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October 2025
Hello, Neighbors!
Fall in Mesa means cooler weather, busier calendars and a season full of events that bring our community together. From neighborhood gatherings to citywide festivals, Mesa truly offers some of the best celebrations and activities in the Valley—and you’ll find a full list of highlights below.
This month, we’re also celebrating some important recognitions and milestones. Mesa’s Balanced Housing Plan was recently honored with a regional award, affirming our commitment to thoughtful growth and housing options that meet the needs of all residents. And we’re proud to announce the finalized development of Culdesac Mesa right here in our city. These achievements reflect the innovation and quality of life that make Mesa such a great place to live.
Finally, I want to highlight an important opportunity for you to get involved. On September 22, City Council issued a Notice of Intent to adjust utility rates, beginning a 60-day public feedback period. Our top priority is to continue delivering the high-quality services Mesa families depend on while keeping our city among the most affordable in the Valley. I encourage you to use the links below to learn more about the proposed adjustments, share your feedback online or at an upcoming City Council meeting, and of course, reach out to my office anytime with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
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 Coffee with a Cop
Join me and Mesa Police officers this month for Coffee with a Cop, where you can sit down in a relaxed setting to ask questions, share concerns, or just get to know the people who serve our community. No speeches, no agenda—just open conversations and a chance to connect. Stop by one of these events:
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October 6 | 8–9:30 a.m. at Black Rock Coffee (1839 S. Crismon Rd.)
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October 13 | 8–9:30 a.m. at Hava Java (2849 N Power Rd. #103)
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October 21 | 8–9:30 a.m. at Cup of Joey (1021 N Ellsworth Rd #103)
 Mesa Finalizes Transformative Culdesac Development
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The Mesa City Council has approved a landmark agreement with Culdesac to transform Site 17-an underutilized 27-acre property along the Valley Metro light rail line-into a vibrant, mixed-use community that will bring new housing, retail and economic activity to the heart of downtown.
The project will deliver approximately1,000 residential units-including for-sale townhomes, condominiums, and rental apartments-alongside25,000 to 50,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. With a design emphasizing walkability, community and open space, the development will feature plazas, flexible commercial spaces for small businesses and amenities that encourage a car-lite lifestyle.
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 Share Your Feedback - Maricopa County Active Transportation Plan
We need your input! MAG is creating a Regional Active Transportation Plan to improve walking, biking, and rolling across the region.
How can you get involved? Complete any of the following at https://tinyurl.com/23sszapn
- Take a survey and provide your feedback on priorities and challenges.
- Comment on the interactive map – marking important opportunities for safer, more connected active transportation.
Together, we’re shaping a more connected, safe, and active region for everyone!
 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 Balanced Housing Plan
The City of Mesa has received statewide recognition from the Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association, earning the “Strengthening Communities: Resilience and Sustainability” award for the Balanced Housing Plan. This award highlights Mesa’s commitment to expanding housing options and strengthening community resilience through careful planning and collaboration.
Congratulations to the Development Services Team and all staff and partners who helped make the Balanced Housing Plan a success.
 Celebrate Mesa
Mark your calendars—Celebrate Mesa is back! This free, family-friendly festival brings together everything we love about our city: live music, games, entertainment, food vendors, and activities for kids of all ages. It’s one of the biggest community gatherings of the year, and a perfect way to spend a fall evening with neighbors and friends. Join us on Saturday, October 11 at Red Mountain Park from 5–9 PM.
 Domestic Violence Awareness Night
Join survivors, advocates and community leaders for a powerful evening addressing the impact of domestic violence in our community.
Program Highlights:
- Powerful keynote survivor story
- Community leader remarks
- Memorial candlelight ceremony
- Live musical performance
- Onsite advocacy, resources & support
From awareness comes action. From community comes healing. Together, we’ll celebrate the resilience of survivors and honor the memory of those we've lost.
 Dia de los Muertos
The City of Mesa, Mesa Arts Center and the community proudly celebrate the memories of departed loved ones with the 19th annual Da de los Muertos Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the free festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with a traditional Aztec Dance performance by Grupo Coatlicue. On Sunday, Oct. 26, the closing ceremony at 4:30 p.m. will include Mayor Freeman and Consul General of Mexico Jorge Mendoza Yescas. Each morning begins with Relaxed Hour at 9 a.m., offering a more accessible experience for attendees.
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This month I’ll be launching the D5 Quick Dive, new social media video series where I’ll answer your questions and take you behind the scenes of your local government.
Got something you’ve always wondered about? From city services to big projects, now’s your chance to ask! Submit your question today, and be sure to follow along on social media!
