🎆What’s Happening in Mesa This July

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Community Engagement Newsletter

JULY 2026

Communities Come Together for America250 over Independence Day Weekend

Learn how to host a neighborhood gathering 

Resident’s Guide to America250: Neighborhood Celebration Webinar

Join the City of Mesa Community Engagement team to learn how to host a neighborhood gathering and take part in the America250: Neighborhood Celebration with a chance for your neighborhood to win $250.

Tuesday, July 14
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom)

Get quick tips, resources, and ideas to bring your neighborhood together.

A HUGE thank you to our incredible
Arizona Celebration of Freedom volunteers! ❤️🤍💙

You braved the Arizona heat, brought amazing energy, and helped make this year’s celebration our biggest event yet, welcoming a record-breaking 60,000 guests to the festivities.

From set-up and entry stations to information booths, the Splash Zone, carnival games, and tear-down - your hard work, positive attitudes, and dedication made it all possible. Thank you for giving your time to serve our community and for helping to create a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July celebration for thousands of families. Year after year, you show up with generous hearts, and we couldn't do it without you. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Join Us for Mesa's Largest Service Event of the Year –
Love Your City!

Make a difference in your community by participating in Love Your City – National Day of Service on Saturday, September 12, 2026! Volunteer projects will take place throughout Mesa with meaningful opportunities to serve neighbors and strengthen our community. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer, trying it for the first time, or anywhere in between, there's an opportunity for you. Projects range from alley cleanups, resource packing, garden builds, and mural painting to deep cleans and making dog toys for donation - there's truly something for everyone. Sign up as an individual or gather your friends, family, coworkers, or community group to serve together. Your time, dedication, and compassion can make a lasting difference. Join us for a rewarding day of service, meaningful connection, and community impact.

Send an email to our Citywide Volunteer Program Coordinator, Katie Pollak at katie.pollak@mesaaz.gov to express your interest – or keep an eye on our website (Citywide Volunteer Program - City of Mesa) for the opportunities to be posted live!

These free webinars are offered through the Resident's Guide to Mesa Community Engagement series.

2026 Arizona Legislative & Case Law Update: What Every HOA and Condo Board Needs to Know!: Stay current on the latest Arizona legislation and recent court decisions affecting HOAs and condominiums. We'll simplify the new laws, discuss emerging legal trends, and give practical tips on how to comply with a recent Arizona appellate case regarding regular and executive session meetings. Learn what has changed, what it means for your association, and the practical steps HOAs and condos should take to follow Arizona law. Tuesday, July 21th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Registration open.

How to Effectively Manage Enforcement & Violations in an HOA and Condo: Effective enforcement protects property values and community harmony—but only when it's done consistently and legally. This session covers best practices for handling violations, fines, nuisance complaints, parking issues, pet disputes, and short-term rental concerns. We'll discuss how to avoid selective enforcement claims, manage difficult owners, and create a defensible enforcement process from start to finish. Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Registration open.

Association Records, Transparency & Disclosures in the Digital Age: Emails, texts, cloud storage, and online communications have transformed association recordkeeping. Learn what association records must be maintained (and for how long), how to respond to owner records requests (including what records can be lawfully withheld) and how to protect confidential information while meeting transparency requirements. We'll also cover disclosure obligations, transfer/capital contribution fees, and common mistakes that create unnecessary liability. Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Registration open.

Stay Safe: Energy Safety During the Monsoons

Monsoons can damage electric and natural gas equipment, causing power outages or gas emergencies. Here are some tips on how to “weather” the storm:

Before the storm: Review your knowledge of energy safety at home and outside.

Know your emergency contacts:

• 911
• Mesa Electric 480-644-2262
• Mesa Gas 480-644-4277

During the storm:

• Gas appliances are safe to use unless you smell gas or hear a hissing sound from appliances or meters.
• If you notice a gas leak, leave immediately and report it.

After the storm:

• If your home or yard is damaged, have appliances and gas piping inspected by a professional.
• Call 811 at least two days before digging to repair damage. It’s free, and it’s the law.

Where to Stay Safe and Cool
During the Summer Extreme Heat

As temperatures start to heat up, Mesa residents are encouraged to stay safe during extreme summer heat by taking advantage of local heat relief resources available throughout the city. Information on Cooling Centers, the Day Respite Center, Hydration Stations, heat safety tips, and additional community resources can be found at mesaaz.gov/heatsafety.

Please check on neighbors, older adults, and vulnerable community members during periods of high temperatures and remember that heat can be dangerous for everyone.

Summer Reading Program

Get your reading on—Summer Reading is here!

Mesa Little Library stewards are welcome to participate in this year's Summer Reading Program. The program runs June 1 – July 20, giving readers of all ages the chance to earn various prizes.

Bookmarks with a secret code that helps readers earn Summer Reading points are available for pick-up at the Main Library Service Desk (64 E 1st St.).

Place the bookmarks in your little library and encourage your neighbors to join this year’s reading fun!

Mesa International Film Festival

August 12-16, 2026 Delta Hotel Convention Center 200 N Centennial Way, Mesa The Mesa International Film Festival is a premier celebration of independent cinema, drawing filmmakers, audiences, and industry leaders. What truly brings the festival to life is its vibrant and diverse selection of films from around the world. From short films and documentaries to music videos and experimental works, there is something to captivate every filmmaker and film enthusiast. Beyond screenings, the festival offers filmmakers invaluable opportunities for professional growth and connection. Filmmakers can engage in panels and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including screenwriting, cinematography, casting, entertainment law, and film marketing—all led by seasoned industry professionals. The public is invited to attend and experience this dynamic showcase of global storytelling. Programming varies daily and includes a mix of filmmaker symposium activities and ticketed screenings available to the public. Ticket Fees Vary.

Smarter Watering Starts This Summer

July is Smart Irrigation Month, a perfect reminder that efficient watering is essential during the hottest part of the year.

Here are five ways to boost your irrigation system’s performance and reduce waste.

• Slow the flow – Water applied too quickly can run off instead of soaking in.
• Upgrade to smart tech - A smart controller adjusts your watering schedule automatically based on local weather and site conditions. For the best savings, choose a WaterSense labeled model.
• Check your sprinklers – Inspect heads and nozzles often to ensure they’re not blocked or spraying on sidewalks or driveways.
• Hire a certified pro - A trained irrigation professional can design, install, or tune your system for maximum efficiency.
• Use drip irrigation - Drip systems deliver water slowly and directly to plant roots, making them ideal for individual plants and small landscape areas.

Learn more about smart irrigation and how to maximize your water savings!