|
November 2024
Greetings District 5 Neighbors!
It was great seeing some of you over the weekend for our Annual Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods events. G.A.I.N. is a day for Arizona to join forces and promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. This event showcases the importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement to come together and make our community a safer, better place to live.
The Mesa City Council is advancing efforts to expand high-speed internet access citywide through fiber optic cable infrastructure, enhancing connectivity for homes and businesses. This move supports future-ready online education, job opportunities, and entertainment. Installation will soon begin in District 5, and while the process may present challenges, resources are available to assist residents. For updates, FAQs, and support, visit www.mesaaz.gov/residents/high-speed-internet-in-mesa. While most issues related to fiber optic installation can be resolved by contacting the contractors directly, I want you to know that my office is here to mediate any concerns. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to ensuring you feel supported throughout this transformative process.
This month's newsletter is packed with valuable updates, community highlights, and important opportunities for your input. From record-breaking achievements like the Hydration Donation Campaign and collaborative efforts to support those facing homelessness, to upcoming city events and programs that celebrate the season and engage all age groups—there’s something for everyone. You'll also find important information on new city initiatives, such as the expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network and community safety projects. I invite you to explore these stories and find ways to get involved!
As always, if you need any assistance or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at District5@mesaaz.gov or reach out by phone at 480-644-3771.
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
|
|
|
Mesa Breaks Record for Hydration Donation Campaign
Mesa’s Hydration Donation Campaign achieved record-breaking success this year, raising over 1 million bottles of water—surpassing the original goal of 700,000! Running from May 6 to September 27, this year's campaign saw enthusiastic participation from residents and local businesses, setting a new record and helping keep our community hydrated during the summer heat.
The water collected is distributed by United Food Bank to various nonprofits, including Resurrection Street Ministry, Mesa United Way, Paz de Cristo, and A New Leaf-East Valley Men's Center. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible effort!
Mesa Partners with NHTSA for National Teen Driver Safety Action Week and Seeks Community Input for the Road Safety Action Plan
The City of Mesa, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is highlighting National Teen Driver Safety Week to stress the importance of safe driving discussions with teens. This initiative supports Mesa's goal to reduce motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries by 30% by 2030 through its Road Safety Action Plan. The plan assesses critical crash factors and seeks community input to shape future safety measures. Residents can help prioritize strategies by participating in the Phase 2 survey, open until Nov. 15.
Mesa Community Court and Mesa Community College Join Forces to Empower Individuals Facing Homelessness Through Higher Education
Mesa Community Court and Mesa Community College (MCC) are collaborating to break the cycle of homelessness and foster greater autonomy and stability. The new joint effort focuses on providing court participants with personalized support to earn college degrees and certificates that can help create a path to skilled work and self-reliance.
MCC's Office of Outreach and Recruitment launched a new, dedicated website tailored for Community Court Participants (mesacc.edu/court). The site features a streamlined form for exploring various resources and educational opportunities. MCC will work closely with Community Court navigators to provide personalized guidance for participants including the enrollment process and help secure funding for their education.
Mesa is Moving Ahead with Plans to Improve EV Charging Citywide
Mesa has released a much-anticipated Request for Proposal (RFP) to make the City's electric vehicle (EV) charging network more accessible and convenient for all its residents. The project aims to add at least 48 new vehicle charging ports with a total budget of $14,873,215, which includes a required 20% non-reimbursable local match of $2,974,644. The RFP responds to a $11.8 million award through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Laws Charging and Fueling (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program.
Register for Jr. Suns Youth Basketball League and Kinder Clinic
Jr. Suns Youth Basketball is back again in Mesa and this winter Mesa Parks and Recreation is introducing a Co-ed Youth Basketball League for boys and girls ages 7 to 14 years old. In addition, the City is bringing back our popular Youth Basketball Kinder Clinic for kids ages 5 and 6.
Families can sign-up today for one of the co-ed youth basketball divisions, with teams in the 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 age groups. Registration for the league and Kinder Clinic will be available until Dec. 30 or when the league is full.
|
|
It was a pleasure joining Mesa PD for National Coffee with a Cop Day! It was wonderful meeting new faces and having the opportunity to chat with both community members and our dedicated officers.
|
Last month, 60 trees took root at Heritage Park! With each planting, we’re one step closer to our goal of 1 million trees by 2050. Shout out to Amazon.com and our amazing volunteers for your dedication to Mesa’s sustainable future! Let’s keep growing together!
|
Attending Superstition High School’s annual Career Fair was truly inspiring, as students showcased their progress in the Education to Employment (ETE) program. ETE equips them with job readiness skills, certifications, and essential life skills to succeed beyond graduation. It was wonderful to see students confidently demonstrating their talents across diverse career paths reflecting their enthusiasm and growth through hands-on learning.
|
I had a great time joining the City of Mesa Police Department for their Annual Fuel of Dreams fundraiser! Our amazing officers were out at multiple Fry’s Food Stores, pumping gas and cleaning windshields, to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Arizona.
|
Falcon Field's very first Haunted Hangar was a hit! We enjoyed candy, family activities and great conversations. A big thank you to our amazing residents and staff for making this event a success!
|
I had a fantastic time at Stevenson Elementary for the dedication of Joey Goes to Arizona, a new children’s book by Steve, the owner of Cup of Joey! The book, illustrated by a talented young local artist, is dedicated especially to this school. Grateful to Stevenson Elementary for the warm welcome and the chance to celebrate our community’s creativity together!
|
|
|
Falcon Field Airport Noise & Safety Meeting Workgroup
This quarterly meeting brings together airport air traffic control, fixed-based operators, and flight training schools to discuss important topics related to noise, environmental impacts, and airport safety.
Tuesday, November 6 from 1-2 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Click here for additional details
|
East Valley Veterans Parade
The East Valley Veterans Parade will be held along Center Street and 1st Street in downtown Mesa. This year's theme is "Arizona Heroes - Global War on Terrorism" in recognition of those who served in the 20 years long war and their families. More information is available at evvp.org.
Monday, November 11th, 2024
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Mesa along Center St. and 1st St.
|
Turkey Tuesday at Falcon Field Airport!
The aviation community is invited to help the United Food Bank in its efforts to feed Mesa residents this holiday season! Bring your donations of frozen turkeys, canned food and other non-perishable foods to Falcon Field Airport, and airport staff will deliver them to the donation center hosted by the City of Mesa Engineering Department.
Bring your donations to:
Falcon Field Airport Terminal Building
4800 E. Falcon Drive
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Drop your donations off between 7-11 a.m.
Questions: (480) 644-2450 or airport.info@mesaaz.gov
|
City Hall Open House
Celebrate the opening of the new City Hall addition! Join us for this open house to tour the new building and enjoy entertainment, food trucks and family activities.
Saturday, November 23rd, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mesa City Hall
20 E. Main Street
Mesa, Arizona 85201
|
Merry Main Street Kick-Off
You are cordially invited to the Merry Main Street Kick-off and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Throughout the holiday season, you are invited to visit downtown Mesa often for other special events, and continuing holiday treats and activities! Head to Main and Macdonald to see Santa Claus, the Mesa Christmas Tree, and the Mesa Menorah. Then, take your family to the new Winter Wonderland Ice Rink outside of the Mesa City Plaza!
Friday, November 29th, 2024
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Downtown Mesa
|
|
|
November Council Meetings
Monday, November 4 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, November 18 - 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 - 7:30 a.m. *Special Council Meeting*
November Study Sessions
Monday, November 4 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, November 7 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, November 18 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 - 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. City Council and advisory board meetings will operate on a hybrid system.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas.
|
|
|
|
|
