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 Community Newsletter
February 2026
Happy New Year Neighbors!
As we step into a new year, I hope you and your loved ones are feeling hopeful, healthy, and energized for what’s ahead. The start of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our community, and look forward to building an even stronger Mesa together.
Communities across the nation are marking America250 through meaningful and creative local celebrations. The City of Mesa’s Community Engagement team is proud to participate in this historic milestone and invites neighborhoods throughout the city to be part of the celebration.
Neighborhoods are encouraged to take the America250: Neighborhood Celebration pledge, committing to host a neighborhood meeting, gathering, or event at any time during 2026. Participation is easy—host one event in your neighborhood and take the pledge.
As an added incentive, all participating neighborhoods will be entered into a drawing for $250 to support a future neighborhood event in 2027.
As we approach Valentine’s Day, let’s come together and be Cupid in our community—spreading kindness, compassion, and love. While national politics thrive on division, here at home we have the power to choose a different path. By leading with empathy and respect, we can create a safe, welcoming community where everyone belongs and feels valued.
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 district4@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-3004. My door is always open.
-Councilmember Jenn Duff
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The Mesa Police Department has issued the following statement regarding the expectations and operations of Mesa PD Officers:
The Mesa Police Department is committed to working in partnership with our community to promote public safety, protect individual rights, and build trust through professionalism, transparency, and respect. A safe and resilient community is achieved when law enforcement and the people we serve work together.
As community concerns increase regarding the presence of outside agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. military personnel — our goal is to clearly communicate the role of Mesa police officers and the scope of our operations.
What to Expect from Mesa PD Officers
- Mesa PD officers always identify themselves in the course of their duties.
- Officers responding to calls for service or conducting enforcement do not wear full-face coverings.
- Officers’ uniforms or attire display visible Mesa Police Department identifiers, such as department-issued badges or markings, appropriate to their assignment.
- Mesa PD officers do not participate in immigration-related enforcement operations within our community, including at businesses, on streets, or in neighborhoods.
If you encounter someone claiming to be a Mesa PD officer who refuses to identify themselves or does not have visible department markings, and you wish to confirm their identity:
- Call 911 immediately if the situation is occurring at that moment.
- For non-emergency concerns, contact the Mesa Police Department non-emergency line at 480-644-2211.
How Mesa PD Operates
Mesa PD officers do not enforce federal immigration laws. Our responsibility is to uphold Arizona state and local laws and protect public safety. While Mesa PD has a jail-enforcement model agreement with ICE, any contact with ICE occurs only after an individual has been arrested for a violation of Arizona state law.
Mesa PD cannot interrupt or interfere with federal law enforcement operations, as doing so would be a violation of federal law.
We do collaborate with federal partners on serious criminal investigations — to include violent crime, trafficking and the exploitation of children and vulnerable people. These partnerships are focused on public safety, conducted within clearly defined roles, and carried out with respect for constitutional rights.
The Mesa Police Department supports the right of individuals to peacefully and lawfully express their views. At the same time, we will not tolerate criminal behavior, violence, or actions that place people or property at risk. Our focus remains on safeguarding our community, protecting constitutional rights, and maintaining public trust through lawful, professional policing.
New e-bike & e-scooter rules take effect February 11
Beginning February 11, 2026, Mesa will allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and e-scooters in City parks and shared-use (canal) paths where traditional bicycles are allowed. These updates are intended to improve safety and clarity as use of these devices continues to grow across Mesa.
Key rules to know:
- Speed limit: 5 MPH in parks, 15 MPH on paths
- Age requirement: Riders must be 16 or older (already state law)
- Helmets: Required for riders under 18
- Where riding is allowed: Shared-use paths (including canal paths) and sidewalks within parks
- Where riding is not allowed: Playgrounds and park amenities such as benches, tables, and turf areas
- Right-of-way: Riders must yield to pedestrians and people using mobility devices
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🚧 Broadway Road Improvements Project 🚧
The City of Mesa is making a major investment along Broadway Road from Lesueur to Spur (between Mesa Drive and Stapley Drive). This coordinated project brings several important upgrades together to improve safety, mobility, and overall roadway conditions.
What’s included in the project:
- Safer pedestrian crossings
- Bike lanes
- Improved lighting and landscaping
- New pavement
- Modernized underground utilities
What to expect:
Sundt Construction will be active throughout the corridor, with both visible construction and underground work. Residents and travelers should expect lane restrictions, changing traffic patterns, and additional travel time as work progresses by block. If construction directly affects nearby properties, advance notice will be provided.
Project Timeline:
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February – December 2026: Underground utility work with shifting traffic changes
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January – December 2027: Roadway reconstruction, including curbs, sidewalks, signals, lighting, and concrete
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January – February 2028: Striping, landscaping, and final roadway features
Questions?
Thank you for your patience as Mesa works to improve Broadway Road for everyone who lives, works, and travels through the area.
