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 Community Newsletter
March 2026
Happy March, Neighbors!
As spring begins to take hold, we continue making progress on key projects that will shape the future of our city. This month, the Council heard an important presentation from staff on the Mesa City Center vision, including plans to redevelop the downtown Post Office site into an Arizona State University Creative Technologies building, while also accommodating a new retail Post Office and enhancing public space. Councilmembers had the opportunity to discuss the project and provide direction on how the City and ASU can collaborate on this transformative initiative.
In addition, we explored plans for a “Light Walk” — a pedestrian-friendly corridor designed to connect key downtown assets such as the Mesa Arts Center and the ASU creative hub, strengthening connectivity and inviting more community engagement in our City Center.
We’re excited about the momentum these projects bring and look forward to sharing more details as they continue to take shape! Please take a moment to watch the Special Council Meeting on February 23 for additional information.
In addition, the Mesa Historic Preservation Board and the Mesa Historic Preservation Office invite local students to explore our city’s past by participating in the Annual Historical Essay and Visual Arts Contest. The 2026 theme, “Mesa Through Time: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future,” aligns with America 250 celebrations led by Mesa’s A250 Committee. Registration is open through March 24.
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 City Council has called a Primary Election for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, for the purpose of electing Councilmembers in Districts 4, 5, and 6, whose terms will expire in January 2031. For more information or questions, please contact the Mesa City Clerk's Office at 480-644-4868 or visit the website.
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Applications for the 2026 Mesa Hometown Heroes Banner Program are now being accepted by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. This program is a meaningful tribute that honors fallen service members, veterans and active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces. The applicant or the service member must be a Mesa resident or work in Mesa.
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Want to learn more about how the City decides where your tax dollars go?
Now is your chance to find out and weigh in. Join us at one of three upcoming community meetings to learn about the FY 2026–2027 proposed budget and share what matters most to you.
📅Wednesday, March 4 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
📍Northeast Public Safety Facility | 1333 N. Power Rd.
📅Tuesday, March 10 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
📍The Post | 26 N. Macdonald
📅Wednesday, March 11 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
📍Gateway Library | 5036 S. Eastmark Pkwy
Can't make it in person? Learn more and submit a question or comment online. Following public input and City Council review, the tentative budget is scheduled for adoption on May 18, with final budget adoption planned for June 1. The new budget would go into effect on July 1, 2026.
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Welcoming A Permanent Voice to Downtown Mesa
I am pleased to welcome Dana L. Burns, Founder and Executive Director of A Permanent Voice, to Downtown Mesa for their ongoing Community Conversation Listening Sessions.
These sessions provide a safe, welcoming space for open and candid dialogue between community members and law enforcement, with the goal of building understanding, trust, and connection.
Community Conversation Listening Sessions
📅 Third Tuesday of each month
🕕 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
📍 Mesa Main Library
For the March session, she is honored to welcome a special guest from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit.
Discussion topics will include:
- Marsy’s Law
- Safety planning
- Available resources for victims
All attendees are required to pre-register by email at apermanentvoice@gmail.com or by phone at 602-341-4042.
I encourage community members to attend, listen, share, and be part of meaningful conversations that help strengthen our community.
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Did you know you might own a natural gas line?
Mesa owns, operates, and maintains the gas pipelines up to and including the meter outside your home or business.
The piping from the meter to your gas appliances—inside and outside—is your responsibility, just like your plumbing or electrical systems. It’s important to check this piping regularly for leaks, rust, or damage. If you notice a problem, contact a licensed professional for repairs.
Remember, if you’re planning a digging project? Always call Arizona 811 before you start, and hand dig carefully near any buried piping.
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 Spring Training is here!
Downtown Mesa Association and Fiber First invite you to the Third Annual Baseball Block Party, complete with ticket giveaways, special guests, and FREE family fun to start the season off right!
Saturday, March 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
W. Main St. & N. Macdonald
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 Hop on over and join me for a FREE family-friendly celebration!
Follow the Bunny Trail along Main Street (Center–Robson) to hunt for 12,000+ Easter eggs, enjoy treats from 15+ local businesses, face painting, and a free Pixster Photo Booth photo.
Then head to 1 N. Macdonald for even more fun—free Bunny photos, games, crafts, food vendors, and more!
Saturday, April 4, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
W. Main St. & N. Macdonald
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I’m proud to recognize 75 years of service, tradition, and community pride from the Mesa Hohokams.
What began as a vision from Dwight Patterson has grown into an incredible legacy of volunteerism—more than 500,000 hours of service helping shape our city’s Cactus League tradition and strengthening Mesa for generations.
Thank you to the Mesa Hohokams—past and present—for the lasting impact you’ve made on our community.
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The Arizona Baseball Museum officially opened on February 21 as the 2026 Cactus League season began, celebrating baseball’s 150+ year connection to our state and Mesa’s spring training legacy as the home of the Chicago Cubs and the Athletics.
With thousands of visitors coming to Mesa each spring training season, the museum adds another cultural destination that strengthens tourism and economic impact.
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Excited to see students at Concordia Charter School growing, learning, and thriving through the Captain Planet Foundation Project Learning Garden.
Thanks to the generous support of Bashas’ and Food City, students are gaining hands-on experiences in nutrition, science, math, history, and writing—while learning where their food comes from and building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Investing in learning gardens is an investment in our kids’ health, education, and future.
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I had the pleasure of welcoming this year’s Mayor’s Youth Committee cohort to City Hall yesterday!
It’s always inspiring to see so many bright, engaged young leaders who are eager to learn more about local government and how they can make a difference in our community. In addition to their time at City Hall, the cohort also had the opportunity to tour Downtown Mesa and gain a deeper understanding of how our city operates and continues to grow.
We are proud of these students for stepping up to serve and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in Mesa’s future!
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March 3 - Resident's Guide to Community and Civic Engagement
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Community Engagement Team invites you to participate in this class at Mesa City Hall, where official public meetings and key civic decisions occur. Participants will learn how to become more involved in local decision-making, explore leadership opportunities, and understand the impact of serving on City advisory boards. Register today! |
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March 5 - Out to Lunch Concert Series
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The long-awaited return of the popular Out to Lunch Concert Series at our Mesa Arts Center is here! Stop by every Thursday through March 26 for FREE live music in our Mesa Arts Center outdoor space, 1 E. Main St. in downtown Mesa. Grab lunch, bring a friend and soak up the sounds. See the full lineup.
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March 11 - Coffee with a Cop @ Starbucks, 1252 S. Country Club Dr.
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Mesa Police for coffee and conversation as we work toward reaccreditation with the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Come share your thoughts and learn more about our commitment to excellence. |
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March 13 - Alt Fest
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Experience ALT Fest — a free, one-night celebration of art, light and technology at Mesa Arts Center. This immersive festival will transform Mesa Arts Center into a vibrant outdoor wonderland. |
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March 28 - CycloMesa
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
CycloMesa is rolling into town! This FREE family-friendly bicycle festival invites everyone to enjoy a fun, active day celebrating bikes and community. Check out the MesaMoves page for more information as it is released! |
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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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March Council Meetings
Monday, March 9 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, March 23 - 5:45 p.m.
March Study Sessions
Thursday, March 5 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, March 9 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 - 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, March 19- 7:30 a.m.
Monday, March 23 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, March 26- 7:30 a.m.
Community & Cultural Development Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 12 - immediately after Study Session
*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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