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 Community Newsletter May 2025
Happy May Neighbors!
As we welcome the month of May, I want to take a moment to recognize the many meaningful moments this season brings. First, to all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community, Happy Mother’s Day! Your strength, care, and love help shape the heart of Mesa.
Later this month, we will also pause to honor Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Let us reflect with gratitude and continue to uphold the values they fought to protect.
As temperatures rise, Mesa Pools Opening Day on Saturday, May 24, marks the unofficial start of summer fun! Our city pools are a great place for families to stay cool, active, and connected, be sure to check out the seasonal schedule and swim programs available.
Finally, I encourage you to tune in to Mayor Freeman’s State of the City address, a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress made, hear a forward-looking vision for what’s ahead, and learn how Mesa continues growing from strong roots. Don’t miss the highlights from District 4!
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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Want to learn more about Mesa's budget process and provide feedback on our proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget? Attend an upcoming community information session where you can speak to City staff and share your thoughts. Residents can also review budget documents and provide comments online.
Following public input and City Council review, the tentative budget is scheduled for adoption on May 19, with final budget adoption planned for June 2. The new budget would go into effect on July 1, 2025.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Post, 26 N. Macdonald
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Congratulations to all the Historic Preservation Contest winners!
In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Historic Preservation Board honored Mesa’s rich history with student essays, artwork, historic district tours, and of course, pizza!
Students from across Mesa, grades K–12, submitted creative and thoughtful essays and visual art pieces for a chance to win $100. The creativity and passion these students showed was truly inspiring!
Check out the 2025 entries and see how our young historians and artists are keeping Mesa’s story alive!
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"Interdependent Nature" by Shepard Fairey
I’m thrilled to share that Downtown Mesa is now home to Arizona’s first-ever mural by internationally renowned street artist Shepard Fairey, titled “Interdependent Nature.”
This powerful and vibrant piece is more than just public art, it’s a statement about community, creativity, and connection.
“This mural features imagery and symbols that remind us of the intertwined nature of earth and humanity and the need to cultivate harmony,” said Shepard Fairey. “Peace, health and justice require an understanding that we are all connected parts of a whole.”
Unveiled during Mesa Arts Center’s 20th anniversary, the mural celebrates our city’s continued commitment to the arts and reminds us of what’s possible when we come together through creative expression.
Come down and see it for yourself, you’ll be inspired!
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Call for Artists: Sunset Music Series is Coming to Downtown Mesa!
Applications are now open for the Sunset Music Series, a brand-new summer music experience launching right here in Downtown Mesa on Thursday, May 15. The Downtown Mesa Association is looking for local musicians to help bring this event to life with live performances hosted inside Downtown businesses on the third Thursday of each month, from May 15 through September.
If you’re ready to be part of a new, community-driven series that supports Mesa’s growing live music scene, apply today!
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Keep Your Family Safe: Easy Tips to Protect Your Natural Gas Meter
Keeping your natural gas meter in good condition is an essential part of home safety. Follow these simple tips to help keep your family safe:
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Keep it clear: Ensure the area around your meter is clutter-free for easy access.
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Don’t stack items: Avoid placing anything on the meter - it must stay uncovered and unobstructed.
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Protect it from vehicles: If your meter is near a driveway or parking area, shield it from accidental bumps or collisions.
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Plant Smart: Avoid planting trees, shrubs, or bushes within three feet of your meter - root growth can cause damage over time.
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 Exciting news in District 4! Owners Javier and Ana, the familiar faces behind Bread and Honey House, have officially opened Cirino’s Pizza at 144 S Mesa Dr., Suite B! Stop by and support this local favorite as they bring their delicious new concept to the heart of Mesa.
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Good news for Downtown Mesa visitors!
Starting this month, we’re making more public parking available during weekdays. As City employees begin relocating to the Hibbert Garage, it will free up space in the Pepper, Sirrine, and Centennial Garages, making it easier for you to dine, shop, and explore downtown.
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Last market of the season!
Downtown Mesa's final Sunset Market of the season is May 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Macdonald and Main Street. The market features live music, a diverse array of local vendors, and delicious food options!
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Facade improvements in Downtown!
Facade improvements are kicking off this month in Downtown Mesa! Get ready to see some fresh new looks as we continue investing in our vibrant city core.
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There was so much to celebrate at Springs Celebrate Mesa event at Pioneer Park! Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed a beautiful day of festivities, and a huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors and city staff for making this event possible!
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of two exciting new programs: the City of Mesa Parks and Recreation's Mesa Outdoor Recreation Experience (M.O.R.E.) and Mesa Public Library's new bookmobile, the Read Runner!
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The City of Mesa Police Department's Red Mountain Division hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Reed Park, and it was a fantastic success!
It’s always heartwarming to see families come together, connect with neighbors and officers, and enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, including a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny!
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We appreciate trees all year but today is a day to give them extra kudos.
On April 18, I joined Falcon Hill Elementary School students, City of Mesa Parks and Recreation staff, and local neighbors to plant 18 trees at Falcon Hill Park. The goal of the planting effort was to restore some of the park’s tree canopy, which was severely damaged during a powerful storm in September 2023.
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During April 21–25, we celebrated the heart of our community, our volunteers!
New banners honoring the amazing people who give their time, talents, and compassion to help Mesa thrive are now on display along Main Street and Center Street. Whether they’re supporting our libraries, parks, or special programs, these volunteers make a BIG difference.
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May 8 - Job Fair @ Eagles Community Center 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Are you ready to find a meaningful job and connect directly with employers? Don't miss out on this FREE hiring event! Join the Workforce Center @ Mesa and 25+ local employers who are hiring now at the Eagles Community Center, 828 E. Broadway Rd. Reserve your spot today!
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May 8 - Small Business Network Event 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Join us as we celebrate one year of supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, and building community at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios! |
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May 13 - Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign Kickoff Event 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Mayor Mark Freeman, United Food Bank President and CEO Jason Reed and Mesa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sally Harrison will be among the speakers at the kickoff of the campaign to collect and provide water bottles for people in need during the extreme summer heat. The campaign will ask for donations of bottled water and cash to help buy water. The campaign runs through Sept. 30. |
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May 15 - Neon Garden Grand Opening 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us at 26 N. Macdonald (behind The Post) as we light up downtown with Mesa's new unique historic attraction, the Neon Garden!
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May 20 - Resident's Guide to HOAs Live Webinar 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Board Excellence: Roles and Responsibilities and the Board Member Code of Conduct” - Register to participate in this discussion about board member roles and responsibilities and get tips on how to use a Code of Conduct to handle board issues effectively. |
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May 23 - Spring Blast @ Rhodes Aquatic Complex 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Get a sneak peek at Mesa’s pool season before it officially opens.
Join Councilmember Francisco Heredia for the Annual District 3 #SpringBlast and enjoy FREE open swim, FlowRider rides, food, music and entertainment.
Don’t miss this early splash of summer fun!
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Downtown Farm to Mesa Market Every Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Located at 104 E. 1st Ave. 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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Downtown Mesa Sunset Market Every Third Thursday - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. A variety of 30+ local vendors specializing in fresh grocery products, tasty hot food, artisan goods, and so much more! Including live music and demonstrations every market! |
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 May Council Meetings Monday, May 12 - 5:45 p.m. Monday, May 19 - 5:45 p.m.
May Study Sessions Thursday, May 1 - 7:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8 - 7:30 a.m. Monday, May 12 - 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 15 - 7:30 a.m. Monday, May 19 - 5:15 p.m.
Community and Cultural Development Committee Meeting
Monday, May 19 - 4:00 p.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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