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December 2025
Happy December, Neighbors!
It is the most wonderful time of the year, and I want to wish you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and safe December! Whether you are decking the halls, gathering with friends and family, or simply enjoying the cooler weather, this time of year is all about gratitude, community, and celebrating the spirit of giving.
In that spirit, this month we are shining a spotlight on the growing movement of urban farming and community gardens, especially the inspiring St. Vincent de Paul Urban Farm right here in Mesa. Programs like these bring fresh, locally grown food closer to home, support families in need, create beautifully shared spaces, and strengthen the bonds that make Mesa such a special place.
I encourage you to learn more about these initiatives and consider how you might get involved. Together, we can continue making Mesa 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.
-Councilmember Rich Adams
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On November 26, family, friends, and Mesa PD staff gathered for the annual Steven Pollard Memorial Run, honoring Officer Pollard’s service and sacrifice more than 30 years after his passing. Officer Pollard was killed in 1994 when he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop on the U.S. 60. Each year, this memorial run brings our community together to remember his legacy, support the Pollard family, and ensure his service is never forgotten.
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Mesa Urban Farm
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Mesa Urban Farm is a remarkable example of community-driven sustainability and compassion. Established in 2015, this 3,000-square-foot farm grows nearly 500 pounds of fresh produce each month to support the Mesa Dining Room. The farm not only helps provide nutritious meals to neighbors in need, but also serves as a space for education, volunteerism, and hands-on learning about urban agriculture. It’s an inspiring reminder of how local efforts can make a meaningful impact right here in Mesa.
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Mesa Named 2025 Top Ten Digital City
Mesa is recognized as one of the top ten cities with a population of 500,000 or more in the Center for Digital Government's 2025 Digital Cities Survey Awards. The annual awards honor cities that are leveraging technology, data and innovation to improve government transparency and strengthen community engagement.
Mesa's recognition also reflects the City's sustained commitment to using technology to expand economic opportunity and digital access for all residents. Through initiatives like the Mesa Business Builder program and the City's Studios facility, Mesa provides innovative support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them launch, grow and compete in a modern economy. Mesa is also advancing efforts to ensure affordable, high-speed internet access citywide, reinforcing that digital connectivity is essential infrastructure.
The award further highlights Mesa's strong stewardship of public resources, including the responsible management of its technology portfolio, modernization of core systems and strategic investments that improve efficiency and deliver value to taxpayers. It also recognizes the City's ability to attract and retain a highly skilled digital workforce, a critical advantage in an increasingly competitive technology landscape.
The Center for Digital Government's Digital Cities Survey identifies and honors the most forward-thinking, future-ready cities redefining government innovation through effective technology leadership and meaningful community impact.
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Merry Main Street Returns to Downtown Mesa!
Celebrate the season in the heart of Downtown Mesa at Merry Main Street. This beloved East Valley tradition is back for its 11th year with festive activities for all ages.
Event Highlights:
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Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: Glide under the stars on a 6,005 sq. ft. ice rink at the Plaza at Mesa City Center. Tickets must be purchased online.
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Christmas Tree & Santa Visits: Snap holiday photos at Mesa’s giant Christmas Tree and visit Santa for free on Fridays and Saturdays at The Post, 26 N. Macdonald.
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Santa Paws (New!): Bring your furry friends for a free photo with Santa on Sundays through Dec. 21 at the Plaza at Mesa City Center.
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Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 13 & 20 at The Post. Tickets required.
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Holiday Sunset Market: Local vendors and holiday treats on Dec. 12 near the Christmas Tree.
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Live at Merry Main: Friday-night live music through Dec. 26.
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Holiday Movies at the Plaza: Free outdoor movies every Friday through Jan. 2.
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Gnome on the Roam: Follow Bingles the gnome’s adventures around Downtown Mesa on @CityofMesa.
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Reindeer Roll & Stroll: A festive scavenger hunt on Dec. 5 from 4–8 p.m., with prizes and helmet giveaways.
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Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at Pioneer Park.
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Mesa Temple Christmas Lights: Through Dec. 30, nightly from 5–10 p.m., free.
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Menorah Lighting: Celebrate the Festival of Lights Dec. 14 at 6p.m. - Main & Macdonald.
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Holiday Happenings at the MAC: Live performances and outdoor entertainment throughout December.
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Mesa Santa Express: A magical light rail ride with Santa, Dec. 12–14. Free, ticket required.
