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 Community Newsletter
Summer 2025
Happy Summer, Neighbors!
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news - U.S. News & World Report has named Mesa the 9th best large city to live in across the nation, and we’re proud to be the only city in Arizona to make this prestigious list!
The ranking highlights what so many of us already know: Mesa offers an outstanding quality of life. From our abundant outdoor recreation options to a strong economy and healthy job market, our city continues to attract new residents and businesses alike. We were also recognized for being in the top 20% nationwide for net migration, showing that more and more people are choosing to make Mesa home.
This national recognition is a reflection of the hard work and vision of our community, and I couldn’t be prouder to represent such a dynamic and growing city.
I’m also excited to share that the Bike to Books contest is back for its third year! In partnership with the Mesa Public Library, this creative competition invites students and homeschoolers from pre-K through 12th grade to design bike symbol art for a shared-use path in Mesa. It’s a fun way to inspire kids to ride more, read more, and explore our community—especially by biking to a public or little library. Grand prize winners will even have their designs installed along a shared path next winter! The deadline to submit is July 31, so be sure to visit your local Mesa Public Library to participate.
Finally, as we approach the Fourth of July, please remember that only certain types of fireworks are legal in Arizona, and safety should always come first. Permissible fireworks can be used until July 6. I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly- protecting our neighbors, pets, and first responders. Learn more about what’s permissible, rules for legal use, and how to report illegal fireworks.
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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Congratulations to Mesa’s New Police Chief, Dan Butler
Please join me in congratulating Executive Assistant Chief Dan Butler on his appointment as the new Chief of Police for the City of Mesa, effective July 1. Chief Butler succeeds Chief Ken Cost, who is retiring after more than 30 years of exceptional service and steadfast leadership in our community.
A 25-year veteran of the Mesa Police Department, Chief Butler has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety, innovation, and community partnership. Most recently serving as Executive Assistant Chief, he has overseen the daily operations of nearly 1,500 sworn and professional staff members, and played a critical role in leading several key divisions including Human Resources, Wellness, Communications, Training, and Financial Services.
His appointment reflects a deep understanding of our community and a strong vision for the future of policing in Mesa. I’m confident Chief Butler will build on Chief Cost’s incredible legacy by continuing to prioritize transparency, officer wellness, and proactive community engagement.
Congratulations, Chief Butler! I look forward to supporting your leadership as we work together to keep Mesa one of the safest and most welcoming cities in the nation.
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Celebrating the Best of Mesa District 4!
Mesa District 4 is making headlines, and we're proud to highlight the incredible local businesses and artists who have been recognized in PHOENIX magazine’s Best of the Valley 2025 Awards! These recognitions showcase the vibrant culture, creativity, and culinary excellence that make our downtown and surrounding neighborhoods so special.
🎨 Best New Mural: "Interdependent Nature" by Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant), located on the west wall of the Mesa Arts Center, was named Best New Mural! This stunning piece is even more powerful in person—come by and experience it for yourself.
📖 Best Library to Go - Read Runner - Mesa Public Library
🍽️ Food & Drink Favorites
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Best Mexican & New Restaurant: Guadalupe on Main - 1526 E Main St.
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Best Gorditas: Taco Chiwas - 127 W Main St.
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Best Empanada: Republica Empanada - 204 E 1st Ave
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Best Pretzel: The Salted Knot - 21 W Main St.
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Best Sandwich: Worth Takeaway - 218 W Main St.
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Best Cider/Meadery: Cider Corps - 31 S Robson Ste 103
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Best Craft Beer:
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American IPA & Pilsner: Snare Trap, Phantom Fox Beer Co
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German Vienna/Marzen/Dark Lager/Oktoberfest: Beach Cruiser, Pedal Haus Brewery
⚾ Best Batting Cage: Home Run Stadium - 1829 E Main St.
🎭 Best Community Theater: Mesa Encore Theatre - 1 E Main St.
🎤 Best Karaoke Bar: September’s Bar & Grill - 500 W Southern Ave.
Let’s continue to support these local gems and celebrate all the talent, flavor, and fun right here in District 4.
Congratulations to all the winners - you make Mesa shine!
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Explore Mesa's Open Data Portal
Did you know the City of Mesa offers an Open Data Portal to give residents easy access to a wide range of city data? This online platform is part of our commitment to transparency, innovation, and community engagement.
The Open Data Portal includes interactive dashboards and downloadable datasets on topics such as public safety, sustainability, transportation, parks, and more. Whether you're a resident, student, business owner, or researcher, the portal empowers you to explore how city services are performing and how resources are being used.
You can visit the portal anytime to see how Mesa is using data to drive smart decisions and build a stronger community.
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Did You Know? Utility Meters Are the Provider’s Responsibility
Electric, gas and water meters are owned and maintained by the utility provider—not the customer. If you notice damage, suspect a malfunction, or experience a service interruption, do not attempt to fix or access the meter yourself.
Instead, contact the appropriate utility provider. This ensures your safety and helps maintain the integrity of the utility systems.
For non-emergency issues related to City of Mesa utility meters, please call our Customer Contact Center at 480-644-2221.
