July 2024
Hello!
We've made it through the first half of 2024, approving various Council items rigorously discussed before Council votes. Examples include the FY 2024-25 budget (starting this month) and the call for residents to vote on four ballot measures that will impact the City's ability to keep up with growth and quality services. Also, at the June 17th City Council meeting, the Council adopted the FY 2024-25 secondary property tax levy. Although Mesa does not collect a primary property tax, a secondary property tax levy pays for debt payments for bond elections authorized by voters. The tax rate for FY 2024-25 will stay the same at $0.8582 per $100 of taxable value.
Last but not least, remember to check out what's happening this month, like the Arizona Celebration of Freedom in downtown Mesa, with a spectacular fireworks display and summer activities for all to enjoy. Happy Fourth of July!
Warm Regards,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
Red Mountain Multimodal Study
Mesa's Transportation Department got the green light from City Council to accept the Design Assistance Grant of approximately $49,900 from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to perform a feasibility study to improve safety connectivity and access for pedestrians and bicyclists along Thomas Road, between Higley and Power. This is part of a bigger plan to connect our city with trails and paths for recreation, transportation and to enjoy our beautiful desert scenery.
Kids' Book Unveiling
Local business coffee shop, Cup of Joey, unveiled the first of a series of children's' books created to support Stevenson Elementary and share more about their journey from Australia to Arizona. Pre-order the first book, called "Joey Goes to Arizona."
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Thanking Mesa's Advisory Boards and Committee Members
I joined my colleagues in showing appreciation for the Mesa residents who serve on citizen advisory boards and committees at a thank you breakfast. If you're interested in serving please APPLY.
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Annual Ice Cream Social at Falcon Field
I had a great time meeting new people, including Leyli Rustamli, President of Women In Aviation International Valley of the Sun Chapter. She's passionate about her career and a great part of the Falcon Field community.
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Southwest Autism Research and Resources Center
Image courtesy of Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC)
A sledgehammer ceremony, much like a groundbreaking ceremony, took place at 2165 N Power Road, near Power and McKellips, in early June to make way for a new autism school. It'll be known as the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) Kathryn G Bosco Campus.
Scheduled to open early 2025, SARRC’s new Mesa campus will house a fourth Community School, an inclusive preschool program for children 15 months-5 years, as well as space for the nonprofit’s Comprehensive Behavioral Program.
A key component of SARRC’s Strategic Plan is to expand the organization statewide, ensuring that impactful services are accessible to every resident of Arizona. Mesa, the third-most populous city in the state, holds the distinct honor of being the first Autism Certified City in the U.S., making it a natural and strategic choice for the next location.
Councilmember Alicia Goforth visits SARRC in Scottsdale, June 11th, 2024
Councilmember Goforth toured SARRC's facility in Scottsdale and met with the non-profit's President and CEO, Dr. Daniel Openden to learn more about this much needed addition to NE Mesa. Click the link below to learn more.
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