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 Community Newsletter
May 2023
Happy May Neighbors!
As we quickly approach summer, this month's newsletter provides information on summer programs, public swim, and teen leadership opportunities for our youth.
Congratulations to all of those graduating this month! An education is something that sticks with you forever, and your hard work is truly valued. If you are still in school or looking to continue your education, Mesa College Promise may be a good option. Applications are being accepted through July 15. Click here for more information.
In addition to continuing your education, you may also consider getting involved in our Mesa community. Mesa's citizen advisory board and committees is currently recruiting for the new fiscal year. Additional information is provided in the newsletter.
If you ever have any questions, want to share about issues that are important to you, or if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at district4@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3004. My door is always open.
-Councilmember Jenn Duff
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Do you or someone you know have the desire to share your unique knowledge and experience with your community? Do you know someone invested in Mesa’s success and looking for ways to get more involved? One of the most effective ways to provide input to local government is through service on one of the City’s citizen advisory boards and committees.
The City of Mesa accepts applications on a rolling basis as members term out or cycle off at regular intervals. Applications are available at the Advisory Board & Committees Application Center. Applicants must first create a profile with login and password before applying. Board and committee members are appointed by the office of the Mayor and approved by Council. Unless otherwise noted, the term of service is three years.
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The City of Mesa Development Services Department wants to support small businesses through the development and permitting process. Pamela Williams is the new Small Business Assistant who can help small business owners, who may not have experience with zoning codes or construction, navigate the development process. Let's learn more about Pamela and her role as a Small Business Assistant.
How long have you been with the City of Mesa’s Development Services Department?
I have been with the City of Mesa for three years. I have worked in both permits and planning.
What services do you provide as a Small Business Assistant?
I work as a liaison and resource for small business owners. I am here to explain processes, connect small business owners with resources, and assist in the City processes.
What does an individual need to start a small business in Mesa?
Generally, the City of Mesa requires a small business to have a valid Certificate of Occupancy, a City of Mesa business license (some business operations may require additional specialty licenses), and a Fire Safety Operational Permit. Signage requires a separate permit.
At what point should a business owner reach out for assistance?
Business owners can reach out at any time if they have questions or need assistance. We understand that small business owners might not understand City processes, and we are always happy to provide information and assistance.
What should a tenant consider before signing a lease?
A tenant should first confirm that their type of business, occupancy, and function is allowed in that particular location. Those changes can be time-consuming and costly to a small business. A tenant should also consider if the changes to the space will require a permit. Commercial equipment and fire safety systems may need to be installed, which requires construction documents to be prepared by a design professional.
How can a business owner reach out to take advantage of these services?
The City of Mesa Development Services webpage has a section dedicated to small businesses - Small Business Assistance. A small business owner or tenant can also email smbz@mesaaz.gov or call us at 480-644-5600. We will also host office hours every Wednesday beginning May 3 from 10a.m. - 1 p.m. at The Studios at Mesa City Center (59 E. 1st St. Mesa, 85201).
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You may have recently noticed increased construction activity throughout the neighborhoods in District 4. I'm excited to share that this is the result of several new and existing private sector internet providers installing cutting edge fiber optic internet cables in our district and throughout Mesa. The work is part of our Council’s initiative to help close the digital divide and enable extra internet connectivity options in our community. New internet providers including Google Fiber, AT&T Gigablast, and Ubiquity, along with current providers Cox Communications and Lumen are performing the work. The fiber optic technology will allow District 4 residents the opportunity to access the fastest residential internet speeds on the planet today and for decades to come.
Residents whose neighborhoods are scheduled for fiber optic construction will receive informational door hangars from the private companies prior to work beginning. You will also notice large green roadway signs near the entrances to your neighborhoods with information on the private companies that are doing the work as well as anticipated construction timeframes. During construction, residents should expect certain on-street parking restrictions and construction activity occurring throughout the rights of way and public utility easements.
For additional information, including some frequently asked questions about the fiber builds, visit High Speed Internet in Mesa.
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Start or grow your small business with help from business mentors. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) will help you assess your business, set goals and manage your time and resources in this 6-part series at the Main Library.
Series Topics:
Business Assessment and Goal Setting
Managing your Time, People, and Resources
Marketing your Business
Growing your Sales
Financial Management
Managing Operations
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Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Youth Camps:
Looking for a great way for your kids to stay cool and enjoy the summer? Our summer camps have everything you need! Check out one of our full-day camps for weekly swimming and weekly field trips, or one of our half-day camps for special guests, sports, and more! Summer camps are for children ages 3.5-12 years old. For more information visit mesaparks.com.
