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Community Newsletter
June 2024
Happy June, Neighbors!
Summer has officially arrived in Mesa! ☀️Our City pools are open, and the water is just right for cooling off and having fun. Be sure to check out our Aquatics webpage for a list of pool locations, programs, and hours.
I'm excited to share the latest updates on the projects, events, and resources that are helping make our downtown and surrounding neighborhoods more vibrant, connected, and resilient than ever.
Looking to save on your energy bill? City of Mesa electric customers can score $50 for enrolling in Mesa’s Smart Peaks program and another $50 each year you participate! Check your eligibility, explore compatible thermostats, and sign up today.
As we move into the season of sunshine and celebration, I also want to take a moment to recognize and honor all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our community. May your Father's Day be filled with love, laughter, and well-deserved appreciation.
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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Join me in congratulating Mesa's new City Manager, Scott Butler!
It is with great pride and excitement that I congratulate Scott Butler on his appointment as Mesa’s next City Manager, effective June 1, 2025.
Scott’s nearly 21 years of dedicated service to the City of Mesa, most recently as Assistant City Manager, have been marked by visionary leadership, steadfast integrity, and a deep commitment to our community’s success. His knowledge of our city runs deep, and his steady hand will be invaluable as he takes the helm following the retirement of our esteemed City Manager, Christopher J. Brady, whose nearly two decades of service transformed Mesa in countless ways.
Over the years, Scott has led many of Mesa’s most impactful projects, securing the Chicago Cubs’ continued presence, championing the development of State Route 24, helping bring the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension to life, and facilitating groundbreaking workforce partnerships with ASU and Maricopa Community Colleges. His leadership has helped shape the Mesa we’re proud of today, vibrant, innovative, and inclusive.
I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Scott on key initiatives, and I can say with confidence that he is both exceptionally capable and deeply passionate about Mesa’s future. His priorities, fiscal responsibility, government efficiency, placemaking, and economic development, are exactly what we need to keep our city moving forward.
I look forward to continuing to work together as we build an even brighter future for Mesa!
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Hydration Donation Campaign Kickoff!
This year, we kicked it off with an incredible show of generosity- 34,560 bottles of water donated by Walmart and $20,500 in cash contributions from our community partners!
This summer, we’re aiming to collect 500,000 bottles of water and $40,000 in donations. It’s a big goal, but an urgent one! In Arizona’s extreme heat, something as simple as a bottle of water can mean the difference between life and death, especially for those who don’t have easy access to shelter.
If you're able to help, you can drop off bottled water at locations throughout Mesa or donate online. Every bottle counts!
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Need help with your summer electric bills?
Summer Electric Assistance (SEA) is a residential utility assistance program for income-qualified customers in Mesa’s Electric Service Area receiving electric service from the City of Mesa (not SRP).
What SEA Provides:
- Limited Short-Term Assistance: Available during July, August, and September.
- Savings: Eliminates Mesa’s monthly service charge and usage charge for the first 80 kilowatt hours.
- Total Savings: Participants can save about $23.50 per month in July, August, and September, totaling up to $70.00.
Eligibility:
- Income-qualified customers residing in Mesa’s Electric Service Area.
How to Benefit:
- Savings depend on submission and approval dates and the total kWh consumed each month.
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Calling all Mesa residents! There’s still time to get two years of tuition fully covered at Mesa Community College.
At the Mesa College Promise and Admissions Workshop on Saturday, June 7, at the Red Mountain Multi-Gen Center, you’ll learn about career pathways available at MCC, get expert support with admissions and the FAFSA, and learn how the Mesa College Promise can fund your education. Don’t miss out, RSVP today!
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The Neon Garden at The Post Mesa
It's finally complete!
Mesa’s Neon Garden is a truly unique space; there’s nothing else like it in the Valley. This vibrant outdoor installation blends art, history, and community in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Each lovingly restored neon sign tells a story from Mesa’s past, honoring the iconic businesses and landmarks that helped shape our City, like Dairy Queen, Watson’s Flowers, and the unforgettable Diving Lady.
If you missed the grand opening, no worries! We’ll be hosting open houses throughout the year, stay tuned for upcoming dates.
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Project Update: The GRID
Following collaboration with the Trustee, the City selected Soltrust Main QOZB, LLC as the new developer. Soltrust brings a strong track record in multi-family development, significant financial capacity, and a commitment to completing the project with quality and efficiency.
They are currently managing 12 projects across Arizona, totaling over $500 million, including the Forge Towers project right here in Downtown Mesa.
They’ve also secured a lease agreement with Crust Italian Eatery to occupy the first-floor restaurant space, further contributing to Downtown Mesa’s growing culinary and business scene.
We look forward to continued progress and will share updates as this important project moves forward.
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I had the pleasure of attending the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum’s Summer Exhibition Opening Reception at the Mesa Arts Center.
The event marked a special milestone, 20 years of art and community at Mesa Arts Center, with the debut of “Art Glass in the Desert,” a breathtaking exhibition featuring works by current and former faculty, volunteers, resident artists, and visiting artists who have helped shape the Center’s legacy in glass art.
Congratulations to Dr. Ruth Tan Lim, who was honored as one of Mesa’s 20 most influential art supporters, a well-deserved recognition as part of the 20th Anniversary celebration.
A wonderful evening celebrating creativity, community, and the artists who make it all possible!
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I recently had the opportunity to attend the powerful Breaking the Silence III exhibition at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum.
Created by artist Kazuki Takizawa, the stunning glass and water installation aims to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health by encouraging open, honest conversation. The continuous sound of dripping water symbolizes the importance of breaking the silence.
This impactful exhibit runs through January 15, 2026. I encourage you to visit and reflect on the important message it carries about mental health and suicide prevention.
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June 7 - Skate Party @ The Plaza
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
This Skate Party is about to be ogre-the-top! Watch Shrek at 6 PM in English, then again in Spanish right after. AZ Roller Girls will be rollin' through the swamp, so don't forget to BYOS (bring your own skates)!
Costumes and swampy style encouraged.
June 11 & 18 - Dinosaurs After Dark
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dinosaurs After Dark makes a great date night, family night, or place to hang out with friends. On four of the evenings, you can attend the THRIVE speaker series, which is included with admission.
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June 14 - Father's Day Flop @ Shepherd Aquatic Complex
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Get ready to flop like never before! Join us for a belly-flopping contest with divisions for every family. Dads get in FREE—so bring the whole family and enjoy laughs, prizes, and a splash-tacular Father’s Day celebration!
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June 17 - Resident's Guide to HOAs Webinar: Amendment Process
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Learn the 5-step plan for successfully and legally amending CC&Rs, including implementing rental restrictions. Also, learn common tenant problems and how to work effectively with rental properties. The class will conclude with a Q&A session. Register today!
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June 28 - Freedom Tie-Dye @ Fremont Pool
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bring your own white shirt out to Fremont pool for a chance to tie-dye your favorite design and stay cool in the pool! We have all the colors all you need to bring is yourself and a friend to enjoy this event at Fremont Aquatic Complex. Register today!
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July 4 - Arizona Celebration of Freedom
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join us downtown Mesa for Arizona's coolest Independence Day event! Food, fun, fantastic patriotic displays/activities, and fireworks.
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There’s always something exciting happening in Downtown Mesa! Check out the Downtown Mesa Association's calendar of events to stay up to date on upcoming activities, festivals, and more.
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