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June 2025
Hello, Neighbors!
Spring has sprung, the class of 2025 is preparing for new adventures, and the season of change is in full swing at City Hall as well.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Chris Brady, who retired last week after 19 years of transformative leadership as Mesa's City Manager. Chris guided our city through significant growth and innovation, leaving an enduring positive impact on our community. I'm equally thrilled to welcome Scott Butler as our new City Manager. Scott will be officially sworn in at our June 2 Council meeting, and I look forward to working alongside him to achieve great things for Mesa residents and businesses.
I also want to thank everyone who participated in the 2025-26 budget process over the past two months. Whether you tuned into study sessions, attended an open house, or provided feedback online, your input was invaluable. Because of your engagement, I'm confident the budget adopted on May 19 reflects what matters most to our community and positions Mesa for continued success.
On the topic of wise investments, I was particularly excited to cut the ribbon on the new Northeast Public Safety Facility at Power and Brown Road. This state-of-the-art facility provides expanded police, fire and medical service coverage in District 5, ensuring emergency response times remain fast for decades to come. It's another example of your tax dollars at work, made possible through overwhelming public support during the 2018 bond election. We'll host a public celebration at the facility once the final touches are complete, so keep an eye out for your invitation!
Keep reading for exciting updates on the Red Mountain Shared-Use Path, helpful tips for saving money on your water bill, free preschool and community college programs, monsoon season safety information and much more! As always, it's an honor to serve and represent you on Mesa's City Council.
Here's to a safe and happy June,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
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 Your Water. Your Impact.
How much water does your household use compared to how much you should be using? By reading your water bill, and knowing your expected use, you can take control of your water usage. When we are efficient with our water, we make a positive impact on the environment. Take the challenge! Log into your account, interact with the tools, and discover personalized tips to save water.
Red Mountain Shared-Use Path
Construction has officially begun on the Red Mountain Shared-Use Path! This new 1.5-mile paved path will run along the east side of Power Road—from the SR 202 Park & Ride to the Mesa city limit—and will provide a 12-foot-wide shared space for walkers, runners and cyclists. A new signalized crossing at Power and Redmont Drive will improve safety and connectivity for neighbors. Additional improvements include scenic outlook nodes, pathway lighting and beautiful landscaping. Construction is expected to wrap up by summer 2026. Click below for additional information and updates.
 Bezos Academy extension
Great news for Mesa families! Bezos Academy is opening three tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools this fall, conveniently located at Mesa Public School campuses. The preschools provide full-day, year-round programming for children ages 3 and 4, with meals and snacks included. Seats are still available at each campus, and applications have reopened. Families can apply now and will be promptly notified about enrollment or waitlist status.
 Mesa College Promise Applications Due June 15
Time is running out to apply for FREE tuition at Mesa Community College! Whether you're a recent high school grad or an adult learner living in Mesa, the Mesa College Promise can help you attend college tuition-free.
- Apply to MCC
- Submit your FAFSA
- Complete the Mesa College Promise application by June 15
This is your last chance for Fall 2025, so secure your spot and invest in your future today.
 Monsoon Season Safety
June marks the start of Arizona’s monsoon season, bringing with it the potential for high winds, dust storms and sudden downpours. Combined with our triple-digit summer heat, it’s important to stay prepared. The City of Mesa offers tips and resources to help you protect your family, home and neighborhood during severe weather. Click below for more information.
Battery Recycling Collection Event
Did you know that disposing batteries in your curbside can pose serious safety hazards to the community and environment? Cirba Solutions is making it east to safely discard end-of-life batteries for recycling with a community drop-off event on June 5 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m
Can't make it to their collection event? Visit mesaaz.gov/hhm to learn about Mesa's Household Hazardous Materials facility.
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Arizona Celebration of Freedom
We are seeking volunteers for the Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom, the coolest Independence Day festival in the state! There are multiple times and shifts available including splash zone, carnival games entertainment and info booths.
