Update on Mesa's 2050 General Plan
Mesa’s 2050 General Plan draft will be available for public review and comment beginning in early 2024. The 2050 General Plan is our roadmap for Mesa's long-term growth, prosperity and well-being. From January 4 to March 4, 2024, Mesa residents can engage in the update process by reviewing the updated Plan and providing input. Your participation is crucial for ensuring that the Plan accurately reflects the aspirations and priorities of our community.
Should Mesa City Council approve the Plan in mid-2024, Mesa residents will vote on the Plan during the November 2024 election. Visit tomorrowsmesa.com to learn more and to access the Plan January 4.
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Why We Should All Be Passionate About Trees
In early 2023, Mayor John Giles announced a new initiative, “Trees Are Cool,” with a goal of planting 1,000,000 trees by 2050. An effort like this will require everyone’s help – businesses, homeowners, churches, schools and community groups.
But why do we care about planting trees? This summer’s record-high temps are a harsh reminder that desert cities like Mesa need to act now to address urban heat. Trees are a great solution as they not only create shade – a key factor in cooling our communities – but also provide other crucial benefits. Trees capture carbon from the air, increase property values and help us save energy and water when the right tree is planted in the right place.
Learn more about the “Trees Are Cool” Initiative and get helpful tips on selecting, planting and watering your new trees. But there is one more thing we need you to do.
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Please record your new tree on our community tree map to help us track our efforts toward reaching the one-million tree goal!
Plumbing Fixes at Your Fingertips
With the holidays in full swing, you’ll want to be sure your home’s plumbing system is in tip-top shape for family and friends visiting. Leaky toilet? Dripping faucet? We can help! We partnered with the East Valley Institute of Technology’s Plumbing School to create short do-it-yourself videos. Each one will help you identify and fix simple plumbing issues to save you water and money.
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Cockpit Close-up at Falcon Field Airport
Join us out at Falcon Field Airport the first Saturday of each month from 8 - 10 a.m. for this exciting FREE event featuring volunteer pilots based at Falcon Field and their private aircraft. Meet a new pilot and get up close to different aircraft each month!
The event is located at the airport terminal building, 4800 E. Falcon Drive.
You are also welcome to visit the Falcon Field Viewing areas at any time! Enjoy two aircraft viewing areas at the terminal building: a patio behind the terminal and a separate aircraft viewing area adjacent to the terminal.
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'Tis the Season of Safety Reminders!
The winter holiday season is filled with decorative displays, festive celebrations and get‐togethers with family and friends. Don't let the hustle and bustle of the season distract you from keeping your family safe. These reminders will keep you and your family merry all season long!
- Get your gas appliances installed and serviced by professionals.
- Follow manufacturers' instructions for care and use.
- Ensure proper ventilation for gas appliances.
- Make sure your appliances have a steady blue flame.
- Keep fireplace dampers open when in use.
- Protect your gas meter from vehicular damage.
- Dial 811 before digging or planting.
- If you detect a gas leak, call 911 and 480-644-4277 immediately.
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Continue to Shop Mesa This Holiday Season
Small Business Saturday might be over but keep shopping and dining at Mesa small businesses this holiday. It’s convenient AND it’s also good for our economy and environment.
Local mom and pop shops and restaurants create jobs for our family and friends. They also provide uniquely Mesa experiences that don’t require you to drive far or wait for items to ship. That makes for a lower carbon footprint.
If you don’t know where to start, visit Downtown Mesa or The Store at Mesa Arts Center or even check out websites such as Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Visit Mesa, or Local First Arizona to find some cool Mesa businesses.
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Want to shop local, but prefer experiences over items? Give the gift of endless discovery from our downtown venues!
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Move Safe PSA
Do you know a creative student between the ages of 12-18? Encourage them to enter the Move Safe Public Service Announcement Contest!
It's an opportunity to have fun creating an original PSA video and make a difference in our community by promoting safety. Plus, you have a chance to win great prizes, like a new bicycle.
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Changes to Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Exciting news for students -- the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025 is set to launch by December 31. The new FAFSA will be a shorter, simpler form, making the financial aid application process smoother for everyone.
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Build Your Computer Skills
Northstar Digital Literacy is a free online tool offered by Mesa Public Library. The program helps improve basic digital skills like using a computer, email and popular software such as Microsoft and Google products. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Northstar is a user-friendly resource to learn and practice at your own pace.
Get started from home or find in-person computer classes at your library.
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Business License $10 through Dec. 31
End the year on a positive note. Start by applying for your Mesa General Business License. The cost is $10 and comes with several benefits, including a special membership to the Arizona Small Business Association* (valued at $198) and opening the door to the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program, which may be worth $1,500 or more in professional consulting services for eligible businesses. Learn more at MesaBusinessBuilder.com.
We send notifications about your renewal 90 and 60 days prior to expiration. You must renew your license at least 30 days before expiration to avoid the time to reapply. You’ll receive a notification 29 days prior about steps for reapplying if you miss the 30-day deadline, which is written into the license ordinance.
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Special Movies and Skate Nights at Merry Main Street
Visit the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink for special activities in December.
- December 22 - 3:00 to 4:45 p.m.
- December 29 - 3:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Holiday Movies at the Plaza @ Mesa City Center
- December 16 - The Polar Express
- 5:30 p.m. - Spanish version
- 7:30 p.m. - English version
- December 23 - The Nightmare Before Christmas - 5:30 p.m.
- December 30- Frozen (pictures with Anna and Elsa!) - 5:30 p.m.
Asian Festival at Mesa Community College
Make plans to attend this FREE family-friendly festival featuring a variety of cultural performances, arts and crafts, food trucks and marketplace booths. Special performances by musician Mathew Ngau Jau, a sape performer from Borneo and flow artist/juggler Marvin Ong of HUMANS of the Flow Arts. Also, visit 20 Asian cultural village booths and see a lions dance celebrating the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Mesa Community College 1833 W. Southern Ave. Friday, Jan. 12 from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are ready for some cultural experiences today, do visit the Asian District Mesa AZ®. Discover great food, shopping, and art.
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Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Festival - January 15, 2024
Volunteers Needed for MLK Celebration
Want to get a behind-the-scenes experience of a parade and festival? We invite you to participate in this unique opportunity! Volunteers are needed on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, for the Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Festival. Volunteers will provide support with the parade participant check-in, parade route and festival area. Don't wait, sign up today.
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