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 Community Newsletter
May 2026
Happy May, Neighbors!
As we begin this May edition of the newsletter, I want to start by wishing all mothers, grandmothers, guardians, and mother figures a very Happy Mother’s Day. This weekend is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the love, strength, and care you provide every day. Your influence is felt deeply in our families, neighborhoods, and throughout our community, and I hope you are able to take time to feel appreciated and celebrated.
This month also brings a full and important lineup of updates and events across our city. We are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of supporting overall well-being for individuals and families. We also recently launched our Hydration Donation Campaign as we head into the warmer season, reminding everyone to stay safe and prepared during the heat.
In addition, Mayor Freeman’s State of the City address provided a strong look at Mesa’s continued momentum, from public safety improvements to economic growth and long-term investments in our future. May is also Historic Preservation Month, and we are proud to celebrate our community’s history and honor those being recognized at this year’s awards ceremony.
There are also several upcoming events that continue to bring neighbors together and strengthen our sense of community.
Thank you for staying engaged and connected as we continue working together to build a strong, vibrant Mesa.
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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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month
On Monday, my colleagues and I on City Council and the City Manager came together wearing green to show support for mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. The Mayor also issued a proclamation recognizing the importance of this month and reaffirming the City’s commitment to mental health.
Mental health is essential to overall health, and every member of our community deserves access to support, understanding, and care. By standing together, we help foster a community where it is okay to ask for help and where no one feels alone in their journey.
The City of Mesa remains committed to supporting efforts and partnerships that expand access to mental health awareness and resources for all residents.
Let’s continue to lift each other up—not just this month, but every day.
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2026 State of the City
Mesa is moving forward with purpose. In his 2026 State of the City address, Mayor Mark Freeman highlighted strong momentum across public safety, economic growth, and long-term planning.
Key takeaways include a 14% drop in violent crime, more than $1 billion in new capital investment, and over 1,500 new jobs added in industries like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. The Mayor also emphasized major redevelopment efforts like the future Palo District, strong partnerships with local schools and universities, and Mesa’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and affordability.
From safer neighborhoods to sustainable growth, Mesa continues to build on tradition while planning for the future.
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Mesa’s Hydration Donation Campaign Kickoff
On Tuesday, we officially kicked off Mesa’s Hydration Donation Campaign alongside our incredible partners at the United Food Bank and Mesa Chamber of Commerce—all working together to help ensure our neighbors stay safe and hydrated during Arizona’s extreme heat season.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate and recognize Kevin Christopher for 20 years of leadership and dedication in championing the Hydration Donation Campaign. His commitment has helped bring thousands of water donations to those who need it most across our community.
As temperatures rise, the need grows even more urgent. Every donation makes a difference.
You can help save lives this summer by donating water or contributing online.
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Historic Preservation Month Celebration & Awards Ceremony
This past weekend, the City of Mesa Historic Preservation Office and Historic Preservation Board hosted the Historic Preservation Month celebration at The Post, bringing our community together to honor Mesa’s rich history and the importance of preserving the places that tell our story.
The theme, “Mesa Through Time – Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future,” reflected the spirit of the event as we celebrated Mesa’s heritage and commemorated America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
A highlight of the event was the Historic Essay and Visual Arts Contest awards ceremony, recognizing talented students for their creativity and perspective on preservation. Awards were presented to first-, second-, and third-place winners in both categories, including a special group project category, with all participants receiving certificates of recognition.
Attendees also enjoyed a family-friendly atmosphere complete with a backyard BBQ and community connection.
Mesa is proud to be home to eight locally designated historic districts and more than a dozen historic landmarks, and we remain committed to preserving these meaningful places for future generations.
Learn more about Mesa’s America250 events today!
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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:
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Keep it clear: Make sure the area around your meter is clean and free of clutter so it’s easy to reach.
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Don’t stack items: Never place anything on top of the meter — it must stay uncovered and unobstructed.
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Protect it from vehicles: If your meter is near a driveway or parking spot, add protection to prevent bumps or collisions.
