Share Your Thoughts on the Mesa Transportation Master Plan 2050

To plan for Mesa’s streets and roadways over the next 25 years, the City of Mesa is conducting a short survey to understand what transportation improvements you would like to see.

We want to know:

• In the areas you travel the most, what transportation investments would you most like to see?
• How do you want Mesa’s transportation system to grow and change?
• Are there specific areas where you experience issues walking, biking, driving or have safety concerns?

Residents and visitors interested in participating can complete the online survey at: www.MesaTMP.com

Community input is critical to the success of this update, and we encourage you to spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers so they can be a part of the process, too.

Plan Ahead for the Mesa Marathon

The Mesa Marathon, presented by Mountain Vista Medical Center, will return on Saturday, February 10. To register, visit mesamarathon.com.

To learn more about roadway restrictions and closures, visit gis.mesaaz.gov/mesamarathon. Mesa’s Transportation Department also offers one-on-one route planning assistance the week prior to the race and on race day. Residents can call 480-644-4882 or email barricade@mesaaz.gov, and the City’s temporary traffic control team will provide customized one-on-one reroute recommendations.

Art in the Park

Take advantage of the unique experience of Art in the Park at a park close to you. Art in the Park brings FREE live music, crafts, art-based activities and family fun. You can leave your mark by collaborating with the art piece for the new City Hall.

Upcoming dates are:

• Thursday, February 1, at Palo Verde Park (3135 S Dobson Rd) from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, February 15, at Reed Park (1631 E Broadway Rd) from 5 to 7 p.m.

More information and live music lineup at mesaaz.gov/artinthepark.

Natural Gas Safety for the New Year

Make safety a priority for your loved ones this New Year. Educate them on how to identify and respond to natural gas leaks. If you ever detect a rotten egg odor, see any unusual changes to vegetation or hear an unusual blowing or hissing sound from a natural gas pipeline, leave immediately and call 911 and our gas emergency hotline at 480-644-4277 to report it.

Knowing how to recognize and respond to a gas leak is crucial in keeping everyone safe. 

Move Safe PSA

Oh no! Have you not submitted an entry to the Move Safe Public Service Announcement Contest? Good news! You still have time. You can submit an entry for the contest until January 31.

One student will win a new bicycle and two runners-up will receive safety gear from the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Plus, other great prizes from our friends at Harkins Theatres, ASU MIX Center, Cox Communications, Mesa Film Festival and Phoenix Film Festival.

The Yard Off Main

Embark on an exciting journey with us as we unveil The Yard Off Main, a vibrant collaboration with the Downtown Mesa Association! Nestled at the heart of Main Street and MacDonald, the very spot that recently housed Mesa's Christmas tree, The Yard Off Main is set to transform into a hub of activities and events through April.

The Yard is a public space for you to enjoy a meal from your favorite downtown restaurant, play games or just let kids run around. The lineup of regularly scheduled activities includes Food Truck Mondays, Tuesday Downtown Coffee Break, Wednesday Picnic at the Yard and Friday Music Off Main.

Watch for additional events including pop-ups from downtown businesses, performances, farmers market, Spring Training themed fun and activities from the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Library and more!

Updates and a schedule of activities can be found at DowntownMesa.com.

Learn to Operate a Food Truck in Mesa

Thinking of getting into the food truck business in Mesa? Make plans to attend a FREE workshop from 2 - 4 p.m. on Monday, January 22 to learn how to get licensed and operate a food truck in Mesa.

Attendees get tips from experts and learn about the licensing process from the City of Mesa, Maricopa County and the Motor Vehicle Division of Arizona. Also, receive information about Special Event Licenses and Mesa Business Builder programs, including customized business consulting for eligible small businesses.

That's not all. You'll also receive help with the application process after the presentation. 

The event will take place at the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development, 120 N. Center, in Downtown Mesa. Sign up by emailing smbz@mesaaz.gov.

Learn How to Navigate the Public Procurement Process

Have you wanted to learn how to do business with the City of Mesa and Mesa Public Schools? You have a great opportunity on March 13 at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Building A. You’ll have a chance to meet with procurement liaisons from more than 20 City of Mesa departments.

Schedule of events:

• 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Reverse Vendor Trade Show Open House
• 9 a.m.: Breakout Session - How to Do Business with the City of Mesa and Mesa Public Schools
• 10:30 a.m.: Breakout Session - How to Get Government Contracts

Don't Miss Out on Free Library Events

Mesa Public Library offers a range of free events for all ages each month. Whether you're into hands-on craft programs or educational workshops, there's something exciting for everyone. Visit the library event calendar to see all current and upcoming offerings.

Saving Water – A Simple New Year’s Resolution to Keep

Is losing weight or getting better organized on your list of resolutions for 2024? How about an easy resolution that will benefit the environment, help you live a more sustainable lifestyle and provide you with dollar savings, too? Embrace easy behavior changes such as replacing fixtures that save H2O without even thinking about it. Or give these ideas a try:

• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or put water in the sink while shaving instead of letting the water run.
• Switch out your old showerhead, faucet or toilet with a WaterSense-labeled model.
• Check your toilets for silent leaks with a few drops of food coloring in the tank.
• Select low-water-use plants that are adapted to our desert climate.
• Do a thorough check of your irrigation system to find and fix leaks.
• Take the WaterSense ‘I’m for Water’ Pledge.

Tap into our water conservation pages for more inspiration. We have many suggestions for how to easily save water and money. Plus, there’s a free downloadable calendar from EPA WaterSense with monthly water conservation activities to help you keep your resolutions on track.

What is the FAFSA?

The FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a yearly application for students and prospective students to complete to determine their potential federal aid such as: grants, work-study and scholarship opportunities to help pay for college or career/trade schools.