|
May 2026
Dear District 5 Neighbors,
As we head into May, I am reminded of how much our community continues to grow, evolve, and engage in shaping Mesa's future. This month's updates reflect both the progress we are making and the many opportunities for residents to stay informed and involved.
One important opportunity is the upcoming FAA Modernization Project public workshop focused on East Valley airports, including District 5's own Falcon Field. This virtual session will give residents a chance to learn about proposed updates to satellite-based flight procedures. Community input plays a vital role in projects like this, and I encourage you to participate.
May is also a time to recognize important milestones and celebrations. As we observe Memorial Day later this month, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their courage and dedication.
In the weeks ahead, my office will continue working closely with city staff and community partners to address key priorities, including public safety, economic development, and maintaining the high quality of life we all value. We also have several community events planned, and I hope to see many of you there.
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. It is an honor to serve our great community.
Councilmember Alicia Goforth
|
|
 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is hosting four virtual public workshops in May as part of the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project. The project includes proposed new and updated satellite-based flight procedures intended to enhance safety and improve air traffic efficiency in the Phoenix area.
Residents are welcome to attend any of the workshops, but the Wednesday, May 20 meeting from 5–7 p.m. will be specifically geared toward East Valley residents and stakeholders. That session will focus on potential impacts related to Falcon Field Airport, Mesa Gateway Airport, Chandler Municipal Airport and Stellar Airpark.
Workshop dates include:
-
Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m.–noon: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
-
Thursday, May 14, 5–7 p.m.: West Valley airports, including Glendale, Goodyear and Buckeye
-
Tuesday, May 19, 5–7 p.m.: North Valley airports, including Deer Valley and Scottsdale
-
Wednesday, May 20, 5–7 p.m.: East Valley airports, including Falcon Field, Mesa Gateway, Chandler and Stellar Airpark
During these workshops, residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed updates, ask questions and provide feedback directly to the FAA.
Boeing Earns AAED Best of Arizona Award
Congratulations to The Boeing Company on receiving the Best of Arizona Award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development. Boeing’s Arizona presence is anchored in Mesa, where its campus has served for decades as the home of AH-64 Apache helicopter production and advanced aerospace manufacturing. The award highlights Boeing’s major role in Arizona’s aerospace and defense economy, including thousands of jobs, hundreds of local suppliers and long-term investment in Mesa.
City Advisory Board Positions Open
Mesa residents looking for a meaningful way to get involved in local government are encouraged to consider serving on one of the City’s advisory boards and committees. These groups help provide input on topics ranging from planning and parks to housing, economic development, public safety and the arts. Board appointments are recommended by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, and residents can review openings or apply online.
Keep Your Family Safe: Easy Tips to Protect Your Natural Gas Meter
Keeping your natural gas meter in good condition is an essential part of home safety. Here are some simple tips to help keep your family safe:
-
Keep it clear: Make sure the area around your meter is clean and free of clutter so it’s easy to reach.
-
Don’t stack items: Never place anything on top of the meter — it must stay uncovered and unobstructed.
-
Protect it from vehicles: If your meter is near a driveway or parking spot, add protection to prevent bumps or collisions.
-
Plant smart: Avoid planting trees, bushes, or shrubs within three feet of your meter. Their roots can grow and damage it over time.
|
|
|
Hydration Donation Campaign
The City's Hydration Donation Campaign runs from May 4 through September 30, 2026 to provide supplies of water to people in need. We work with nonprofit agencies to collect the bottles of water which are distributed through United Food bank to numerous agencies in the valley, including A New Leaf, Paz de Cristo, and Mesa United Way.
The Campaign is a life saver for the less fortunate during the hot summer months. Since the campaign began in 2007, more than 7.6 million bottles of water have been donated. $5 or less buys a case of water.
|
|
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.
|
|
Autism Awareness Month
The City Council celebrated Autism Awareness Month in April by wearing blue. We are proud to be the first Autism Certified City in the world!
|
East Valley Mayor's Prayer Breakfast
The Mayor of Gilbert hosted us at the beautiful Riparian Preserve, where leaders and neighbors from across the East Valley gathered for a morning of faith, unity and community and to support AZCEND, helping to provide food, housing and support in our area.
|
Fallen Officer Memorial - Mesa PD
We gratefully honored the three fallen Mesa PD officers and their families in a meaningful ceremony that was a touching reminder of all that our officers lay on the line when they put on a uniform every day. Hyrum Smith Peterson, Steven Paul Pollard, and Brandon Mendoza are forever in our hearts.
