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January 2026
Happy New Year, neighbors!
As we turn the page on 2025 and step into 2026, I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for the emails, phone calls, conversations at neighborhood meetings and quick chats after City Council meetings. This past year has reaffirmed for me that Mesa residents are the true leaders and decision-makers in our community and that the work we do in local elected office is only possible because of your engagement.
As many of us set goals to improve our health and happiness in the new year, I’d invite you to extend that same commitment to our streets, parks and neighborhoods. If you’ve noticed a D.I.Y. mural in an alley that needs attention, a pothole that seems to grow every week or a broken sprinkler at your local park, please let us know. Small reports can lead to meaningful improvements, and they help City teams prioritize the work that keeps Mesa looking and functioning at its best.
The easiest way to report an issue is through the MesaNow app or the Mesa CityLink resident portal. These tools make it simple to share what you’re seeing, add a photo or location, and route your request directly to the right department for the quickest fix. Thank you for being the kind of neighbors who care enough to speak up—and for helping us keep District 5 healthy, clean and beautiful.
Keep reading to learn more about recent news and upcoming events around Mesa! As always, my office remains open to address any questions or concerns you may have by emailing district5@mesaaz.gov. Here's to a great 2026!
Sincerely,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
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Free Tax Help: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Need a hand with your taxes this year? The IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers. Appointments and walk-ins are available at multiple Easy Valley sites, including the Red Mountain Library. Click below for locations, qualification requirements and more helpful information.
Final Week of Merry Main Street
Final Week of Merry Main Street The holidays are not over in Mesa! Visitors to Merry Main Street can enjoy ice skating in downtown Mesa through Saturday, Jan. 10. The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink will remain open daily at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St., from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $11 for one hour of skating, including skate rental. Tickets must be purchased online at merrymainst.com/icerink.
There is one more holiday movie on Friday, Jan. 9 at the Plaza. Frozen will be shown on the large screen on the side of the ASU MIX Center at 6:30 p.m. in English and at 8:15 p.m. in Spanish. Jack Frost's Food Truck Forest will be open on Saturday at Pioneer Park from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mesa–East Valley MLK Parade and Festival
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Join us on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the Mesa–East Valley Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and festival honoring Dr. King’s legacy. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Mesa near MLK Way & Center Street. Stick around for the festival from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, featuring vendors, community organizations, and more.
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 Christmas Tree Recycling
As the holiday season winds down and your once-glorious Christmas tree starts looking more like Charlie Brown's scraggly sidekick, the City of Mesa invites residents to give their tree a second life through our Christmas Tree Recycling Program.
Christmas tree recycling sites are open through Jan. 19 at five convenient locations around the City:
•Dobson Ranch, 2363 S. Dobson Road
•Fitch Park Playground, 261 E. 8th St.
•East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St.
•Mountain View Park, 845 N. Lindsay Road
•Superstition Springs Substation, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road
Recycling service is available only for live, non-artificial Christmas trees. The trees must be bare of lights, ornaments, stands, tinsel, flocking or other adornments. Please do not leave trees outside of the fenced enclosures. The sites are open 24/7 for drop-off.
Limited Income Senior Rate Program
Mesa offers a Limited Income Senior Rate Program that provides a 30% discount on the Water Service Rate for qualifying households. For most homes with a ¾” water service, that discount reduces the fixed monthly charge from $32.17 to $22.52—a savings of $9.65 per month. To qualify, applicants must be 60+ years old, be the utility account holder, live full-time at the service address, and meet limited-income guidelines (based on 200% of the federal poverty level). Once approved, the discount applies starting with the next utility bill.
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 Volunteer sign-ups for the 2026 Mesa - East Valley Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade will open on December 15th. Visit mesaaz.gov after that date to reserve your spot!
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 The Salvation Army Mesa has an ongoing need for a dependable individual who can commit weekly to assisting with the Senior Meal Program by welcoming participants and managing the sign-in process. This role is essential to ensuring accurate attendance, smooth program flow, and a warm, respectful environment where seniors feel valued and supported.
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Gateway Library Grand Opening
I loved celebrating the grand opening of the Gateway Library—an exciting new space for learning, connection, and community in our city. Thank you to the Library team and everyone who helped bring this project to life. I can’t wait to see families and students make it their own.
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Student Presentations at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies
I spent time at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies as students presented their research and proposals for improving our community using real City data. Their ideas were thoughtful, practical, and genuinely inspiring—proof that the next generation is paying attention and ready to lead.
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Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association awards ceremony
It was a pleasure to attend the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association’s awards ceremony and celebrate the people who help make Arizona such a welcoming destination. Mesa’s visitor economy supports local jobs, small businesses, and the vibrant experiences that bring our community together.
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Firefighter Graduation
I was honored to attend the firefighter graduation ceremony recognizing a new class of recruits stepping into public service. Congratulations to each graduate and thank you to the instructors and partner agencies who make regional training and cooperation possible to keep our communities safe.
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Taft Elementary Celebration
I had a wonderful time at Taft Elementary celebrating their prestigious “A” school rating at a pep rally with students and staff. This recognition reflects a lot of hard work, strong leadership, and a school community that shows up for kids every day.
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Noon Year’s Eve
I rang in the new year a little early at Noon Year’s Eve in Downtown Mesa with families from across the community. It was such a fun, kid-friendly celebration—and a great reminder of how special it is to gather together in the heart of our city.
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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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January 9 – Downtown Mesa Sunset Market
5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. • Downtown Mesa (1 N. Macdonald)
An evening market featuring local vendors, downtown shopping, dining and a lively street atmosphere along Main and Macdonald.
Through January 10 – Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa
Various times • Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa’s holiday celebration continues through Saturday, Jan. 10, with activities, lights, shopping and dining throughout the area.
January 10 – Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest
5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. • Pioneer Park
Grab dinner from a rotating lineup of food trucks and enjoy a fun, family-friendly night out downtown.
January 11 – 2nd Sunday Watercolors with Tammie Pursley
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. • OneOhOne Gallery (101 W. Main St.)
A relaxed watercolor session for all experience levels—materials provided, just bring your creativity.
Tuesdays in January (Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27) – Crochet Circle
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. • THINKspot at Red Mountain (635 N. Power Rd.)
A welcoming, beginner-friendly crochet class with supplies provided—come stitch, learn and socialize.
January 19 – MLK Parade & Festival
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. • Downtown Mesa
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with the parade down Center Street and a free community festival with music, vendors and activities.
Through January 19 – Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-Off
24 hours/day • Self-service drop-off sites citywide Live trees only (no flocking or decorations). Drop-offs are available through Jan. 19 at locations including East Mesa Service Center, Superstition Springs Substation, Mountain View Park, Fitch Park and Dobson Ranch Library.
January 21 – Lovin’ Life Expo
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. • Mesa Convention Center (263 N. Center St.)
A downtown wellness expo with interactive exhibits, demonstrations, local artisans and resources to help you kick off the new year strong.
January 30 – Ultimate Teen Nerf Battle
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Center (7550 E. Adobe St.)
Teens ages 13–18 can sign up for an evening of friendly Nerf competition at Red Mountain Center. Food and drinks will be provided for participants.
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January Council Meetings
Monday, January 12 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, January 26 - 5:45 p.m.
January Study Sessions
Thursday, January 8 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, January 12 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, January 15 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 22 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, January 26 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, January 29 - 7:30 a.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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