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 Joint Statement on Arizona Supreme Court, Mediation
"The Board is disappointed with today's decision by the Arizona Supreme Court because it reverses the stay order in Heap v. Galvin, et al. and it directs last-minute changes in election administration during the course of an ongoing election. In fact, the Board's Chair and Vice-Chair and the Recorder had actually reached a consensus Monday evening following two days of mediation that was ordered by the Supreme Court.
Our primary concern has always been, and remains, Maricopa County's 2.6 million voters. The Board will follow the law and abide by the court's decision, and we look forward to Recorder Heap's plans in terms of how he intends to exercise his new found authority to administer lawful, high-quality elections this year and beyond."
Melendres Case Hearing
 On June 26, I attended the oral arguments in the long-running Sheriff's Office court-ordered monitoring case. Costing taxpayers upwards of $350 million, this federal oversight has been going on for far too long. We can't keep up this costly monitorship just because we're worried about something that may or may not happen in the future. I'm hopeful that Judge Snow will listen to our point of view and agree that it is time for this to end.
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Luke AFB West Valley Council
 I had the honor of attending the Luke Air Force Base West Valley Council, where Brigadier General David Berkland was thanked for his years of outstanding leadership, commitment, and service to the West Valley community. This was his last meeting as the Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base.
Thank you General Berkland for your dedicated service to our nation and for your outstanding leadership at Luke Air Force Base. Throughout your tenure, you strengthened the partnership between the base, Maricopa County, and the surrounding communities, leaving a lasting impact on both the men and women who serve under your command and the residents of the West Valley.
Ring That Bell in Sun City
 On July 4th, I had the pleasure of attending Sun City's 48th annual "Ring That Bell" ceremony. I had a wonderful time celebrating our nation's 250th birthday and honoring the memory of Del E. Webb, the founder of Sun City. Let freedom ring and God bless the USA!
Team Lesko Out in the Sun City and Sun City West Communities
 Jim Bull from Team Lesko represented my office at a community forum in Sun City West and an EPCOR public meeting in Sun City, where EPCOR discussed proposed water rate increases. Team Lesko remains committed to attending these meetings to stay informed on issues affecting our communities
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Primaries are Underway- Are you Ready?
 As we approach the July 21st primaries, I'd like to take this chance to remind you to participate in this upcoming election. Make a plan early, check your registration, and be sure your voice is heard during this important election.
Here are 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
- Saturday, July 18 through Monday, July 20: Emergency voting
- Tuesday, July 21: Election Day
Maricopa County Wins 78 National Achievement Awards
 Maricopa County has been honored with 78 National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties this year, with 2026 being the third year in a row we’ve received more than 70.
NACo awards are designed to recognize county government programs that provide needed services, improve access to services, and enhance citizen participation in their local governments. These programs also show measurable results such as cost savings, improved outcomes, and enhanced productivity.
I'm especially proud that one of the award-winning programs was the Senior Cyber Safety and Computer Basics course, which I was honored to help implement after learning this important service wasn't available to our seniors. I would like to thank our Human Services Department for taking this on and getting the classes up and running in a short amount of time.
I also had the opportunity to attend one of the workshops, where we helped seniors build confidence using technology by teaching internet basics, online safety, and practical tips to recognize and avoid scams and fraud. Watch video: Senior Cyber Safety and Computer Basics Class at Sun City Library
Thank you to every team and employee whose dedication made this achievement possible. Your commitment to excellence is making a meaningful difference for Maricopa County residents, and we are proud to celebrate your well-deserved national recognition.
Beat the Heat: Stay Safe This Summer
 Now that we are in the midst of summer, it's more important than ever to follow all heat-safety guidelines. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible, and keep an eye out for those who may need extra support in the heat.
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 July 4, 2026, there have been 18 total confirmed heat deaths and 215 are under investigation.
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.
Staying Safe in the Extreme Heat | Maricopa County, AZ
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Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing, 111th Ave. and Connecticut Ave. near Youngtown
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is installing an enhanced pedestrian crossing and making other improvements at the intersection of 111th and Connecticut avenues in Sun City, near the border with the town of Youngtown.
Access to residences will be maintained at all times, but drivers can anticipate lane restrictions for the length of the project. Workers will be on hand to assist pedestrians and others wishing to cross. This work is expected to take approximately five weeks.
Work Schedule:
Where: 111th and Connecticut avenues in Sun City.
When: Wednesday, July 15, to late August 2026.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No weekend or holiday work is anticipated.
Schedule is subject to change for reasons beyond MCDOT’s control, including weather, equipment failure or other circumstances.
Questions: call the Project Hotline at 602-506-3342, or email MCDOTprojects@maricopa.gov
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Monsoon Safety Updates
Environmental Updates
Quarterly Bulk Green Waste Collection
If your yard is overgrown, take advantage of the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department’s quarterly bulk green waste collection days happening this month!
The Cave Creek and Hassayampa Transfer Stations will be collecting green waste on July 15-18 and July 22-25 from 7:00am – 4:30pm. The Rainbow Valley Transfer Station will be collecting green waste on July 17-18 and July 24-25 from 7:00am – 4:30pm.
Please note that bagged or bundled residential green waste under 3 ft. is always accepted. Commercial green waste or green waste mixed with trash, dirt, rocks, or metal will not be accepted.
The transfer stations only accept credit or debit card payments.
Learn more at gov/Enviro or by calling (602) 506-6616.
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Library Update
MCLD Holding Annual Food Pantry Drive
The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) holds a food drive every July to collect essential nonexpired and nonperishable items for local food banks. This year, the food drive is running from July 8-18, 2026, so please bring donations to an MCLD library branch near you.
If you are looking for food assistance, visit org or sign up for an MCLD Summer Read & Feed Program at Guadalupe Library (running through July 17) or Aguila Library (running through August 4).
For more details about these programs, please visit https://mcldaz.org/about/community.
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Animal Care & Control Updates
MCACC Joins BISSELL Pet Foundation’s July Empty the Shelters Adoption Event
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) is participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters adoption event from July 5-19, 2026.
During the event, the BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees:
- $150 for puppies 5 months and younger
- $70 for non-senior small dogs
- Waived fees for medium to large dogs that are 6 months and older
All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Visit gov/Pets for details, adoptable pets, and event hours.
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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
- Saturday, July 18 through Monday, July 20: Emergency voting
- 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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