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November 2025
Happy November, neighbors!
Here in Mesa, we take pride in delivering reliable, affordable utilities and in being transparent about how we fund them. This fall, City Council is considering utility rate adjustments after our annual review of service costs and long-term infrastructure needs. City Council initiated the 60-day public comment period in September, and we appreciate all the input you have provided so far. In preparation for the public hearing and Council action scheduled for December 1st, I am sharing a few resources below to help you learn more and make your voice heard on this issue.
Rate Adjustments Explained
Each year, City staff evaluate the costs to provide water, wastewater, solid waste, natural gas and electric service, along with capital projects that keep the system safe and dependable. We aim to keep rate changes small and predictable over time and these regular updates make it possible for us to keep pace with growth and inflation, replace aging infrastructure and maintain quality services without a primary property tax. Under this proposal, a typical residential customer is projected to see a modest increase of less than $6 per month to their monthly bill, though your exact impact depends on usage. Staff is also proposing a water and wastewater capacity fee to ease the financial burden of new growth on existing customers.
Additional Resources
Finally, happy G.A.I.N. day! I’ll be hitting the road with Mesa PD this evening visiting as many neighborhood block parties as possible. I look forward to meeting and connecting with you all in person. If you’re hosting or attending a block party, share a picture on Instagram and tag me @MesaDistrict5 for a chance to win a premium City of Mesa swag basket!
Sincerely,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
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East Valley Veterans Day Parade
In 2025, our nation marks a historic milestone—250 years since the creation of the Army (June 14, 1775), Navy (October 13, 1775), and Marine Corps (November 10, 1775). From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord in 1775 to the ongoing missions around the globe today, the spirit of the American military has remained constant: ready to serve, ready to sacrifice, and ready to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
This year’s East Valley Veterans Day Parade theme, “250 Years. Ready Then, Ready Now,” honors that enduring legacy. It is a tribute to the readiness and resilience of America’s Armed Forces from before our nation’s birth through every generation that has followed. From the Continental Army standing against the might of the British Empire, to the sailors who turned the tide in the Pacific during World War II, to the soldiers, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and guardians who stand watch today—American service members have answered the call, time and time again.
 Mesa Launches "Look Twice" Road Safety Challenge
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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 emphasizes the importance of being aware on the road and looking twice before making any movements on the roadway. To encourage our community to adopt safer roadway habits, the Look Twice Challenge offers Mesa residents the opportunity to win prizes, including bicycles, museum memberships, gift cards and safety gear. Participants can sign up at mesaaz.gov/mesamoves and earn points by:
- Taking an online safety pledge.
- Joining a social media challenge using #looktwicemesa or #mesamoves.
- Participating in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in December.
- Signing up for the road safety newsletter.
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 Mesa's Public Information & Communications Department Receives Top Statewide Recognition
Mesa’s Public Information and Communications Department was named Communications Team of the Year by the PRSA Phoenix Chapter. The team also earned four additional awards:
- Copper Anvil, Integrated Communications: Mesa 2024 Election – Public Education on Four Critical Ballot Measures
- Award of Merit, Video: 2024 State of the City
- Award of Merit, Event: Mesa Grande Cultural Park Renaming
- Award of Merit, Public Affairs: Mesa 2024 Election – Public Education on Four Critical Ballot Measures
These awards highlight Mesa’s commitment to open government and transparent communication and underscore the City’s leadership in authentic, data-driven storytelling. The PIO team serves as the conduit between City Hall, our residents and the news media, providing access to clear, accurate and timely information.
Mesa’s Transportation Department was also recognized, receiving a Copper Anvil in Public Affairs and an Award of Merit in Community Relations for its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
 Safety and Connectivity Enhancements Coming to Hampton Avenue
The City of Mesa began safety and roadway improvements along Hampton Avenue between Crismon Road and Signal Butte Road on Oct. 13. Work is expected to be completed by late November. The project is designed to make Hampton Avenue safer and more accessible for everyone - whether you're driving, biking or walking.
Planned improvements include:
- A new pedestrian crossing with a raised median to make it safer and easier to cross the street.
- Bike lane striping and signage to enhance connectivity for cyclists.
- Pavement resurfacing and durable epoxy markings to extend roadway life and improve visibility.
What to Expect
Construction will occur in phases, beginning with pavement resurfacing, followed by lane striping and finishing with the installation of the pedestrian crossing and a raised median. Temporary lane closures will occur along sections of Hampton Avenue, but detours will be clearly marked, and access to neighborhoods and businesses will remain open throughout the project.