Teen Leadership Training:
The Teen Leadership program gives teenagers the opportunity have fun during the summer while learning valuable skills for the employment world. Teens volunteer at several youth summer camps and programs throughout Mesa, assisting with organizing group games, craft projects, swimming trips and much more! Volunteers learn to function with a "work" schedule and dress code. For more information, contact the PRCF Volunteer Coordinator at 480-644-4345 or PRCFVolunteers@mesaaz.gov.
Aviation Summer Camps:
If you are looking for a summer camp for youth, two aviation-themed programs are scheduled May 30 to June 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Aviation Camp - The two-week adventure is designed for 7, 8 or 9 grade youth this school year. The schedule includes field trips, computer flight simulators, guest speakers and other hands-on activities to explore aviation and related careers. Registration is available for the camp at the Commemorative Air Force Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Road at Falcon Field Airport.
- Aerospace Academy - Mesa Public Schools’ camp is designed for students in 6 and 7 grade this school year and focuses on exploring flight and its related activities and careers. Activities include computer simulators, field trips, a giant moon map and guest speakers. Registration is available for the camp at Kino Junior High School, 848 N. Horne.
Public Swim:
Planning on visiting our City of Mesa Pools regularly this summer? Check out our Summer Public Swim Passes! The passes are good for visiting any City of Mesa pool unlimited times* between May 27 and Labor day. The Family pass is valid for up to 6 family members but additional passes can be added for an additional fee. Passes can be purchased on our website or in-person at 708 W. Baseline Road, Building #4, Mesa, AZ 85210.
Price through May 26:
- Family - $15
- Individual - $45
Price on May 27 and after:
- Family - $225
- Individual - $56
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Congratulations to the 2023 Mayor’s Youth Committee graduates!
The Mayor's Youth Committee is a select group of juniors and seniors from high schools throughout Mesa. Each year, school principals and counselors choose students through a competitive process to represent their school on the committee.
MYC is a year-long program where students interact with the Mayor, City Council and City staff on a regular basis to learn the ins and outs of city government. MYC members attend monthly meetings, participate in community service opportunities and events, tour city departments and projects, and research current city issues. MYC members complete the Mayor's Assignment, a capstone project designed to encourage youth engagement in civic processes.
Students who successfully complete the requirements of the MYC program participate in a special graduation ceremony in the spring with the Mayor and their friends and family in attendance.
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Thousands of people give their time and energy to volunteering in the City of Mesa each year. This makes a great tribute to our volunteers! Adding these trees to honor our volunteers who have contributed so much to our city is very fitting.
#NationalVolunteerWeek2023
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Thank you City of Mesa Police Department for hosting Coffee with a Cop at Los Altos Ranch Market. It was great to have this opportunity to meet and talk with Mesa residents in an informal setting!
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It was such a beautiful morning for Bike to Work Day!  Special thanks to the City of Mesa Bicycle & Pedestrian Program for organizing the celebration and to all who joined the bike ride!
#ValleyBikeMonth
#BikeToWorkDay2023
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Great to be part of another STEM night event at Porter Elementary School! This annual event is full of exciting activities and exhibits showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics presented by Porter's very own students. |
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May 2 - Good Neighbor Celebration
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for our 2023 Good Neighbor Celebration at the i.d.e.a Museum! We are honoring Mesa residents, volunteers, and neighborhoods for their contributions to our community. |
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May 12 - Vice Mayor Heredia's Spring Blast
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia for Spring Blast at Rhodes Aquatic Complex. This is a FREE family event open to the public. Enjoy open swim, FlowRider rides, food, music and entertainment! |
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Every Saturday - Downtown Mesa Farmers Market @ Inspire Farms
Hours - 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Located at Inspire Farms in downtown Mesa, you'll find fresh produce, delicious food and treats, beautiful handcrafted goods, live music and more! Stop by and support local small businesses. |
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 May Council Meetings
Monday, May 1 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, May 15 - 5:45 p.m.
May Study Sessions
Monday, May 1 - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 4 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 11 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, May 15 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 25 - 7:30 a.m.
Sustainability and Transportation Committee Meeting
Monday, May 15 - 3:30 p.m.
Mesa Public Schools/City of Mesa Council Collaborative Meeting
Thursday, May 18 - 7:30 a.m.
*Meetings subject to start time changes
The Mesa City Council holds two Council meetings a month, in addition to weekly study sessions. Learn more about the process for public participation in meetings.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas.
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