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August 2026
Dear District 5 Neighbors,
August always feels like a fresh start. As summer begins to wind down, our families are getting ready for a new school year, students are returning to the classroom, and our community continues to grow in exciting ways.
I'm excited to welcome Polaris Academy as it opens on the campus of Smith Junior High, creating another outstanding educational opportunity for Mesa families. We're also celebrating the completion of the Red Mountain Shared Use Path, providing residents with a new way to walk, run, and bike through our community. The final piece is the installation of a traffic signal that will allow pedestrians to safely cross and fully access the path, and we look forward to that improvement being completed soon.
This month, we're also recognizing some incredible achievements. Congratulations to Mesa Fire and Medical Chief Mary Cameli on her well-deserved leadership award, and to Gateway Library for being shortlisted for a prestigious national honor. Be sure to check out the Mesa International Film Festival as well, which continues to showcase Mesa as a destination for arts, culture, and creativity.
As we continue through another Arizona summer, please remember to take the heat seriously. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check on neighbors, older adults, and pets.
Thank you for taking the time to read this month's newsletter. I wish all of our students, teachers, and families a safe and successful start to the new school year, and as always, it is an honor to serve the residents of District 5.
Sincerely,
 Councilmember Alicia K. Goforth
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Polaris Academy at Usury Opens in District 5
Polaris Academy is proud to announce the expansion of its Jr. High/High School program through an exciting new collaboration with Smith Junior High for the 2026 school year after a unanimous vote of approval by the Mesa Public School Board. Beginning Fall 2026, Polaris Academy will extend its innovative education model, blending therapy, life skills, and academics, to a dedicated space within the Smith Junior High campus in the East Valley.
Polaris Academy provides a private education for autistic and neurodivergent students, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and independently. Through a sensory-friendly environment and individualized learning approach, students have access to innovative spaces like the S.T.E.M. Discovery Center, Culinary Lab, and Intentional Play Gym, all designed to build confidence, life skills, and future success.
Mesa International Film Festival Returns August 13-15 in Downtown Mesa
The Mesa International Film Festival is a premier celebration of independent cinema, drawing filmmakers, audiences, and industry leaders.
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.
Chief Cameli Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from AZ Fire Chiefs Association
Mesa Fire and Medical Chief Mary Cameli received the 2026 Bob Weber Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA). The award, presented at the AFCA's annual conference, honors Chief Cameli for her work creating a professional, forward-thinking department recognized nationally for innovation and excellence. She championed many initiatives at the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, including cancer prevention through screenings and scans for eligible staff, in-house ambulance services, various pilot programs to expand community care and taking every opportunity to improve services. As Chief, she adopted the department's mission statement: To serve with CARE - Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
Hit Your Target with MYCAF
Calling all youth ages 15-24! Take your environmental idea from concept to completion and make a difference in our community. Teams of two or more can apply for up to $5,000 from the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF), thanks to funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Don’t miss your opportunity to help create a more resilient Mesa, one youth-led project at a time. Applications will be accepted August 3 through September 14. Learn more about this award-winning program at mesaaz.gov/MYCAF.
 Mark your calendars for National 8/11 Day!
Every August 11 (8/11), we celebrate National 811 Day to remind everyone to call 8-1-1 before digging. Whether it’s gas, electric, water, sewer, or other utilities, calling is free and helps prevent injuries, service outages, and costly repairs. Utility lines can be just inches below the surface.
Dig safely and protect your community! Contact Arizona811 at least two business days before digging to have underground utility lines located and marked. It’s free, easy, and required by law. Learn more at arizona811.com.
Mesa's Gateway Library in the Running for Prestigious International Award
Gateway Library, located at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway in southeast Mesa, has been shortlisted for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions/James Bennett (IFLA) Public Library of the Year Award for 2026.
The Gateway Library was designed by Mesa native Kevin Kolden, Associate Principal of Richärd Kennedy Architects. The state-of-the-art facility, which was Mesa's first new full-service library in 30 years, is approximately 28,000 square feet and features an open concept that was inspired by open-air markets around the world. Soaring wood ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and natural materials connect the interior to the surrounding landscape. The library includes a multi-purpose room, THINKspot collaborative makerspace and specific areas for library books and resources for adults, teens and children. Other features include a digital art display wall, outdoor reading patio and outdoor plaza that can be used for community events.
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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.
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Experience Corps Mesa
Looking for a way to volunteer that's proven to be effective and rewarding? Volunteer with AARP Experience Corps Mesa and change a child's life by helping them become a confident reader. For 30 years, AARP Experience Corps has changed the lives of older adults and students around the country by training adults over 50 to be reading tutors in high-needs elementary schools. With just a few hours a week, you can change your life and your community for the better. No experience needed—the only requirements are a love of reading, patience, and a willingness to help a child grow. Applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year but spots are limited--click the link to start your Experience Corps journey today!
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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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Aug. 1 – Cockpit Close-Up 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. • Falcon Field Airport Get an up-close look at aircraft and meet the pilots who fly them during this free, family-friendly event.
Aug. 4 – Teen Preventative Presentation: Fentanyl 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St. Learn about counterfeit pills, overdose warning signs and resources that can help parents and teens prevent fentanyl-related harm. Registration is required.
Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 – Learn to Crochet 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Beginners and experienced crocheters are invited to learn new skills, work on current projects and connect with fellow crafters.
Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 – Trading Card Game Club 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road School-age players can practice their skills and meet other fans of Pokémon and other trading card games. A limited number of loaner decks will be available.
Aug. 7 – Family Movie Night: “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Bring your blankets and pillows for a free family movie, crafts and coloring activities.
Aug. 10 – A Novel Approach 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. • Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St. Join fellow readers for a discussion of “The Girl in the Blue Beret” by Bobbie Ann Mason.
Aug. 12–16 – Mesa International Film Festival Times and locations vary • Downtown Mesa Celebrate independent filmmaking with screenings, workshops, panels, networking opportunities and special events throughout Downtown Mesa.
Aug. 18 – Virtual HOA/Condo Academy 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • Online via Zoom Learn effective approaches to managing violations, fines, parking, pets, nuisance issues and short-term rentals during this free online class.
Aug. 18 – Campfire Story and Craft 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Gather around for campfire stories and make a solar oven that can be used to prepare s’mores. Supplies are available while they last.
Aug. 20 – Mesa Hiring Event 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. • Eagles Community Center, 828 E. Broadway Road Connect with more than 20 employers hiring for current openings. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their résumé.
Aug. 25 – Teen Book Club: “The Hunger Games” 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Teens are invited to discuss Suzanne Collins’ bestselling dystopian novel and connect with other young readers.
Aug. 26 – Family Movie Night: “The Princess and the Frog” 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Enjoy a free screening of the Disney animated film, along with crafts, coloring activities and limited snacks.
 August Council Meetings
Aug. 10, 2026 2:00 pm Special Council Meeting (Zoom)
Aug. 17, 2026 5:45pm
Aug. 31, 2026 5:45pm
August Study Sessions
Aug. 13, 2026 7:30am
Aug. 17, 2026 5:15pm
Aug. 27, 2026 7:30 am
Aug. 31, 2026 5:45pm
Second Council Summer Break: July 28 - August 9, 2026
*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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