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 March 2026
Happy Spring, District 1!
As we welcome March and look ahead to the arrival of spring, we are reminded that this is a season of growth and renewal across District 1. From blooming neighborhoods to new community initiatives, it is an exciting time of year in Mesa. The longer days and warmer weather bring fresh opportunities to connect, plant, and cultivate both in our own backyards and throughout our community.
This season also invites us to reflect on the challenges we face together. Homelessness in Mesa — and across our country — is real and deeply painful. Councilmember Adams believes caring about our neighbors isn’t political — it’s moral. At the same time, he believes compassion must be paired with accountability, fiscal responsibility, and solutions that address root causes rather than simply shifting the problem. Decisions involving taxpayer dollars are serious obligations, and they deserve thoughtful scrutiny and long-term discipline. We invite you to read more about his perspective and the path forward in the article "My Perspective on Homelessness in Mesa."
District 1 continues to thrive because of the people who call it home. As we look toward the future, our vision for urban and community gardens reflects a shared desire to expand opportunities for neighbors to grow their own food, promote sustainability, and strengthen community ties. While still in the planning and conversation stage, this vision represents the pride residents take in building a healthier, more resilient city. We are excited about the momentum and dialogue surrounding urban agriculture in Mesa and look forward to what may take root in the seasons ahead.
This month, we are proud to spotlight one of Mesa’s dedicated public servants, Detective Jeff Herperger of the Mesa Police Department. His commitment to public safety, professionalism, and service to our residents represents the very best of our community. We are grateful for the men and women who work each day to help keep Mesa safe.
We also recently held our Strategic Planning Meeting, and we are pleased to share that it was a tremendous success. The thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and shared vision for District 1’s future reaffirmed our commitment to responsible leadership and long-term planning. We are energized by the direction we are heading and look forward to putting those plans into action.
As always, it is an honor to serve you. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out at
district1@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-4002. My door is always open.
Thank you for being part of our District 1 family. We wish you a wonderful and refreshing spring season!
Warm regards,
-Councilmember Rich Adams
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District 1 Priorities for 2026
During our February 19 Council Strategic Planning Session, I outlined clear priorities for District 1 focused on protecting Mesa’s legacy while embracing responsible growth and new opportunity. Aligned with the voter-approved General Plan 2050, these priorities emphasize public safety, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting homeownership and adaptive reuse, promoting economic vitality, and maintaining strong fiscal discipline. Together, these efforts raise the standard for Mesa’s future while ensuring thoughtful, sustainable progress.
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Budget Season is Here
Want to learn how the City decides where your tax dollars go? Now is your chance to find out and share your input! Join us at one of three upcoming community meetings to review the FY 2026–2027 proposed budget and tell us what matters most to you:
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March 4 | 6–7:30 p.m. – Northeast Public Safety Facility, 1333 N. Power Rd.
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March 10 | 6–7:30 p.m. – The Post, 26 N. Macdonald
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March 11 | 6–7:30 p.m. – Gateway Library, 5036 S. Eastmark Pkwy
Can’t attend in person? Submit questions or comments online anytime.
After public input and City Council review, the tentative budget is scheduled for adoption on May 18, with final adoption on June 1. The new budget goes into effect July 1, 2026.
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Help Shape the Future of Mesa
Want to make a difference in your community? The City of Mesa invites residents to a Boards and Committees Open House on Tuesday, March 3, from 4–6 p.m. at The Post, 26 N. Macdonald.
Learn about current and upcoming openings on 17 advisory boards, meet City staff and discover how your skills and interests can help shape local policies and programs.
Applicants must be Mesa residents, at least 18 years old, and willing to serve a three-year term (two-term limit). Attendees may select up to three boards of interest. Applications are reviewed by the City Clerk’s Office and kept on file for up to 18 months if no vacancies are available. Appointments are recommended by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.
Learn more and apply by clicking on the link below or contact the City Clerk's Office at 480-644-2099 or Clerk.Info@mesaaz.gov.
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City of Mesa Celebrates America250: Get Your Neighborhood Involved!
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.
We’re inviting every neighborhood in Mesa District 1 to host at least one resident-led gathering in 2026. Think block party, community picnic, ice cream social or outdoor movie night. When you take the America250: Neighborhood Celebration pledge and host an event, your neighborhood will be entered for a chance to win $250.
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Natural Gas Safety: Protect Your Home and Family
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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Arizona Baseball Museum
The Arizona Baseball Museum began with a simple idea: to create a permanent home for the state’s rich baseball history. For decades, the 1939 Lehi Auditorium next to the Mesa Historical Museum sat quietly, but through community support and more than two years of hard work, the building was transformed into Arizona’s first and only museum dedicated exclusively to baseball. What started as a dream is now a reality: a fan-built tribute celebrating the players, teams, and communities that make baseball a vital part of Arizona’s culture. Mayor Freeman and Councilmember Adams had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its official opening.