For emergency issues, reach out to the appropriate City of Mesa utility line below:
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Gas: 480-644-4277
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Water: 480-644-2262
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Electric: 480-644-2262
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Monsoon Season is Here – Stay Safe and Prepared
As we enter monsoon season, it's important to stay alert and take precautions to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe. Monsoon storms can bring sudden heavy rains, strong winds, lightning, and localized flooding.
Keep these numbers handy in case you need them.
Monsoon Hotlines
Life-threatening emergencies: 911
Non-emergency Police assistance: 480-644-2211
Report street issues and traffic signal outages: 480-644-2160
Report electric power outage:
- City of Mesa Electric: 480-644-2262
- SRP: 602-236-8811
Natural gas emergency:
- Mesa Gas 480-644-4277
- Southwest Gas 877-860-6020
American Red Cross: 800-842-7349
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Downtown Mesa Updates: Progress in Motion
There’s so much happening in Downtown Mesa, and I’m excited to share the latest developments:
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Restaurant Incubator Utility Construction
Work is underway to install utility connections for the upcoming Restaurant Incubator (blue area on the map). Construction is taking place in the alleys south of Main Street, between Macdonald and Robson, and will run from June 23 to September 13. Access to the Orange Parking Lot and nearby businesses will remain open throughout the project.
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Façade Improvements Coming Soon
Façade renovations are scheduled to begin soon in the yellow-marked areas on the map.
Phase 1 includes upgrades to four buildings:
• 18 W. Main
• 101 W. Main
• 104 W. Main
• 120 W. Main
Phase 2 will begin in August with additional buildings to follow.
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Macdonald Bollard Installation
Bollards will be installed along Macdonald (green area on the map) beginning August 4, enhancing both safety and aesthetics in the corridor.
In addition to these exciting improvements:
Thank you for your continued support as Downtown Mesa grows into an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit!
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Congratulations to Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost on his retirement!
With more than three decades of dedicated service to the City of Mesa, Chief Cost has led with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. His leadership has strengthened our community and shaped the department for generations to come.
Thank you, Chief Cost, for your service and impact - you leave behind a legacy of excellence. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!
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Big changes are coming to the City of Mesa Police Department Headquarters! I had the chance to join the Mayor, my Council colleagues, and Chief Cost for a ceremonial brick-breaking to kick off the exciting 20-month renovation project.
The project will modernize the 50-year-old facility with upgraded structural improvements, improved employee workspaces, a more secure entrance, an expanded holding facility and better public spaces - including a redesigned Fallen Officer Memorial and new community room. Thanks to voter-approved funding, we’re investing in the tools and spaces Mesa PD needs to serve our growing city for generations to come.
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I had such a great time visiting the ICAN Summer Program at Kino Junior High! This full-day program serves around 100 Mesa kids, including students from Longfellow and Adams Elementary Schools, with engaging learning opportunities and fun activities all summer long.
ICAN has partnered with these schools since 2022 and will serve over 200 Mesa students during the school year - empowering kids with the tools, support, and safe space they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you to the dedicated staff and volunteers for creating such a welcoming and supportive environment for our youth!
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Join me in welcoming Moses Lake Industries (MLI) to District 4 in Mesa! With the grand opening of their new $100 million advanced manufacturing and R&D facility, MLI becomes the newest addition to Mesa’s thriving semiconductor corridor.
It’s exciting to see smart, forward-thinking companies like MLI choose to invest in our community. Their presence strengthens our local economy, supports innovation, and brings quality jobs to Mesa. Congratulations to the entire MLI team, welcome to District 4!
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July 4 - Arizona Celebration of Freedom
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join us in downtown Mesa for Arizona's coolest Independence Day event! Food, fun, fantastic patriotic displays/activities, and fireworks. |
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July 9 - Teen Summer Safety Presentation
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun and helpful workshop all about staying safe and healthy during the summer. We’ll cover tips for enjoying the outdoors, staying well, and protecting yourself online.
July 9 - Littlest Learners Backpack Bash @ Mesa Family Resource Center, 64 E. 1st St. (lower level)
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Don’t miss out on FREE backpacks for children aged birth to five, courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Honeywell! You’ll have the chance to enroll your family in free programming with the Mesa Family Resource Center and Mesa K-Ready, learn about community resource, and get school supplies that will help get your little learners ready to do their best. Children must be present to receive backpack; backpacks available while supplies last.
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August 20-24 - Mesa International Film Festival
The Mesa International Film Festival is a premier celebration of independent cinema, drawing filmmakers, audiences, and industry leaders. Programming varies daily and includes a mix of filmmaker symposium activities and ticketed screenings available to the public. |
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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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July Council Meetings
Tuesday, July 1 - 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8 - 5:45 p.m.
July Study Sessions
Tuesday, July 1 - 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8 - 4:30 p.m.
*Council break will begin Tuesday, July 9 and resume on Thursday, August 14.
August Council Meetings
Monday, August 18 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, August 25 - 5:45 p.m.
August Study Sessions
Thursday, August 14 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, August 18 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 21 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, August 25 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, August 28 - 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.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas.
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