|
September 2025
Hello, Neighbors!
After a brief summer recess, Mesa City Council is back in session for the fall. This month’s agenda is filled with important discussions that will shape our city’s future—from downtown redevelopment and road improvements to long-term budget forecasting. Council will also be exploring opportunities for collaboration with Mesa Public Schools and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, reviewing strategies to attract new retail, and participating in a strategic planning session where we’ll hear updates on Mesa’s efforts to innovate and improve services for residents.
September is also National Preparedness Month, which is a timely reminder for all of us as monsoon storms continue to sweep through the Valley. In this issue, we’re sharing practical tips to help you and your family stay safe—like securing outdoor items, knowing sandbag pickup sites, and making sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts. A little preparation now can go a long way toward protecting your home and loved ones during severe weather.
I also want to encourage you to be part of Mesa’s Love Your City Day on Saturday, September 13. This citywide volunteer event offers opportunities to roll up your sleeves and make a difference—whether it’s cleaning trails, supporting a nonprofit, or joining a beautification project in your neighborhood. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to give back and connect with others who care about Mesa.
And finally, mark your calendars for GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) Night on Saturday, November 1. This annual event brings neighbors together to build connections and promote safety. Block party registration is open now. Don’t miss the chance to host a party on your block and celebrate the community spirit that makes Mesa such a great place to live.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
|
|
 Monsoon Safety
It’s that time of the year. Monsoon storms may start quickly and lead to downed power lines and trees, power outages and flooded streets in a matter of minutes. Visit the emergency web pages for details about preparing for storms and important emergency contact information.
Monsoon Hotlines
- Life-threatening emergencies: 911
- Non-emergency Police assistance: 480-644-2211
- Report street issues, traffic signal outages and get storm information: 480-644-2160
- Report electric power outage * SRP: 602-236-8811 * City of Mesa Electric: 480-644-2262
- Natural gas emergency * Mesa Gas 480-644-4277 * Southwest Gas 877-860-6020
- American Red Cross: 800-842-7349
 Office of Economic Development Receives International Award for Excellence
The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) has received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the Asian District Brochure in the category of Print Promotions. Mesa OED will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Mich., Sept. 14-17.
The Asian District Brochure was created to highlight and promote Mesa's vibrant Asian District, which features a rich concentration of Asian-owned businesses, restaurants and cultural destinations. The brochure serves as a community and economic development tool, showcasing the district's diversity and encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore, shop and dine in the area. By spotlighting the Asian District, the brochure also strengthens the visibility and competitiveness of small businesses and supports Mesa's broader strategy of inclusive economic growth.
 Register your G.A.I.N. Party Today!
G.A.I.N. Registration Is Now Open! This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 3–7 PM.
G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) is all about celebrating community and crime prevention. Each year, neighborhoods across Mesa host block parties, cookouts, and gatherings that bring neighbors together and strengthen community connections.
If your neighborhood would like to participate, please be sure to register your event. The deadline to register is October 5, 2025. Let’s keep the tradition going and show what it means to celebrate community & safety, The Mesa Way.
 Mesa Wins Statewide Award for Merry Main Street
The City of Mesa was recently honored with the Outstanding Special Event Award for populations over 100,000 by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, recognizing the incredible success of Merry Main Street. Led by the dedicated Special Events team, this six-week holiday celebration transforms Downtown Mesa into a vibrant, inclusive winter wonderland.
Drawing over 190,000 attendees annually, Merry Main Street blends beloved traditions with fresh, creative experiences—from free photos with Santa and a dazzling 40-foot Christmas tree to Arizona’s largest outdoor ice rink, live entertainment, and multicultural holiday events. The program’s innovative approach to community engagement, economic vitality, and affordable fun has made it a statewide standout and a model for holiday programming.
Congratulations to the Special Events team on this well-deserved recognition!
|
|
Love Your City Day
Love Your City is almost here! This is a day for the residents in Mesa to come together and make a huge impact in the community. This year, we are partnering with JustServe to combine Love Your City with National Day of Service.