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Detective Jeff Herperger: A Commitment to Community and Service
Detective Jeff Herperger is a Community Action Officer assigned to the Central Division of the Mesa Police Department, with over 21 years of service. Jeff worked as a patrol officer for 16 years, and during this time also served as Field Training Officer. He is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran where he was trained as a Meteorological Weather Observer to support flight operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University, and most importantly, is a proud father of his two children.
As a Community Action Officer, Jeff has a strong commitment to improving neighborhood safety, building public trust, and fostering positive relationships within the community. Known for a proactive approach, he works collaboratively with community members, law enforcement groups, and partner organizations to address concerns such as public safety and quality of life issues. He is thankful to work alongside his fellow Community Action Officer partners across the city, and all the dedicated officers and professional staff who work tirelessly day in and day out to make Mesa a safe place to live, work and play.
Jeff prides himself on being a professional and is honored to serve his community as a representative of the Mesa Police Department.
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Spring is officially here, and that means Chicago Cubs baseball in Mesa! Each year, Cubs Spring Training brings excitement, energy, and thousands of fans to our community, supporting local businesses and continuing our proud baseball tradition.
This year, we proudly celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Hohokams, whose vision and leadership helped establish Mesa as a premier spring training destination. Their decades of dedication have played a vital role in building our city’s proud baseball tradition and welcoming fans each spring.
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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 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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March 3 – Resident’s Guide to Community and Civic Engagement
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mesa City Hall, 20 E. Main St. Learn how City government works, how to get involved, and what it’s like to serve on a Mesa advisory board (plus a City Hall tour).
March 3 – Advisory Boards & Committees Open House
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Post, 26 N. Macdonald Stop by to meet City staff, ask questions, and explore ways to plug in and serve your community.
March 3 – Preschool Storytime Presents: America 250 Storytime
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd. Celebrate America’s 250th with songs, stories, and kid-friendly fun for ages 3–5.
March 4 – City Budget Open House
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Northeast Public Safety Facility, 1333 N. Power Rd. Stop by to learn about Mesa’s budget process, ask questions and share your input.
March 4 – Stamp Lab for Adults
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
THINKspot at Gateway Library, 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway Try a beginner-friendly stamp carving workshop (materials provided) and make something uniquely yours.
March 5, 12, 19 & 26 – Out to Lunch Concert Series
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Bring a lunch break to downtown Mesa—free live music all month as part of Mesa’s America 250 celebration.
March 6 – Trees Are Cool Presents: Get Answers, Get Planting
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Carriage Lane Park, 3140 S. Carriage Ln. Chat with tree experts, get practical planting and care tips, and bring your questions for an arborist.
March 6 – Writing Workshop: Weaving Cultural History Genealogical Writing 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Gateway Library, 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway Learn how to use social and cultural history to turn names and dates into richer family stories.
March 7 – Baseball Block Party
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Downtown Mesa, 1 N. Macdonald A free, family-friendly afternoon with kids’ activities, live music and a beer garden—right in the heart of downtown.
March 10 – City Budget Open House
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Post, 26 N. Macdonald Stop by to learn about Mesa’s budget process, ask questions and share your input.
March 11 – Reptiles Around the World (Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mesa Public Library (Main Library), 64 E. First St. A fun, kid-friendly program exploring how reptiles vary across different habitats around the world.
March 11 – City Budget Open House
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Gateway Library, 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway Stop by to learn about Mesa’s budget process, ask questions and share your input.
March 13 – ALT Fest
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. A free, one-night celebration featuring interactive art, light, technology, music and hands-on activities.
March 13 – Heroes of the Great War: The Harlem Hellfighters
6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Brady Park (Mesa Express Library), 7045 E. Monterey Ave. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for an outdoor documentary night highlighting the true story of the 369th Infantry Regiment.
March 13–15 – Tasty Nights Street Food Festival
2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Arizona Athletic Grounds, 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd. Three days of curated street food vendors, desserts, drinks, music and pop-up shopping in southeast Mesa.
March 26 – Arts in Service Exhibition 2026
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum at Mesa Arts Center A free evening celebrating art by veterans and service members, including performances, remarks and readings.
March 27 – Teen Jeopardy Night
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St. A fun east Mesa night for teens with Jeopardy-style trivia, friendly competition, plus snacks and drinks.
March 28 – CycloMesa
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Plaza at Mesa City Center, 20 E. Main St. A free, family-friendly bicycle festival celebrating biking and community—perfect for a morning ride and a downtown visit.
March 28 – Get Free Liberty Trees at Mesa Shade Tree Event
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Skyline Park, 655 S. Crismon Rd. Eligible SRP-served Mesa residents can pick up free trees (while supplies last) and help grow Mesa’s “Liberty Trees” legacy.
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Council Meetings
Monday, March 9 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, March 23 - 5:45 p.m.
Study Sessions
Thursday, March 5 - 7:30 a.m. (followed by Audit, Finance & Enterprise Committee)
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.
*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.
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