A Safer Street for Our Community
This corridor was prioritized due to pavement maintenance needs and its location near schools, neighborhoods and community hubs. The upgrades align with Mesa's Safer Streets initiative, which focuses on projects that protect pedestrians, support active transportation and improve traffic flow citywide.
 Mesa Partners with The Be Kind People Project on Innovative Youth-Focused Campaign Against Opioid and Drug Use
The City of Mesa is announcing an innovative partnership with the nonprofit The Be Kind People Project to create educational content for students, educators and parents in Mesa Public Schools and other local institutions. The initiative, Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy™ Mesa is supported by funds from Mesa's opioid settlement allocation and will focus on building resiliency in children-equipping them to grow into thriving teens and adults who are better prepared to resist the pressures of drug and opioid use.
Since 2018, Mesa Fire and Medical has responded to more than 960 suspected opioid overdose incidents involving youth and young adults. According to the 2024 Arizona Youth Survey, more than half of local teens reported not recalling any public messaging about fentanyl dangers, while one in three had never discussed opioid risks with a parent or guardian.
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 Donations to ABC: A Better Community program aid Mesa residents in need and are tax deductible. During the past year, ABC donations have assisted Mesa non-profits with providing the following services:
- Provided 1,092 Empowerment/Academic Youth Services
- Provided 85 Employment Services
- Provided 8,070 Homelessness Relief Services
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 Help our community during this holiday season by dropping off a frozen turkey at the 17th Annual Turkey Tuesday!
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Four Peaks Medical Center
I was honored to speak at the grand re-opening of Four Peaks Medical Center. Now under the ownership of HonorHealth, the facility will offer top-notch care for patients and critical emergency coverage across east Mesa.
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Coffee with a Cop
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our District 5 Coffee with a Cop events this month! The connections we built between residents and public safety personnel are critical to the long-term health and safety of our community.
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Wear Purple Day
I was honored to stand with my colleagues on City Council in support of survivors, service providers and law enforcement for Wear Purple Day. Awareness and education are key to preventing and ending domestic violence.
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XNRGY Groundbreaking
I was thrilled to celebrate XNRGY's expansion in southeast Mesa’s innovation corridor. Their advanced manufacturing footprint means quality jobs, new career pathways for our students and investments that support our whole local economy. |
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ASU Polytechnic Advanced Manufacturing School
The grand opening of the new Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building at ASU's Polytechnic campus is a game-changer. As advanced manufacturing jobs return to America, investments like this will ensure Mesa residents and students benefit most.
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Haunted Hangar
What a blast at the Haunted Hangar—where aviation history meets Halloween fun. Thanks to our volunteers and museum partners for a safe, family-friendly Mesa tradition.
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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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November 1 – G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) Day
Various times • Neighborhood block parties citywide
Build community, meet neighbors and first responders, and celebrate safer, stronger neighborhoods across Mesa.
November 1 – Cockpit Close-Up at Falcon Field Airport
8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. • Falcon Field Airport Terminal
Free, family-friendly aircraft show-and-tell with pilots and vintage aviation displays—perfect for kids and aviation fans.
November 9 – Arts in Service Open House
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Mesa Arts Center
Service members, veterans and families can tour studios, try hands-on demos, and learn about free arts classes.
November 11 – East Valley Veterans Day Parade
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Downtown Mesa
Join thousands in honoring our veterans with floats, bands, and community groups along the parade route.
November 12 – Music on Main: A Downtown Mesa Guitar Crawl
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. • Various venues in Downtown Mesa
Stroll to pop-up sets by ASU guitarists, capped by a featured concert at 12 West Brewing.
November 14 – MCA Museum: Art After Dark
10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. • Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (at Mesa Arts Center)
Enjoy extended hours with galleries open late and occasional special programs.
November 6, 13, 20, 27 – Let’s Play Drama Storytime at the Neon Garden
10:00 a.m. • Neon Garden (behind The Post, 26 N Macdonald)
A free, imaginative storytime for young children and families featuring playful drama and movement.
November 21 – Sewing for Good
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • THINKspot at Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd)
Join volunteers sewing drawstring bags to be filled with hygiene items for local students in need.
November 28 – Merry Main Street Kick-off & Tree Lighting
5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. • Downtown Mesa
Ring in the season with the big tree lighting, holiday market and festivities as Merry Main Street begins.
Saturdays in November – Mesa Feastival at Pioneer Park
5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. • Pioneer Park (526 E Main St)
Food trucks, live music and boutique vendors—bring chairs and an appetite!
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 Council Meetings
Monday November 3, 2025 | 5:45 p.m.
Monday, November 17, 2025 | 5:45 p.m.
Study Session Meetings
Monday, November 3, 2025 | 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 7:30 a.m.
Monday, November 17, 2025 | 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. 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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