Follow me on Facebook
Follow me on Instagram
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East Valley Councilmember Meeting
This month, Mesa had the honor of hosting the East Valley Councilmember Meeting, where regional city leaders come together to share ideas and strengthen partnerships. As part of the meeting, we toured Mesa Gateway Airport to see firsthand the exciting growth and economic opportunities taking shape there.
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Fire Station 224 Groundbreaking
It was a privilege to join Mesa Fire & Medical Department in breaking ground on Fire Station 224. This much-needed station will expand coverage in southeast Mesa, ensuring our residents continue to receive top-tier emergency response as our city grows.
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Cunningham Aviation Groundbreaking
At Falcon Field Airport, we celebrated the groundbreaking for Cunningham Aviation’s expanded FBO services. This local, family-run business is carrying forward Falcon Field’s proud aviation legacy, and their new facilities will help keep Mesa an attractive destination for pilots from around the world.
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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
September was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I was honored to help present a proclamation recognizing survivors, advocates, and families. Events like this remind us of the importance of early detection, research, and supporting those impacted in our community.
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Mesa Arts Center 20th Anniversary
Happy 20th Anniversary to the Mesa Arts Center! This world-class venue has been enriching our city through arts, culture, and education for two decades. The celebration was a reminder of how important the arts are in bringing people together and inspiring creativity across Mesa. |
Walk for Alopecia Day Proclamation
I was proud to help recognize Walk for Alopecia Day here in Mesa with a City proclamation. By raising awareness and supporting those living with alopecia, we build a more inclusive and understanding community. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their stories. |
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AZMNH Rock on the Rock
The Arizona Museum of Natural History’s Rock on the Rock event was a fun, interactive day celebrating geology and paleontology. It was great to see families learning together, exploring hands-on exhibits, and engaging with Mesa’s own “dinosaur museum.” |
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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.
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October 1 – BESS In-Person Public Meeting
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. • The ‘Mark at Eastmark, The Classroom (10100 E Ray Rd)
Join us in person to review and provide input on proposed zoning text changes related to Battery Energy Storage Systems.
October 2 – Domestic Violence Awareness Night
5:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m. • The Post (26 N Macdonald)
Join survivors, advocates, and community leaders for a powerful evening addressing the impact of domestic violence in our community.
October 6 – Coffee with a Cop
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. • Black Rock Coffee (1839 S Crismon Rd.)
Grab a coffee and chat informally with Mesa police officers—ask questions, share concerns, or just get to know folks in uniform.
October 8 – Monthly Childhood Immunization Clinic
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. • Superstition Springs Center (6555 E Southern Ave)
October 11 – Celebrate Mesa
5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Park (905 N Sunvalley Blvd)
A free, family-friendly festival with live music, food, games, arts, and fun for all ages.
October 13 – BESS Virtual Public Meeting
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. • Online (Zoom)
Can’t make the in-person meeting? Join virtually to hear the same presentation and offer feedback from home.
October 13 – Coffee with a Cop
8:00 a.m.–9.30 a.m. • Hava Java (2849 N Power Rd #103)
Another friendly stop in the Coffee with a Cop series—come meet officers, ask questions, or just say hi.
October 21 – Coffee with a Cop
8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. • Cup of Joey (1021 N Ellsworth Rd #103)
Stop by and continue building community relationships over coffee.
October 24 – Sewing for Good
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • THINKspot at Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Collaborating with Kidskindness.org, a local non-profit, we are sewing drawstring bags that are then filled with donated hygiene products for students in need at a local junior high here in Mesa.
October 25–26 – Día de los Muertos Festival
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Mesa Arts Center (1 E Main St)
Celebrate this rich cultural tradition with art, music, food, altars, and community remembrance.
October 25 – Haunted Hangar at Falcon Field Airport
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Falcon Field Airport (4626 E Fighter Aces Dr)
Join us for the Halloween edition of Cockpit Close-Up, a FREE event perfect for families and kids in costume! Explore the Historic WWII Hangar, trick-or-treat with City of Mesa departments and Falcon Field businesses, and get up close with private aircraft presented by WOFF, a volunteer pilot organization based at Falcon Field.
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 Council Meetings
Monday October 6, 2025 | 5:45 p.m.
Monday, October 20, 2025 | 5:45 p.m.
Study Session Meetings
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 7:30 a.m.
Monday, October 20, 2025 | 5:15 p.m.
Monday, October 23, 2025 | 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 7:30 a.m.
Other Meetings:
Monday, October 20, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. @ The Post (City Council/SRPMIC Meeting)
*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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