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 Community Newsletter
September 2025
Happy September Neighbors!
As we welcome September, I’m excited to share some important updates and opportunities happening in our community. This month’s newsletter highlights the City’s new executive leadership team and introduces our new Arts & Culture Director, both of whom bring fresh vision and energy to Mesa. You’ll also find details on volunteer opportunities as we come together for the annual Love Your City – National Day of Service, a meaningful time to give back and strengthen our community.
In addition, I’ve included several updates from Downtown Mesa, where exciting changes and projects continue to take shape, keeping our city vibrant and thriving.
Thank you for staying engaged and for all you do to make our community stronger. I hope you find this month’s updates both informative and inspiring.
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 welcoming Mesa's new executive leadership team!
This summer, Mesa City Manager Scott Butler announced significant changes to the City's executive leadership team, strengthening the organization with seasoned professionals who bring extensive experience in municipal operations and public service.
The changes include the promotion of Deputy City Manager Marc Heirshberg to Assistant City Manager, and the appointments of former Mesa Police Chief Kenneth Cost and current Glendale Deputy City Manager Brent Stoddard as Assistant City Managers. These appointments reflect Butler's commitment to building a dynamic leadership team capable of addressing Mesa's evolving needs and continued growth.
Scott Butler also recognized the continued outstanding service of Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Michael Kennington and Deputy City Manager Candace Cannistraro, whose expertise and dedication remain integral to Mesa's success. Both leaders continue to play vital roles in the City's strategic direction and operational excellence.
Mesa is fortunate to have such dedicated and experienced leaders guiding our city. Please join me in congratulating and supporting our executive leadership team as we work together to ensure Mesa continues to thrive as a place where families, businesses, and neighborhoods flourish.
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Mesa welcomes Luis F. Ruiz, Jr. as new Arts & Culture Director!
Mesa is gaining a champion for the arts! I’m thrilled to announce that Luis F. Ruiz, Jr. will be joining our city as the new Director of Arts & Culture this October. Luis is no stranger to our community - he previously served Mesa for five years as Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, where he managed iconic venues like the Mesa Convention Center, The Post, Mesa Amphitheatre, and the Office of Special Events.
Luis brings nearly 30 years of experience in municipal and university cultural programming - most recently leading strategic growth initiatives in Lawrence, Kansas - paired with deep roots in Mesa’s cultural identity. As our new Arts & Culture Director, he will oversee the Mesa Arts Center, the idea Museum, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History - three of our region’s most beloved cultural institutions.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Luis F. Ruiz, Jr. back to Mesa, we’re ready for a vibrant chapter ahead in Arts & Culture!
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Join the City of Mesa for Love Your City, a powerful day of community-driven volunteer projects that make a real impact. From clean-ups and school beautification to garden builds and packing hygiene kits—there's something for everyone.
This is your chance to give back, connect with others, and be part of something meaningful. Whether you're an individual ready to serve or a group looking to make a difference, we need YOU to help us lift Mesa higher.
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City of Mesa Expands Access to Mesa Business Builder with New Open Hours
Starting September 2, Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios will be open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Come by during open hours to use collaborative lounges, huddle spaces, or individual workstations with no reservation needed
- Meeting rooms, private offices, AR/VR studio, digital development zones, and the podcast studio are available first-come, first-served when not reserved
With our expanded team, The Studios is more accessible than ever, offering a flexible space for Mesa’s business community to work, create, and innovate.
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September is National Preparedness Month
Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, so staying ready is crucial. Here are some tips for handling utility emergencies like electric and natural gas.
Electric Emergency: If you encounter a downed power line, stay away from it and do not touch anything in contact with it. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside and call 911 to report it. Then, contact your electric service provider:
- City of Mesa Electric: 480-644-2262
- SRP: 602-236-8811
Natural Gas Emergency: Use your senses to detect a gas leak. If you smell a rotten egg odor, hear an unusual sound coming from a pipeline or appliance, or see dirt blowing in the air or bubbles forming in the standing water, leave the area immediately and call 911 to report it. Then contact your natural gas service provider:
- City of Mesa: 480-644-4277
- Southwest Gas: 877-860-6020
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There is so much happening in Downtown!
PP Thai & Sushi Bar moved into Downtown Mesa last month, occupying the space that formerly held Nunthaporn’s Thai Cuisine.
Diamond Don’s, a culinary expansion to the Saltmine Studio Oasis recording studio, is having their grand opening on September 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Their offerings include Philly cheesesteaks, Waygu steaks, handcrafted cocktails, and more.
Mesa Padel Club is on its way, bringing the booming-in-popularity sport padel to Downtown! The courts will be right next to B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade. Mesa Padel Club is projected to open this fall.
Crust Simply Italian, a well-loved spot for pizza and pasta, will open its Mesa location by the end of this year. Their other locations are in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert.
The Restaurant Incubator, a project supporting the development of small businesses in the food and drink sector, is underway. Participating businesses will have storefront space and a shared commercial kitchen.
The wait is over! Downtown Mesa's Sunset Market is officially back.
On Thursday, September 18, meet us at Macdonald & Main Street to connect with home-grown vendors and browse the products of local artisans. Our goal is to provide what you have to come to the market to find—real handcrafted goods from small businesses.
Our Sunset Music Series will be running in tandem, activating the businesses of Downtown Mesa with live music.
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Free Mesa Arts Center campus tours are back!
Did you know you can explore Arizona’s largest arts complex—for free? Beginning Wednesday, September 24, Mesa Arts Center will once again offer free public guided Campus Tours every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
Tours highlight all four theaters, art studios, public art installations, and more. Guests will discover the fascinating architectural history of this one-of-a-kind center, learn about our public art, and get an inside look at the visual and performing arts. The tour also encourages you to explore the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Reservations are required—please complete our online reservation form or call 480-644-4695 at least 48 hours in advance.
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I had the pleasure of attending the Mesa Prevention Alliance's 5th Annual Back-to-School Event this past Saturday, and it was truly inspiring to see our community come together to support local families.
Thank you to all the volunteers, partners, and sponsors who made this event possible. It’s events like these that remind us what community is all about!
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I had the pleasure of joining the celebration of the completion of the Community Services mural - a beautiful collaboration between the City of Mesa and the Mesa Youth Creative Agency (MYCA), a paid workforce development program that empowers local youth through real-world experience in the creative industry.
I'm honored to have this incredible piece of artwork right here in Mesa District 4! Stop by and see it in person at 200 S Center St!
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September 16 - Resident's Guide to HOAs Webinar: 2025 Legislative Update
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In this session, we will provide a clear overview of the new legislation affecting HOA and condo boards. We will address the current insurance challenges faced by HOAs and condos and offer practical tips for preventing crime and reducing liability.
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September 18 - Shade for One, Shade for All
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join your neighbors for a free, two-part workshop series to create a tree action plan for the Sherwood Park Neighborhood! Join ASU, Unlimited Potential, and the City of Mesa for the first workshop at Eagles Community Center, 828 E Broadway Rd, Mesa. Refreshments will be provided. |
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September 27 - Skate Party & City Plaza
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Grab your skates and join us for a fun-filled evening on wheels! Bring your own skates and enjoy cruising around with friends and family. Take a break to grab a bite from delicious local food trucks, then settle in for a movie under the night sky. The screening of Shrek 2 kicks off at 6:00 p.m.—don’t miss it! |
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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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September Council Meetings
Monday, September 8 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, September 22 - 5:45 p.m.
September Study Sessions
Thursday, September 4 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, September 8 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, September 11 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 16 - 7:30 a.m. *Mini Strategic Planning Session
Monday, September 22 - 5:15 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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