|
September 2026
Dear District 5 Neighbors,
As we head into September, it’s exciting to see Mesa begin to come alive with all the activities and events that make fall such a great time of year in our community. While the temperatures may still be warm, there is plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead, from community events and local programs to new projects and opportunities to get involved.
One event I’m especially looking forward to is Love Your City National Day of Service, coming up on September 12th. This annual event is a great opportunity for residents to come together, give back and help make a difference in neighborhoods across Mesa. I hope you’ll consider joining us!
There are also plenty of other ways to enjoy the season, including fall programs through Mesa Parks and Recreation, events at the Mesa Arts Center, farmers markets and other community activities happening throughout the city.
This month, I’m also excited to share some of the progress and accomplishments happening in Mesa—from the completion of the Red Mountain Shared Use Path to the incredible international recognition for Mesa Gateway Library, which was named the World’s Best New Public Library. These projects reflect the continued investment in quality spaces, amenities and opportunities that make Mesa a great place to call home.
Thank you for staying connected and engaged with our community. I hope you’ll take some time this fall to get out, explore Mesa and enjoy everything our city has to offer.
Sincerely,
 Councilmember Alicia K. Goforth
|
|
|
Mesa Library Named Top in Nation
The votes are in, and Mesa Gateway Library was officially named the World's Best New Public Library! Gateway Library has been named the winner of the @IFLAGlobal/James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award, recognizing excellence in library design, innovation and community impact.
Selected from 19 entries representing nine countries, Gateway was praised as a "refreshing forward-thinking take on what a great library could be" and recognized for its distinctive design, welcoming environment and role as a community hub.
This recognition is a great example of the vision behind Elevate Mesa—investing in quality projects and thoughtful design that elevate our entire city. Gateway Library shows what’s possible when we create beautiful, innovative spaces that serve as gathering places for the community. I’m proud to see Mesa earning international recognition for the quality of our city and the projects we’re building for our residents.
Red Mountain Shared Use Path Completed and Open!
A great new connection is now open in District 5! The Red Mountain Shared Use Path provides a 1.5-mile, 12-foot-wide paved pathway along the east side of Power Road, connecting the SR 202 Park-and-Ride north toward the Mesa city limit. The path gives pedestrians and cyclists a safer, more accessible way to get around the area and enjoy our community.
This is another investment in making Mesa a more connected, walkable city and improving quality of life for our residents.
September is National Preparedness Month!
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared can help keep you and your family safe. Here are some tips for handling electric and natural gas emergencies:
Electric Emergency:
- Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them.
- If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside and call 9-1-1.
- Report outages or hazards to your electric service provider:
- City of Mesa Electric: 480-644-2262
- SRP: 602-236-8811
Natural Gas Emergency:
- Know the signs of a gas leak:
- Smell a rotten egg odor
- Hear a hissing or unusual sound coming from a pipeline or appliance
- See blowing dirt or bubbling water
If you notice any of these signs, leave the area immediately, call 9-1-1 and your gas provider:
- City of Mesa: 480-644-4277
- Southwest Gas: 877-860-6020
Utility Bill Notice
Beginning October 1, 2026, customers who choose to receive a paper utility bill will be charged a $1.50 monthly paper utility bill mailing fee.
Customers can avoid this fee by enrolling in paperless billing (eBill) through their online utility account at utilities.mesaaz.gov or through the online eBill form. EBill provides a convenient, secure, and environmentally friendly way to receive your monthly utility bill.
 Polaris Academy at Usery Pass now open
In partnership with Smith Junior High, Polaris Academy provides a private K-12 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. We are thrilled to have this school right here in District 5.
|
|
|
Hydration Donation Campaign
The City's Hydration Donation Campaign runs 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.
|
|
Love Your City National Day of Service Sept. 12
The City of Mesa will recognize Love Your City – National Day of Service with several citywide volunteer projects on Saturday, Sept. 12. Start times range from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. before temperatures climb.
Volunteer projects will be taking place throughout Mesa. Projects include a cleanup at the Mesa Cemetery, an effort to reestablish the walkways at the Park of the Canals, indoor deep clean at the Mesa Family Resource Center, repainting a City of Mesa logo on a bridge and more.
