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 November 2025
Hello, District 1 Neighbors,
I’m happy to launch this first District 1 newsletter as a new way to share updates, events, and community highlights. As we welcome a new season in Mesa, I want to thank you for staying engaged and connected with our community. District 1 continues to grow in exciting ways from neighborhood improvements and local events to initiatives that strengthen our sense of place and sustainability.
This month, we’re highlighting the growing trend of urban farming and community gardens efforts that not only bring fresh food closer to home but also build stronger neighborhood connections and beautify our shared spaces.
I encourage you to learn more about these initiatives and consider how you might get involved. Together, we can continue to make District 1 a place where innovation, community, and quality of life thrive.
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 district1@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-4002. My door is always open.
Warm regards,
-Councilmember Rich Adams
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Urban Farming & Community Gardens - A Growing Trend
No pun intended in the title, however there is grassroots interest in this activity not only in Mesa, but across the nation. I am interested in and supportive of working to open up greater opportunities in Mesa to support urban farming. Here is some helpful information regarding what this is.
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Mesa City Council Issues Notice of Intent to Adjust Utility Rates
Mesa City Council has issued a Notice of Intent to adjust utility rates, beginning a 60-day period for residents and businesses to review the proposal and share their feedback.
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City of Mesa Launches MesaMoves Look Twice Challenge.
The City of Mesa's Transportation Department is launching the MesaMoves Look Twice Save a Life Challenge, a community-driven initiative promoting safer driving, biking and walking behaviors. Between 2017 and 2022, 1,359 people were seriously injured or killed on Mesa roadways - an average of four people each week. The challenge encourages residents to stay alert and look out for one another on the road.
The Look Twice Challenge is inspired by Alexander Cole Fernandez, a Mesa resident who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash in June 2024 at just 20 years old. His father, George Fernandez, with the Alexander Cole Fernandez Foundation, reached out to the City of Mesa to collaborate on raising community awareness.
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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.
Mesa is planning exciting updates to Sheepherders Park!
Proposed improvements include:
• New play equipment with shade structures
• Upgraded playground surfacing
• An additional pickleball court
Stop by for a sweet treat, explore design concepts, and share your feedback with the City of Mesa.
Questions? 📞 480-644-3800 | 📧 Engineering.Info@mesaaz.gov
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6:00 –7:00 p.m.
Hermosa Vista Elementary School Media Center, 2626 N 24th Street, Mesa, AZ
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Fall Safety Reminder - Carbon Monoxide Awareness
As the cooler weather sets in, make sure your natural gas appliances are working safely to protect you and your loved ones from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas produced when fuel-burning appliances aren’t operating or vented properly.
If you have natural gas appliances in your home, ensure they are working efficiently and safely. Your natural gas flame should be blue with a hint of yellow near the tip. A yellow flame may mean trouble. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for installing, maintaining, and using gas appliances. Consider installing CO detectors for added protection.
CO poisoning symptoms can resemble the flu, but without fever. Watch for:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
If you suspect the presence of CO:
- Get fresh air immediately.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are present.
- Call 911 and our emergency line at 480-644-4277.
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 Nestled in the heart of the historic Lehi neighborhood, the Mesa Historical Museum (2345 N. Horne St.) continues to preserve and celebrate our city’s roots. This season, the museum is hosting its annual Arts & Crafts Fair on November 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. offering great opportunities for residents to support local history while finding meaningful holiday gifts.
If you haven’t visited recently, stop by and explore exhibits showcasing Mesa’s agricultural heritage, early neighborhoods, and iconic community stories that shaped District 1.
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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. to edit this placeholder text.
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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Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic
- November 7 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- November 8 | 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Get ready for a mouthwatering weekend at the 3rd Annual Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic, where food, fun, and community come together for an unforgettable BBQ experience! Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or love great food, this event has something for everyone.
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November 11 - East Valley Veterans Day Parade
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This year’s East Valley Veterans Day Parade theme, “250 Years. Ready Then, Ready Now,” honors the enduring readiness and resilience of America’s Armed Forces—from the Continental Army to today’s service members. For 250 years, they have answered the call to defend our nation, generation after generation.
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November 14 and 28 - Downtown Mesa Sunset Market
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in vibrant Downtown Mesa for an unforgettable evening of shopping, dining, and fun! Explore Main and Macdonald Streets, discover unique handmade treasures, enjoy local restaurants, and sip, stroll, and celebrate with friends. |
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November 18 - 17th Annual Turkey Tuesday
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Help our community during this holiday season by dropping off a frozen turkey at the 17th Annual Turkey Tuesday! |
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November 21 - Thankful Hands, Happy Hearts
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
We'll share sweet Thanksgiving stories about gratitude, then little ones will use their hands and hearts to create a colorful craft that celebrates what they're thankful for. Mesa Celebrates 250! Ages 3-5. |
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November 28 - Merry Main Street Kick-off
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Merry Main Street is the Valley's best winter holiday festival, complete with a 6,000 square foot real ice rink. Enjoy the season with daily activities and plenty of downtown shopping and dining.
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Council Meetings
Monday, November 3 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, November 17 - 5:45 p.m.
Study Sessions
Monday, November 3 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, November 6 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 13 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, November 17 - 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.
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