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March 2026
Dear District 5 Neighbors,
March is a great time to call Mesa home. With sunny skies and perfect temperatures, our city comes alive with outdoor activities, art exhibitions, festivals and the excitement of Cactus League play as two Major League Baseball teams take the field right here in our backyard. It’s a season that reminds us why we love where we live.
As we welcome March, I want to take a moment to share important updates and positive momentum happening right here in District 5 and across Mesa. Recent community events have showcased the very best of our neighborhoods — from youth sports tournaments and neighborhood clean-ups to small business grand openings. Our local entrepreneurs continue to energize our economy, and it has been a pleasure meeting many of you at ribbon cuttings and community gatherings.
One of our key focus areas continues to be Falcon Field. This historic airport remains a vital economic engine for our district, supporting local jobs, aviation businesses, and educational partnerships. In the coming weeks, the Council will review items related to infrastructure improvements and long-term planning efforts to ensure Falcon Field remains competitive, safe, and positioned for continued growth while taking the surrounding neighborhoods into account. I appreciate the thoughtful feedback many of you have already shared about preserving its legacy while preparing for future opportunities.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a historic year as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday. Communities across the country are preparing for America250 with meaningful and creative local events. The City of Mesa will mark the occasion with service projects, neighborhood celebrations, cultural programming and educational events throughout the year.
Spring also means more opportunities to connect. I encourage residents to attend upcoming town halls, engage with city boards and commissions, and participate in community events. Your voice plays a critical role in shaping the direction of our district.
Serving District 5 is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. My office is here to assist you — whether you have questions about city services, concerns about your neighborhood, or ideas for how we can continue improving our community together.
Thank you for being an engaged and supportive part of our District 5 community. As always, please feel free to email me at district5@mesaaz.gov with questions, concerns or ideas. I look forward to celebrating with you.
Sincerely,
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
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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 5 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.
Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will host a series of virtual public workshops in May, 2026 as part of its Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project to enhance safety and improve air traffic efficiency. Mesa residents are welcome to attend the dedicated East Valley airport meeting on Wednesday, May 20 from 5-7p to learn about proposed updates, ask questions and provide input.
Learn more about public participation opportunities and review background materials at the FAA’s Community Engagement page.
Proposed Fees & Charges at Falcon Field Airport
The City of Mesa has been incorporating feedback from many stakeholders on the proposed landing fees at Falcon Field Airport. The revised recommendations are available for review online and will be presented for Council consideration at the following meetings:
Audit, Finance, and Enterprise Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 5, 2026
8:00 a.m.
City Council Study Session
Thursday, March 12, 2026
7:30 a.m.
City Council Study Session
Monday, March 23, 2026
5:15 p.m.
City Council Meeting
VOTING
Public input allowed
Monday, March 23, 2026
5:45 p.m.
Watch live online
Budget Season
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 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Northeast Public Safety Facility | 1333 N. Power Rd.
Tuesday, March 10 | 6–7:30 p.m.
The Post | 26 N. Macdonald
Wednesday, March 11 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Gateway Library | 5036 S. Eastmark Pkwy
Can't make it in person? Submit a question or comment online at your convenience.
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.
 Bezos Academy Preschool Enrollment
Mesa Public Schools is expanding access to early learning by partnering with Bezos Academy to offer more free preschool opportunities for Mesa residents for the 2026–27 school year. Eligible families can apply for fully subsidized, full-day, Montessori-inspired preschool hosted on select school campuses. Applications are due April 20. Details and applications are available at apply.bezosacademy.org.
Preschool locations:
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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 Advisory Boards & Committees Open House
Serving on a board or committee is a great way to contribute your experience, perspective and passion to the community. The City of Mesa invites residents to learn more about serving on one of its Advisory Boards or Committees at an upcoming Open House:
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Post 26 N. Macdonald, Mesa
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 America250 Volunteer Pledge
The City of Mesa proudly pledges to engage our community in contributing at least 100,000 hours of volunteer service in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Together, we commit to strengthening our city, supporting our neighbors and celebrating this historic milestone through meaningful service. Be a part of history – click below to find upcoming volunteer opportunities near you.
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ASU Polytechnic Campus Tour
Councilmember Duff and I toured the ASU Polytechnic Campus and were given special tours of their Urban Farming Project (they were growing strawberries!) and the state of the art ISTB12 facility. This amazing project serves as a key location for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering's new School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks. As a solutions-focused hub for engineering and technology education, research and collaboration, it supports the needs of faculty and students in a broad range of fields that will serve our community and beyond.
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My Place Hotels Ribbon Cutting
Mesa is proud to welcome My Place Hotels to the city, and I was happy to attend their ribbon cutting to celebrate this new hotel. I am pleased that our hospitality offerings show our growth as a destination for travelers, families and working professionals. Welcome, My Place!
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Mesa Contemporary Art Museum Spring Opening
I spent a wonderful evening experiencing the vibrant spring exhibitions at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. These inspiring exhibits are open through June, so be sure to check them out! Mesa is proud to offer such diverse and dynamic artistic experiences in our city, celebrating creativity and culture for all to enjoy.
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Fallen Firefighter Memorial
I had the honor of attending Mesa’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service, where our community came together to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We are deeply grateful to our firefighters and their families for their commitment to keeping Mesa safe each and every day.
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Cubs Scouts Webelo Meeting
I had the privilege of talking to the Webelos Den of Pack 301 about the responsibilities of city government and how our city operates. I think we have some future mayors/ councilmembers among this bright group of young people!
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Nuvision Credit Union Ribbon Cutting
I was honored to attend the official ribbon cutting for Nuvision Credit Union in District 5. Congratulations to the Mesa Longbow Branch, which is Nuvision's first dedicated, public-access location in Mesa.
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City Council Strategic Planning Session
The entire city council and staff got together for an important planning session to enforce our vision to "Elevate Mesa". I was grateful to be able to share my vision for our district and to hear the other councilmembers' visions for their districts.
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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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March 1 – World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
Doors 5:00 p.m. • Show 6:00 p.m. • Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St.
Enjoy a classic, family-friendly night at the Ikeda Theater with live orchestra and one of ballet’s most iconic stories.
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 and take a guided tour of City Hall.
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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 March Council Meetings
March 9, 2026 5:45pm
March 23, 2026 5:45pm
March Study Sessions
March 5, 2026 7:30 am (followed by Audit, Finance, and Enterprise Committee)
March 9, 2026 5:15pm
March 12, 2026 7:30 am
March 19, 2026 7:30 am
March 23, 5:15 pm
*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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