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 June 2026
Hello District 1!
June has arrived, bringing the start of summer and an exciting season of opportunity across our community! ☀️
This month, we're sharing important updates from around Mesa, including community partnerships, public safety initiatives, and projects that continue to strengthen our city. These efforts reflect the dedication and collaboration that make District 1 such a great place to live, work, and connect.
As we head into the warmer months, I encourage everyone to stay safe, informed, and engaged. Whether you're attending community events, exploring city programs, or enjoying time with family and friends, I hope you have a wonderful start to summer.
One of the City Council’s key responsibilities is adopting a balanced budget that reflects community priorities while maintaining Mesa’s strong financial foundation. I invite you to review my Budget Position Statement for the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget, which outlines my approach to fiscal responsibility, progress toward a balanced budget, and priorities for protecting essential services while addressing long-term financial challenges.
Additionally, this month includes updates on Mesa City Council meeting procedures and expectations, including the “Items from Citizens Present” process, use of presentation materials, and guidelines regarding signs, attire, and restricted activities. These updates help ensure meetings remain safe, respectful, and productive while continuing to support public participation.
As we celebrate Father’s Day this month, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures whose guidance and support make a lasting impact on our community.
As always, thank you for staying engaged and connected to all that’s happening in District 1. 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. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and energizing start to summer!
Warm regards,
-Councilmember Rich Adams
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Updated Guidelines for City Council Meetings Beginning June 1, 2026
Physical Presentation Materials
Individuals who wish to use physical materials when speaking on an agendized item must submit those materials to the City Clerk’s Office at 20 E. Main Street at least one business day in advance. Materials will be made available during the speaker’s comment and returned following the meeting.
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New selection process for “Items from Citizens Present”
Up to three residents will still be heard during this portion of the meeting, but all speaker requests will now be entered into a randomized selection process. This ensures that everyone who wants to speak has an equal opportunity, regardless of when they arrive or sign up.
Requests to speak can be submitted via posted QR code, through the kiosk in the lobby or with staff assistance.
Submit your request before the start of the meeting. Names of the selected speakers will be read at the start of the meeting.
NOTE: There is no change to public comment on agendized Council items. Any individual wishing to speak on an agendized item will continue to have the opportunity, and speakers will still have up to three minutes to address Council.
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Meeting Participation Guidelines
All individuals attending Council meetings are expected to observe rules of politeness, propriety, and good conduct. Applause and audience commentary are not permitted. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the meeting and/or restrictions on future attendance.
To help maintain a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, the following guidelines will apply:
Signs
- One handheld sign per person is permitted
- Maximum size: 18” x 12”
- Signs may not block the view of others
- Signs may not be attached to poles, sticks, PVC pipe, wooden dowels, metal rods, yard stakes, tubing, frames, or any rigid materials
Attire Visitors must wear appropriate basic attire, including a top, bottom, and footwear (e.g., shirt or blouse, pants or shorts, skirt, and shoes).
Restricted Activities Protesting, petitioning, solicitation, and leafletting are not permitted inside City Hall or in areas near entrances and parking lots. These areas must remain clear to ensure safe and unobstructed access for all visitors.
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Mesa Selected as FIFA World Cup 2026™ Team Base Camp for Türkiye National Team
Arizona Athletic Grounds, in partnership with Visit Mesa and the City of Mesa, has been selected as the official Team Base Camp training site for the Türkiye Men’s National Team during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
We are excited to offer Türkiye a welcoming “home away from home” throughout the tournament group stage and potentially beyond, and showcase Mesa’s world-class facilities, strong partnerships, and growing reputation as a premier sports destination on the global stage.
A free Community Day will be hosted on Monday, June 8, offering fans the opportunity to watch a live training session, meet players, and celebrate the world’s game through food and entertainment. Please visit azgrounds.com for event details and ticket availability.
Mesa Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program: “Unearth a Story”
Mesa Public Library is inviting the community to stay engaged all summer long through its Summer Reading Program, part of the Maricopa County Reads initiative running June 1 through July 20.
This year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” celebrates dinosaurs and encourages readers of all ages to explore books, visit the library, and earn prizes while building strong reading habits. Participants can earn points for every minute spent reading, with rewards available at 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 points, including coupons, park passes, tickets, and books. Those who reach 1,000 points will also be entered into prize raffles.
The program is designed to help prevent summer learning loss while making reading fun and accessible for the entire family.
Kickoff events will be held at several branches, including a foam party and activities at the Gateway Branch, a Dino Crew Entertainment program at Red Mountain Branch, and dinosaur-themed crafts at the Main Library.
Registration is available online and more information can be found in the link below.
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Mesa Animal Control Reminds Residents: Keep Pets Safe in the Heat
With triple-digit temperatures approaching, Mesa Animal Control is reminding residents to take simple steps to protect pets from extreme heat.
Pets can quickly suffer from dehydration, burned paws, and heat-related illness. Residents should never leave pets in vehicles, ensure they have access to shade and fresh water, and avoid walking them on hot pavement. If the ground is too hot for bare feet, it is too hot for pets.
Officials also encourage keeping pets indoors during extreme heat or fireworks, supervising them around pools, and making sure they are properly identified with tags or microchips.
Mesa Animal Control emphasizes that leaving a pet in a hot vehicle can result in serious legal penalties in Arizona, as temperatures inside cars can become dangerous within minutes.
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New South Canal Bridge Enhances Safety and Connectivity
The newly completed South Canal Bridge, located just north of Brown Road and east of Horne Road, provides safer, more convenient access for pedestrians and bicyclists using Mesa’s canal trail system. The project improves connectivity while honoring an important part of the city’s history.