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Join us for the City of Mesa Advisory Boards & Committees Open House!
 Tuesday, March 3
 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
 The Post, 26 N. Macdonald, Mesa
Learn about current and upcoming vacancies on the 17 advisory boards and committees that serve the City of Mesa. Meet City staff, ask questions, and explore opportunities to get involved and make a difference in your community. Stop by and find the board or committee that's right for you!
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We love our runners—and we love prepared drivers even more!
The Mesa Marathon takes place Saturday, February 14, with early-morning street closures and traffic restrictions. Traffic will not be allowed to cross the route during the race. Save yourself the heartache and please plan ahead (the freeway is your friend!).
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Stay Safe Around Natural Gas Pipelines
Natural gas pipelines safely bring energy to homes and businesses in our communities. Most pipelines are buried underground, so you might not know when you live or work near one. Yellow pipeline markers help indicate their presence. These markers tell you:
- Who operates the pipeline
- What’s inside the pipeline
- Who to call in an emergency.
Knowing where pipelines are is the easiest way to stay safe and protect the essential services we all rely on.
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 New Business Spotlight: Twisterz 🍨
Downtown Mesa just got a little sweeter! We’re excited to welcome Twisterz, now open at 58 W. Main Street. This new local spot is serving up delicious frozen treats and adding even more flavor to our downtown scene. Be sure to stop by, support a new small business, and treat yourself—you’ve earned it!
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 Now Open at the i.d.e.a. Museum: Rube Goldberg™, The World of Hilarious Invention!
Explore the wildly imaginative world of Rube Goldberg™ in this hands-on exhibit featuring iconic contraptions, playful illustrations, and laugh-out-loud creativity. Guests are invited to build and activate over-the-top chain-reaction machines using everyday objects to complete simple tasks in the most inefficient—and hilarious—ways possible. Discover the joy of creativity, storytelling, and finding fun in failure.
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Honored to gather with our community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King reminded us that every human being has dignity and that MLK Day is not a day off, but a day on—a call to serve, to lead with love, and to keep bending the arc toward justice.
Mesa is strongest when everyone belongs.
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It was an honor to spend time with the incredible volunteers of the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and passion to bring science, history, and discovery to life for our community.
Whether guiding tours or working behind the scenes, your service makes a lasting impact. Mesa is grateful for you—thank you for all that you do.
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I was honored to attend the Native Health reception and celebrate the vital role Native Health plays in Mesa.
Mesa is home to one of the largest Indigenous populations in Arizona, and culturally responsive care is essential. Native Health’s services are true lifelines, helping remove barriers and improve health outcomes across our city.
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February 6 & 9 - Valentine Cards for Mesa Seniors
Various times & locations (see link)
Mesa Public Library invites the community to spread kindness by making Valentine’s Day cards for Mesa seniors in assisted living and long-term care during free card-making sessions. Next event is on Feb. 6 at Main Library, 64 E. First St., from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. |
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February 7 - Shred Day
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mesa Public Library offers a free drive-thru Shred Day. Main Library, 64 E. First St. Residents can bring sensitive documents including paper, file folders, hanging files, notepads and junk mail for secure shredding. Limit four standard-size bankers’ boxes per vehicle. |
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February 12 - Workforce Center @ Mesa Job Fair
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
More than 20 local employers will be on site and actively hiring. Job seekers should come dressed to interview and bring copies of their resume. The Workforce Center also offers free resume assistance and interview-ready clothing for those who need support. Located at the Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, 59 E. First St., 2nd floor. Register online. |
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February 13 - Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum Spring Opening Reception
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of five new spring exhibitions exploring the depth and diversity of contemporary craft, alongside a season of free public programs designed to engage audiences of all ages. |
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February 13 - idea Museum FREE Admission at the Inclusive Resource Fair
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Inclusive Resource Fair, hosted in partnership with A Fun Therapy, is designed to connect children and families with inclusive services, support and resources in an accessible environment. Guests will experience the exhibitions and create their own works of art. |
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March 5-29 - CLUE: A Walking Mystery
Enter the world of CLUE in the interactive and immersive experience, CLUE: A Walking Mystery at Mesa Arts Center March 5–29. In this version of the beloved board game, the murder was never solved, the mansion sold and the furniture from all nine rooms has been auctioned off and scattered throughout downtown Mesa. Tickets on sale now. |
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There’s always something exciting happening in Downtown Mesa! Check out the Downtown Mesa Association's calendar of events to stay up to date on upcoming activities, festivals, and more. |
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February Council Meetings
Monday, February 9 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, February 23 - 5:45 p.m.
February Study Sessions
Thursday, February 5 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, February 9 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, February 12 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 19 - 7:30 a.m. - Strategic Planning Session
Monday, February 23 - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 26 - 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.
Mesa broadcasts its council and study session meetings live on Mesa Channel 11's YouTube page and Facebook.
Council agendas.
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