Parking & Light Rail:
Free parking is available downtown. Free light rail rides will run between Country Club Dr. and Gilbert Rd. from 5–10 p.m. on Dec. 5–6, Dec. 12–13, Dec. 19–20, and Dec. 26–27.
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‘Tis the season to spread holiday cheer and to keep your loved ones safe!
As we gather, celebrate, and enjoy the warmth of the season, let’s also remember the importance of natural gas safety.
A few simple reminders that can help ensure your family stays safe and happy all month long:
- Most natural gas pipelines are underground—keep an eye out for yellow pipeline markers that show where they’re located.
- Take time to identify all gas appliances in and around your home, and make sure everyone knows how to use them safely.
- Call 811 before you dig or plant to avoid damaging underground gas lines.
- Learn how to recognize and report a gas leak. The smell of rotten eggs is a key warning sign.
- Protect your gas meter from potential damage, especially from vehicles.
- Be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and know how to prevent it.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy a worry-free holiday season!
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I’m honored to share that two outstanding leaders in the Mesa Police Department have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief.
Assistant Chief Aaron Spicer, a Mesa officer since 2001, most recently led our Criminal Investigations Division and has served across nearly every corner of the department throughout his career.
Assistant Chief Dom Sterlin has served Mesa PD since 2006, most recently leading the Central Patrol Division and chairing the Critical Incident Review Board, while remaining deeply engaged with our community.
Both leaders were selected not only for their knowledge, skills, and ability to excel as Assistant Chiefs, but equally important for their genuine commitment to serving the men and women of our department and the residents of Mesa. Please join me in congratulating Assistant Chief Spicer and Assistant Chief Sterlin on this well-deserved achievement.
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Last month, we had the wonderful opportunity to join the Lehi Community Turkey Trot Run, and we had such a great time! It was a fantastic morning filled with friendly faces, family fun, and plenty of holiday spirit. We’re grateful to the Lehi community for putting on such a cheerful event and for welcoming us so warmly. It’s traditions like these that make our neighborhoods feel connected and festive, especially during the holiday season.
We recently had the opportunity to tour Able Steel here in Mesa, and what an impressive operation! Started in 1975 as Able Welding & Fabricating, the company moved to its current 22,000 sq ft facility in 1981 and became Able Steel Fabricators, Inc. Since then, they have continued to grow and innovate with beamlines, CNC processors, robotic welders, and expanded fabrication space again in 2025. Able Steel’s commitment to craftsmanship, modernization, and excellence has made a lasting impact in Mesa and beyond. Truly an incredible local success story!
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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December 5 - Trees Are Cool Presents: Get Answers, Get Planting
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The City of Mesa will be hosting tree support sessions across Mesa on the first Friday of each month. Join us at Christopher J. Brady Park, 7045 E Monterey Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209, to:
- Learn the benefits of adding trees to your landscape
- Understand what to look for when buying trees
- Learn about tree care and maintenance
- Chat with an arborist (bring your tree questions!)
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December 5 - Reindeer Roll & Stroll
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A holiday scavenger hunt in Downtown Mesa celebrating active transportation. Now part of the MesaMoves Look Twice Challenge!
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December 6 - Gateway Library Grand Opening
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Come out to celebrate the opening of Mesa's first new full-service library in more than 25 years! |
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December 6 - Jingle Bars: Holiday Bar Crawl
2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Gather your friends, dress in your holiday best, and enjoy a festive afternoon of holiday cheer and exclusive specialty cocktails created just for this event!
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December 12 - Downtown Mesa Sunset Market
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in vibrant Downtown Mesa for an unforgettable evening. Explore Main & Macdonald Streets, where local vendors will showcase unique, handmade treasures. Stroll through your favorite downtown shops, savor delicious dinners, sip on refreshing drinks, and share the experience with friends. Don’t miss this perfect blend of shopping, dining, and fun! |
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December 14 - Menorah Lighting
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us in celebrating the Festival of Lights as we light the first candle on Mesa's Menorah. The 12-foot-tall Menorah, located on Main Street and Macdonald, will have a light added nightly through Dec. 22.
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Council Meetings
Monday, December 8 - 5:45 p.m.
Study Sessions
Thursday, December 4 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, December 8 - 5:00 p.m.
*Meetings subject to start time changes
*Council break will begin Tuesday, December 9 and resume on Thursday, January 8.
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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