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April 2026
Dear District 5 Neighbors,
April is arriving in true Mesa fashion - it's coming in hot, bringing warmer temperatures and a full calendar of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and enjoy everything our community has to offer. From outdoor activities to neighborhood events, there are so many ways to get involved right here in District 5.
As the weather heats up, the City of Mesa is placing a strong emphasis on water conservation. Simple steps like adjusting irrigation schedules, fixing leaks promptly, installing low-flow fixtures, and choosing drought-tolerant landscaping can make a meaningful difference. The City also offers a variety of programs and incentives to help residents save water both indoors and outdoors, helping protect one of our most valuable resources while lowering utility costs.
District 5 continues to be a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, and we’re excited to celebrate Bike Month with a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. Be sure to look out for Bike to Work Day, a free Helmet Pop-Up, and Cycling FUN-damentals classes—great opportunities to stay active and safe while enjoying our beautiful desert surroundings.
We’re also pleased to share that construction on the Red Mountain Shared-Use Path is nearing completion, expanding recreational access and connectivity across our community.
Looking ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged with a couple of upcoming events. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual FAA meeting to learn more about local aviation activity and provide input. Additionally, the “Fenders and Vendors” car show at Las Sendas is a fantastic way to enjoy classic cars, local vendors, and time with neighbors. Finally, "Celebrate Mesa" is a family festival that is free for your family to attend.
Thank you for being such an engaged and supportive part of our District 5 community. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at district5@mesaaz.gov with any questions, concerns, or ideas. I look forward to seeing you out in the community this spring.
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
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 It's Here! Valley Bike Month is Rolling in!
MesaMoves is celebrating all month long by making biking safer, more fun, and more accessible for everyone in our community.
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Free Helmet Pop-Up: Grab a FREE helmet. All ages, all riders, no catch. Because safety is for everyone.
- Can’t make it? Order online and pick up later at: Free Equipment Agreement and Waiver
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Smart Cycling FUN-dentals Class: New to biking or want to boost your confidence? You have not one, but TWO chances to learn the basics, build skills, and ride smarter.
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Bike to Work Day: Join us for a community bike ride to get breakfast, refreshments and a free t-shirts (while supplies last).
Whether you’re a daily rider or just getting started, this is your month to get moving, connect, and enjoy the ride.
Reminder : 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.
Together, Mesa is Growing Water-Wise Landscapes
We have big news for Mesa residents looking to ditch their grass! For a limited time, the City of Mesa is doubling its residential grass-to-Xeriscape incentive, thanks to generous sponsorships from Google and SRP! Mesa homeowners may now qualify for up to $4,200 when they remove grass and replace it with desert-adapted plants and trees. Ready to transform your outdoor space?
Join the 2026 Mayor's Water Conservation Challenge
Mesa is back with the My Water Pledge Challenge, and we’re focused on reclaiming the top spot! Now through April 30, residents can take the online pledge for a chance to win daily prizes and even a chance at $3,000 toward home utilities, all while supporting water conservation.
Last year, Mesa took first place in its population category and earned the national title of “Most Water‑Wise City,” one of only five cities in the country to receive this honor. Residents pledged to save more than 22 million gallons of water by fixing leaks, choosing drought‑tolerant plants, and preventing outdoor runoff.
Let’s do it again. Take the pledge today and help Mesa stay water-wise.
 Calling All Car Enthusiasts!
Boulder Mountain Parke
3250 N Red Mountain,
Mesa, AZ 85207
You can enjoy music, a 50/50 raffle, face painters, and exciting cockpit tours of two helicopters, all right here in District 5. Shop and dine with local businesses and food trucks and explore incredible cars—all in one place! Come join your neighbors to be "inspired by craftsmanship" and "defined by community".
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 It's Time to Celebrate Safe Digging Month!
April is a great time to start those outdoor projects—but before you pick up a shovel, make sure you’re digging safely! Always contact Arizona 811 at least two full working days before you dig to have underground utility lines marked. Utility lines can vary in depth, and several lines may be located in the same spot, so having them marked keeps everyone safe.
After you contact 811:
- Wait until you hear back from all the utility companies listed on your ticket.
- Hand-dig within two feet of the marked lines and protect any exposed lines.
- Keep all locate marks visible during your project, they’re valid for 15 days.
Digging safely helps prevent injuries, damage, and outages. Calling 811 is easy, free, and required by law.
 Celebrate Mesa
Join us as on Saturday, April 11th a FREE Family Festival from 10am-2pm at Pioneer Park, 526 East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85203. Activities include:
- Playground, Water Wall and Splash Pad
- Living Green Village and Earth Day Activities
- Tot Spot
- FREE Carnival Rides and Bounce Houses
- Petting Zoo
- Face Painting
...and so much more!
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National Volunteer Week
The City of Mesa will celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 19 to 25, 2026. This week-long event is dedicated to recognizing the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers and to thank them for lending their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities. To stay updated on volunteer opportunities, please visit our City of Mesa website.
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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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America250 Traveling Museum
It was informative and inspiring to see the America 250 Arizona Traveling Museum, which blended national history with Arizona's unique story. The centerpiece was a replica of the Liberty Bell.