Volunteers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, free meal, snacks, cold drinks and are entered into a raffle for awesome prizes. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Mesa Fire & Medical Connectors
Established in 1998, the MFMD Connector Program is a volunteer force of secondary responders that support the functions of the department and crews. By helping take care of the many needs of the community, we allow our first responders to focus on saving lives and property. We strive to go above and beyond for our community and always serve with CARE (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence).
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Regional Fire Cadet Graduation
I was honored to celebrate the graduation of Mesa’s newest Regional Fire Cadets, who completed rigorous training to serve and protect our community. These dedicated young leaders represent the future of public safety, and we're incredibly proud of their commitment.
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Dolce Vita Anniversary Celebration
It was a pleasure joining Mayor Freeman to celebrate Dolce Vita Italian Grocer's 15th anniversary. Dolce Vita’s delicious Sicilian cuisine and hand-crafted gelato have made it a beloved staple of Mesa’s culinary community.
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Northeast Public Safety Facility Ribbon Cutting
I was thrilled to give opening remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mesa’s new Northeast Public Safety Facility. This innovative joint station reflects our city’s commitment to collaboration, keeping Mesa safe and thriving.
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Boeing Memorial Day Ceremony
Joining Mayor Freeman at Boeing’s Memorial Day ceremony was a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. It’s important we pause to honor their memory and express gratitude to those who’ve bravely served our country.
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Desert Challenge Games
Welcoming the athletes at the Desert Challenge Games was so inspiring. This incredible event highlights Mesa’s dedication to inclusion, providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete and showcase their talents.
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Looking for Information on New Developments?
Mesa has projects in all stages of the development process from planning to construction. Our Active Development Map offers you the chance to take a look at the latest Mesa projects coming to a street near you. Each project overview includes the location, project acreage, and the planned use. Take a tour today by clicking the map below.
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June 2 – Summer Reading Family Book Swap
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Help kick off our Summer Reading Program with a family book swap! Swap your good condition books for something new to read. Kids Need to Read will be here with new copies of books to choose from for prereader through high school. Mesa Public Library will provide gently used books for adults to choose from. Please limit 5 books per adult participant.
June 4 – Summer Reading Kickoff – Main Library
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sign up for the annual reading challenge, enjoy hands‑on art activities and start logging minutes right away at Mesa’s Main Library.
June 5 ‑ 7 – Finding Nemo Jr. – Mesa Adaptive Off‑Broadway Theater
Multiple show times.
Mesa's Parks and Recreation Department and Red Mountain High School bring Disney’s underwater adventure to life in an inclusive, sensory‑friendly musical at Red Mountain High’s auditorium.
June 7 – Dive‑in Movie @ Brimhall Aquatic Complex
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
You won’t want to miss this note-worthy night at Brimhall Aquatic Complex! Sing your heart out with a Karaoke DJ before floating into the feature film Sing as the sun sets. Bring your voice and dive into the fun---it's going to be a tune-filled evening to remember! Tubes provided.
June 8 – Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities
4:00 p.m. – approximately 6:00 p.m.
It's time to enter the multi-verse. The NINJA KIDZ are leaping out of your screens and into your city with Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities. The fate of the universe hangs in balance as imposters threaten to infiltrate a stage near you. Join for the first ever Ninja Kidz live action adventure filled with audience participation, physical challenges, games, and epic battles.
June 20 – East Valley Juneteenth Celebration
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Zen Nights is excited to co-host the East Valley Juneteenth Celebration on Friday June 20th from 6-10 Mesa City Plaza Park!
June 25 – Great Arizona Puppet Theater: Jack and the Beanstalk
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a lively retelling of the classic tale in the Main Library’s Youth Activity Room—free tickets handed out 30 minutes before showtime.
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 June Council Meetings
Monday, June 2 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, June 16 - 5:45 p.m.
June Study Sessions
Monday, June 2 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, June 12 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, June 16 - 5:15 a.m.
Thursday, June 26 - 7:30 a.m.
Audit, Finance and Enterprise Committee
Thursday, June 26 - 8:00 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.
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