Originally constructed between 1907 and 1909, the South Canal played a key role in delivering water, supporting agriculture, and shaping Mesa’s growth. Today, it continues to serve as a valuable community asset connecting residents to recreation, transportation, and outdoor spaces.
As Mesa grows, investments like the South Canal Bridge help preserve historic infrastructure while enhancing safety, accessibility, and quality of life. Special thanks to Mayor Mark Freeman for his support of this project and its benefits to the community.
Smart Peaks Program: Earn Rewards for Saving Energy This Summer
Hey, City of Mesa electric customers — Earn rewards while helping reduce energy demand this summer. Sign up for the Smart Peaks Program and get $100 in gift cards your first year ($50 for enrolling + $50 after summer). Stay enrolled and earn $50 each year you participate. To verify eligibility, check compatible thermostats, and enroll, visit link below.
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Mesa at War Exhibit Unveiled at Mesa Historical Museum
Last Thursday, the Mesa Historical Museum welcomed community members for the unveiling of its new Mesa at War exhibit and a special presentation highlighting a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of our city's history. Attendees discovered how British Royal Air Force cadets trained in Mesa during World War II and learned about the important role our community played in supporting the Allied war effort before the United States entered the war.
The new exhibit brings this remarkable story to life through historical artifacts, photographs, and local accounts, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Mesa's unique connection to a pivotal moment in world history. The event was attended by the Mayor, Councilmember Duff, and Councilmember Goforth, who joined residents in celebrating and preserving this important piece of Mesa's heritage.
Eagle Court of Honor: Skylar Morgan, Troop 653
We are proud to recognize Skylar Morgan of Troop 653 on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Skylar was recently honored at his Eagle Court of Honor, marking an incredible milestone in his Scouting journey. He now joins more than 225 Eagle Scouts from Troop 653, continuing a strong tradition of leadership, service, and achievement in our community.
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Inside the District
Tanya Morgan is a dedicated public servant with nearly 13 years of service to the City of Mesa and more than 20 years of professional leadership and administrative experience. As the District Coordinator for Mesa City Council District 1, she works closely with residents, businesses, community organizations, and city departments to foster communication, strengthen community engagement, and enhance constituent services throughout the district.
During her time with the city, Tanya has earned a reputation for professionalism, compassion, and building strong relationships. Her experience includes supporting executive leadership, managing operations, coordinating public outreach efforts, and leading special projects that benefit the community. She is passionate about public service and committed to helping improve the quality of life for Mesa residents.
Outside of her professional career, she enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Glenn, have been together for 28 years and are proud parents of three sons, Kizer, Andin, and Kingsley. She considers her children her most precious blessings and the best part of her life. Above all, she considers being their mother her greatest accomplishment.
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Home Safety Month: Natural Gas Leak Awareness
June is Home Safety Month! This month, make sure your family knows how to recognize and respond to a natural gas leak. Since natural gas is colorless and odorless, a rotten egg smell is added to help you detect it. You can also identify a gas leak by:
- Hearing a blowing or hissing sound coming from a pipeline, meter, or appliance
- Seeing unusual changes in soil, dead or dying plants, blowing dirt, or bubbling water
If you suspect a gas leak:
- Leave the area right away and go to a safe location.
- Call 911 and our emergency gas hotline at 480-644-4277 to report it.
For more natural gas home safety tips, visit the link below.
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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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2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Main Library, 64 E. First St.
Children and families can participate in dinosaur-themed arts and crafts activities during Mesa Public Library’s Summer Reading kickoff week.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. • AZ Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald
Get ready for something cool this summer! Dinosaurs After Dark is back at AZMNH. The museum will be open after hours with crafts, activities, and the Arizona Through Time speaker series.
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St.
Explore unique vendors, art, fashion, collectibles, and entertainment during this alternative-themed community market event in Downtown Mesa.
Arizona Athletic Grounds • Time TBD
Celebrate Mesa serving as the Team Base Camp for the Türkiye Men’s National Team during FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a public training session, entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities.
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Rd.
This class, taught by the MesaMoves Program, will teach some tips and tricks to avoid the discomfort and dangers that come with bicycling in hot weather conditions as well as guidance on how to avoid the heat by safely riding while the sun is down. All pre-registered participants will leave the class with free safety gear. Register today!
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St.
Fitness athletes from across the region will compete in this bodybuilding and physique competition event.
8:00 p.m. • Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St.
Enjoy a live performance from award-winning singer Chiquis at the Mesa Arts Center.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Main Library, 64 E. First St.
Ignite your students' curiosity with MesaMoves hands-on Pedestrian Signal Light Kits. Kids learn to build and wire individual pedestrian signal lights while gaining important concepts about circuits and pedestrian safety.
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This year, Council will observe two summer recess periods. The first recess will begin on Tuesday, June 9, with Council reconvening on Thursday, July 16. The second recess will begin on Tuesday, July 28, with Council reconvening on Thursday, August 13.
June Council Meetings
Monday, June 1 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, June 8 - 5:45 p.m.
June Study Sessions
Monday, June 1 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, June 4 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, June 8 - 5:15 p.m.
July Council Meetings
Monday, July 20 - 5:45 p.m.
Monday, July 27 - 5:45 p.m.
July Study Sessions
Thursday, July 16 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, July 20 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 23 - 7:30 a.m.
Monday, July 27 - 5:15 p.m.
*Council break will begin Tuesday, June 9 and resume on Thursday, July 16.
*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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