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We Run Mesa at Kino Junior High
I loved celebrating We Run Mesa's Last Day event at Kino Junior High. Exercise and Leadership were driving these students, and we love to encourage it!
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Mesa Arts Center Gala
It was a great night for giving and to celebrate generosity and the arts with a throwback to old Hollywood glamour at the Mesa Arts Center Gala.
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FireWise
Not only did I get to present FireWise Community designations to the District 5 neighborhoods of Mountain Bridge and Madrid, I was able to spend some time at a FireWise meeting at Mountain Bridge and see Madrid's FireWise cleanup in action. Kudos to these communities for doing what they can to reduce wildfire risks.
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National League of Cities Conference
It was an honor to represent Mesa at the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C., meeting with Arizona lawmakers, other city council members and gaining new insight for how to elevate Mesa.
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Public Budget Meetings
City staff were on hand to discuss the city budget with any and all interested citizens. It was informative and helpful to everyone who attended.
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New Hope Community Center
New Hope Community Center serves our surrounding community right here in District 5 with food, clothing, financial and job search assistance and much more, with a special emphasis on serving the unhoused. I was happy to donate needed items to this inspiring organization.
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Resident's Guide to Community Engagement
It was a pleasure to speak to Mesa residents about what they can do to become key partners in making our community an even better place to live at the city-sponsored Resident's Guide to Community Engagement. Keep a look out for the next time they offer the class if you want to become more involved!
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MPD Receives Support for Gunshot Detection Technology
Mesa is proud to be one of the safest cities of our size in the nation, and the $431,000 check that Congressman Stanton presented to the city for new gunshot detection technology will continue keeping residents and neighborhoods safe.
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Boeing Family Day and Firewheel Stem Institute
It was great to be a Boeing Family Day celebrating one of Mesa's outstanding community and industry partners. We were also proud to join in recognizing Boeing's $60,000 donation to Firewheel STEM Institute.
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Spring Equinox in the Garden
I spent a morning celebrating Spring Equinox in the Monarch Garden at Red Mountain Library. It was fun to see kids enjoying hands-on activities at the craft tables and making Sonoran Desert native wildflower seed balls with the M.O.R.E. (Mesa Outdoor Recreation Experience) mobile unit. Attendees were able to chat with city landscape experts, Master Gardeners, and other exhibitors about plants, trees, bugs, and sustainable gardening.
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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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April 1 – The Phil Collins Story 7:30 p.m. • Mesa Arts Center (1 E Main St.) Enjoy an evening of live music celebrating the iconic songs and sound of Phil Collins.
April 4 – 80’s Themed Full Moon Glow Float Evening • Saguaro Lake Paddle under the moonlight with glowing gear, music and retro vibes at this fun, themed night on the water.
April 8 – The American Revolution Documentary 5:00 p/m/ - 7:30 p.m. • ASU MIX Center (50 N. Centennial Way) The Mesa Public Library and the ASU MIX Center proudly present: "The Revolutionary War" by PBS. Join us for the first episode at the MIX theatre located at 50 N Centennial Way, Mesa AZ. 85201.
April 10 – Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum: Art After Dark Times vary • Mesa Arts Center Explore the museum after hours during this free evening event featuring exhibitions and special experiences.
April 10 – Teen Badminton 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Center (7550 E. Adobe St.) Grab a racket and join us for a fun-filled Badminton Night just for teens! Whether you’re a beginner or already love the game, come enjoy friendly matches, snacks, and drinks. Space is limited, so be sure to register early!
April 11 – Celebrate Mesa 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Pioneer Park A free, family-friendly festival celebrating all Mesa has to offer, with carnival rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting and Earth Day activities.
April 11 – Spring Festival 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd) Celebrate the season with carnival-style games, crafts and family fun designed especially for young children.
April 11 – Family Day at the Museum 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum Drop in for a free, craft-filled morning with hands-on art activities, storytime and gallery fun for families.
April 15 – 2026 Bike to Work Day 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. • Starts at Lehi Park, ends at The Plaza at Mesa City Center Join fellow cyclists for a fun community ride promoting healthy transportation and an active lifestyle.
April 18 – Flavors on Main 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Downtown Mesa Take a self-guided tasting tour through Downtown Mesa and enjoy food and drink specials from local favorites along Main Street.
April 23 – State of the City 2026 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. • Watch live at mesa11.com Hear Mayor Mark Freeman reflect on Mesa’s recent milestones and share a forward-looking vision for the year ahead.
April 25 – Family Music Bingo 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N Power Rd) A family-friendly twist on bingo where players listen for songs and mark their cards with a mix of old favorites and new hits.
April 28 – KPop Party 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N. Power Road) A high-energy afternoon with karaoke, music, and crafts—costumes encouraged. Ages 6+.
April 29 – Hands-Only CPR 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library (635 N. Power Road) Learn the basics of Hands-Only CPR and how to respond quickly in a cardiac emergency.
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 April Council Meetings
April 6, 2026 5:45pm
April 20, 2026 5:45pm
April Study Sessions
April 2, 2026 7:30 am
April 6, 2026 4:45pm (early start time)
April 9, 2026 7:30 am
April 16, 2026 7:30 am
April 20,2026 4:45 pm (early start time)
April 30, 2026 7:30 am
*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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