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Plant smart: Avoid planting trees, bushes, or shrubs within three feet of your meter. Their roots can grow and damage it over time.
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Welcome to Mesa—we’re thrilled to have you here!
Last month, we celebrated the grand opening of Mesa Padel Club—bringing one of the fastest-growing sports in the world right to the heart of our city. This first-of-its-kind concept on a Main Street in the U.S. adds a new layer of energy, activity, and connection to our downtown.
Spaces like this not only promote health and recreation, but also strengthen our local economy and create vibrant places for our community to gather.
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 Mesa Amplified Music Festival in Downtown Mesa!
It was incredible to see our community gather to enjoy live music, support local energy, and experience the vibrancy of Downtown Mesa in a new way. Events like this continue to showcase the creativity, culture, and momentum growing in our city.
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the kickoff of Mesa Amplified such a success—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
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I had the honor of joining fellow leaders for an engaging Elected Officials Panel at the Arizona Active Summit at the ASU MIX Center in Downtown Mesa.
Grateful to share the stage with Tempe Mayor Corey Woods as we discussed how cities and residents can work together to build safe, connected, and accessible active transportation networks. These conversations are critical as we continue shaping communities that prioritize mobility, safety, and quality of life.
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Bike to Work Day brought great energy across our community!
It was wonderful to see residents choosing active transportation, enjoying the morning ride, and celebrating healthier, more sustainable ways to get around. Events like this highlight the importance of safe, accessible, and connected bike routes throughout our city.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped promote a more active and environmentally friendly commute. Let’s keep the momentum going!
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Celebrate Mesa was a HUGE success! Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed a day full of fun, activities, and community connection. It was wonderful to see so many families, neighbors, and friends coming together to celebrate all that makes Mesa so special.
I’m grateful to all the staff, volunteers, and partners who helped make this event possible—we couldn’t do it without you!
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I am incredibly grateful to celebrate the generosity of Robert Shippy of Shippy’s Rolling Plains Inc. Construction, whose donation has made a lasting impact on our community. Thanks to his support, our Mesa Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Center will carry a name that reflects a commitment to empowering our youth for years to come.
It was a pleasure celebrating alongside the dedicated staff, Former Mayor John Giles, Robert Shippy, and Alice and Sheryl Cooper. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for Mesa’s teens!
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May 8 - Annual District 3 Spring Blast
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Councilmember Frankie Heredia for FREE open swim, FlowRider, food, music, and entertainment! Hosted at Rhodes Aquatic Complex,1860 S. Longmore, Mesa, 85202.
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May 8 - Moonlight Movie Night - Luca
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Close out the ASU MIX Center's Spring 2026 Moonlight Movie Nights season with Luca, a warm and joyful story about friendship, growing up, and finding the courage to be yourself. Set along the Italian coast, this film offers a relaxed, feel-good way to welcome the warmer evenings of May.
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May 13 - MesaMoves Bicycle Maintenance Class
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Get your bike ready to roll with this FREE fun, beginner-friendly intro to bicycle mechanics! MesaMoves will cover simple maintenance you can easily do at home to keep your ride happy and running smoothly. Class hosted at Dobson Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, 85202.
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May 14 - Workforce Center @ Mesa Hiring Event
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join us at Eagles Community Center, 828 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, 85204, with the Workforce Center @ Mesa for a FREE hiring event and take the next step in your career.
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May 19 - 2026 Virtual HOA/Condo Academy Class
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Unlock the keys to running a thriving, legally compliant, and harmonious HOA/condo! In this power-packed session, we’ll reveal the “Secrets of Successful Associations” and break down the Top 10 Things You Need To Know about Arizona community association law. Register today!
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May 30 - Pachanga en la Piscina
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us at Carson Aquatic Complex, 602 N Westwood, Mesa, 85201, for a free bilingual water safety event featuring a fun and informative afternoon at the pool! Enjoy a free public swim, learn important safety tips, and watch an exciting live rescue demonstration at 1:45 PM.
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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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