- Saturday, September 13, 2024
- 7:00 a.m. to noon—different time slots available
|
 Arizona Disabled Sports
Arizona Disabled Sports (AzDS), is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation opportunities for individuals with all types of disability. The sports programs for individuals with physical disabilities are designed for athletes ages 6 through adulthood who have an orthopedic, neurological or sensory impairment. Click below to learn more about volunteering with their events and programs.
|
|
Youth Engagement & Empowerment Week
I was proud to celebrate Youth Engagement & Empowerment Week with students from Kino and Smith Junior High. We talked about leadership, civic engagement, and the many ways young people can shape the future of Mesa.
|
League of Arizona Cities & Towns
At the annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns conference, I had the honor of moderating the panel “Miles Ahead or Miles Behind?”. We explored the challenges and opportunities facing Arizona communities as we plan for the future of transportation and infrastructure.
|
Red Mountain Library 30th Anniversary
It was wonderful to join Mayor Freeman, Councilmember Spilsbury, volunteers, and patrons to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Red Mountain Library. Libraries are the heart of a strong community, and it was especially meaningful to see Congressman Stanton’s office recognize this milestone.
|
Mayor's Faith Leader Breakfast
I attended the Mayor’s Faith Leader Breakfast, where more than 150 leaders from across the East Valley came together to discuss teen mental health and suicide prevention. This collaboration shows the strength of our community when we work together on critical issues facing our youth.
|
 |
|
Mesa Film Festival
Mesa’s creativity was on full display at this year’s Mesa Film Festival. I was grateful to connect with local filmmakers and community members who are helping to make Mesa a hub for arts and culture.
|
|
|
|
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.
Development Pre-Submittals
Did you know every new development in Mesa starts with a pre-submittal application? This helps clarify important next steps in the development process and offers valuable insight for residents, too. You can learn more about the pre-submittal conference process, view recent applications below, or explore more detail through our publicly accessible DIMES portal.
|
|
|
September 6 – Explore Virtual Reality: TEENS
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • THINKspot @ Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Drop in to try the library’s VR headsets—games, museums, and scenic tours included. Free; registration required.
September 6 – ESL Conversation Class
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Practice English in a friendly, adult conversation group. Bring a notebook and pencil; best for intermediate learners.
September 6 – Library Movie Fun: The Goonies
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Family movie afternoon—pack a blanket and enjoy the 1985 classic (Rated PG).
September 6 – Game Night
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. • THINKspot @ Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Switch and board games for teens and families in the makerspace. Free; registration required.
September 9 – Toddlertime
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Short stories, music, and movement for ages 16–36 months; tickets handed out 30 minutes before start.
September 13 – El Grito Celebration
2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. • Pioneer Park (526 E Main St)
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, folklórico dancing, traditional food, and the dramatic El Grito ceremony.
September 17 – Ask the Airport
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. • Virtual meeting
Bring your questions about Falcon Field operations and future projects directly to airport staff in this community Q&A.
September 13 – Love Your City Day: Red Mountain Trail Clean-up
7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. • Red Mountain Trail (7907 E Kramer St)
Pitch in for Mesa’s citywide day of service with a District 5 trail beautification project—great for individuals, families, and groups.
September 16 – Crochet Circle
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • THINKspot @ Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
All skill levels welcome—learn stitches, swap tips, and work on projects together; supplies provided.
September 27 – Skate Party @ The Plaza
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. • The Plaza at Mesa City Center (56 E Main St)
Roll into family fun with skate‑your‑own or rent from vendors, catch projected movies (including Shrek 2), and enjoy local food trucks. Free admission—BYOS (Bring Your Own Skates)!
|
|
 September Council Meetings
Monday, September 08, 2025 | 05:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Monday, September 22, 2025 | 05:45 PM - 07:00 PM
September Study Sessions
Thursday, September 04, 2025 | 07:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Monday, September 08, 2025 | 05:15 PM - 05:45 PM
Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 07:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 07:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Monday, September 22, 2025 | 05:15 PM - 05:45 PM
*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.
|
|
|
|
|