|
Bike to Work Day
It was a beautiful day to bike to work, and I had an especially great time biking with District 5 residents! Mesa continues to support our cycling community through great events like this put on by the city's Transportation department.
|
The ONE at Signal Butte Ribbon Cutting
It was an honor to welcome The ONE at Signal Butte at their ribbon cutting event. The ONE is a 345 unit, wellness-focused luxury community at 10635 E. Hampton Ave. in east Mesa. I was very impressed touring their beautiful apartments, amazing amenities and gorgeous views.
|
Mesa Hohokams Volunteer Appreciation Event
Sloan Park was a great place to celebrate the Mesa Hohokams and all of our great spring training volunteers for all that they do for our city. For 75 years, the Mesa Hohokams have proudly served as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Chicago Cubs Spring Training and strengthening our community.
|
Red Mountain Ranch Social Club
Thank you to the Red Mountain Ranch Social Club for hosting me at their April meeting. It was great to discuss ongoing city projects, answer questions, and meet with residents and neighbors. This is a great group that I always enjoy being with.
|
|
AZ Association for Economic Development Awards
I loved joining city officials in Tucson to celebrate District 5's own Boeing Company on receiving the Best of Arizona Award. Boeing plays a major role in Arizona's aerospace and defense economy, and we are proud to have them anchored here in Mesa, where its campus has served for decades as the home of AH-64 Apache helicopter production and advanced aerospace manufacturing.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Coopstock
We are fortunate to host Coopstock, Alice Cooper's annual Rock & Roll Fundraising Bash here in District 5 at the Las Sendas Golf Club. I enjoyed performances by Alice Cooper, John Oates and Tommy Thayer of KISS to benefit Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers.
|
|
Arbor Day Reading
In celebration of Arbor Day, I read Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" to students at the K-8 STEM Academy at Red Mountain Ranch. It was so fun to interact with these bright students!
|
|
 |
 |
|
Firewise Events
I have loved spending time encouraging our neighborhoods in District 5 who are FireWise neighborhoods and those who are considering becoming FireWise neighborhoods, supporting the efforts of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department to keep our communities safe from wildfires. From meetings to cleanups, FireWise is doing great things in our community.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
May 1-2 – Mesa Amplified Friday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. • Downtown Mesa, 1 N. Macdonald
Enjoy a free two-day music festival with live performances, interactive experiences and activities for all ages.
May 2 – Cockpit Close-Up 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. • Falcon Field Airport Terminal Building, 4800 E. Falcon Drive
Explore aircraft up close, meet local pilots and enjoy a free, family-friendly morning at Falcon Field Airport.
May 2 – Historic Preservation Month Celebration 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • The Post, 26 N. Macdonald
Celebrate Mesa’s history with a free community event honoring the past and showcasing student art and essay contest participants.
May 4 – Virtual Reality: America 250 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • THINKspot at Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd.
Celebrate America’s 250th year by exploring historic and American-themed apps on virtual reality headsets.
May 14 – Workforce Center @ Mesa Hiring Event 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Eagles Community Center, 828 E. Broadway Rd.
Meet local employers who are hiring now at this free community hiring event hosted by Workforce Center @ Mesa.
May 16 – Local Author Talk: Judith Redline Coopey 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd.
Local author Judith Redline Coopey will discuss Redfield Farm, a novel inspired by the Underground Railroad and the courage to act on one’s beliefs.
May 16 – America 250 Live Music Concert Series 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd.
Celebrate America 250 with three free live music performances featuring Caleb Dailey, Prime Society and PHXJazz.
May 20 – FAA Phoenix Area Modernization Virtual Workshop: East Valley Airports 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. • Online public workshop
Learn about proposed flight procedure updates, ask questions and share feedback on the draft environmental review.
May 23 – Mesa Pools Opening Day • Various locations
Kick off summer with public swim at Mesa pools. Regular public swim admission applies.
May 29 – Teen Esports – Super Smash Bros Tournament 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St.
Teens can compete in a Super Smash Bros tournament, meet other gamers and enjoy food and drinks while they play. Registration is required.
|
|
 May Council Meetings
May 4, 2026 5:45pm
May 18, 2026 5:45pm
May Study Sessions
May 4, 2026 5:15 pm
May 7, 2026 7:30 am
May 14, 2026 7:30 am
May 18, 2026 5:00 pm (early start time)
May 21, 2026 7:30 am
May 28, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
