than harming quality of life in Maricopa County. It addresses land use, transportation, open space, jobs, housing, services, water, energy, and economic opportunity.
To read more about Framework 2040, please visit the Planning and Development website.
Upcoming Events and Observances
After Dark in the Park
 Join us at Deer Valley Park on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate our nation’s 250th Birthday. It is a night full of activities, food, and fun, along with a fabulous light show. For the second year, drones will take the place of traditional fireworks.
Address
Deer Valley Park
19602 N. 19th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Black Mountain Precinct Community Event
The City of Phoenix Police Black Mountain Precinct (which covers a large portion of District 3) is having a community event on June 30 from 5-6 p.m. and you're invited. This is a great opportunity to meet, share information, discuss current public safety topics, and strengthen partnerships with residents, businesses, and our wonderful police officers. There will be precinct updates, information on ongoing enforcement operations and safety awareness, and an open discussion of community concerns. All residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are encouraged to join and participate.
Address
North Phoenix CCV Church
15025 N. 19th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Public Workshop for Waste Transfer Stations
On June 18, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is hosting a public workshop explaining the status of the County-operated transfer stations and updating the public on the response to our Request for Information (RFI).
Please submit your comments on the proposal. Visit the Transfer Station webpage for more information.
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