Groups interested in volunteering for a project should contact the Mesa Citywide Volunteer Coordinator, Katie Pollak, at volunteer@mesaaz.gov.
The City of Mesa is partnering with JustServe to combine Love Your City with National Day of Service, which is observed on or near 9/11 to commemorate the acts of courage of first responders and the country mourning together in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
|
|
Grand Opening of The 233 and Crust Simply Italian
It was a delicious evening celebrating the opening of The 233 and Crust Simply Italian in downtown Mesa. Check it out, along with its hidden speakeasy, for a great date night here in Mesa!
|
Polaris Academy at Usury Ribbon Cutting
There was great energy and enthusiasm for this new educational option here in District 5! In partnership with Smith Junior High School, Polaris Academy provides a private education for autistic and neurodivergent students.
|
Cones with a Cop at Chik-Fil-A
It's always a fun time to hang out with Mesa PD and the Chik-Fil-A cow, and even more fun when you get to pass out ice cream cones! Thank you to the Chik-Fil-A at Power and McKellips for hosting this event.
|
Morrison Institute Retreat
It was educational and informative to learn more about housing and water, important topics here in Arizona, at ASU's Morrison Institute for Public Policy Retreat with my fellow councilmembers.
|
 |
|
Commemorative Air Force Museum Tour
I recently toured the Commemorative Air Force Museum with Airbase Leader Gary Oglesby to learn more about the historic aircraft on display, including the B-17G Flying Fortress, a WWII bomber that we are lucky to see flying in the skies above District 5. Come visit this gem of a museum!
|
Arizona League of Cities Conference
I was proud to represent Mesa at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Conference. We had great conversations, fresh ideas and made stronger connections with other leaders throughout the state.
|
Handel's Ice Cream Grand Opening
This was the second opening of a Handel's Ice Cream in District 5 this past month! I can't wait to see neighbors and families enjoying some of their delicious ice cream, including dairy-free options. Come try one of their 48 rotating flavors -you are sure to find something you love.
|
|
Public Meeting on Water Project
It was great to interact with Mesa residents at this meeting regarding an important project for the future of water in Mesa that will affect drivers at Val Vista between McKellips and Brown roads. This is not in District 5, but many of us drive through this area. It is important for the city to have up-to-date infrastructure, and I am appreciative of our Transportation and Engineering Departments for keeping residents informed on new projects.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Mayor's Faith Leader Breakfast
It was an inspiring morning where Mayor Freeman gathered faith leaders from around Mesa to come together and really contemplate how we can help our residents, specifically our veterans, in our faith and community centers.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Teens in the Know: Real Talk, Social Media Presentation 5 – 6 p.m. • Red Mountain Center, 7550 E. Adobe St. Teens can learn about social media’s effects on mental health, cyberbullying, privacy, screen time and safe online habits. Registration is required.
Friday, Sept. 4 — Animal Adoption Storytime 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Enjoy a story and crafts, then adopt a pretend pet to take home.
Friday, Sept. 11 — Fall Exhibition Opening Reception 7 – 10 p.m. • Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, 1 E. Main St. Celebrate the opening of six fall exhibitions with artists, music, light refreshments and a cash bar. Admission is free.
Saturday, Sept. 12 — Art Cart 11 a.m. – noon • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Children ages 6 and older can drop in to make an original creation or follow this month’s fall-themed craft.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 — Junk Journaling Club 4 – 5 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Create a personalized journal using found materials and keepsakes such as stickers, ticket stubs, receipts and flyers.
Saturday, Sept. 19 — Adaptive Fashion Show: The Golden Gala 1 p.m. • Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Cheer on 60 adaptive recreation models during an Old Hollywood-themed runway show benefiting Mesa and Chandler programs.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 — Toddler Rave Dance Party 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Toddlers and their families can dance to kid-friendly music with glow sticks, balloons, bubbles and more.
Friday, Sept. 25 — Family Lotería 3 – 4 p.m. • Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the traditional Mexican game of chance. No Spanish experience is needed; registration is required.
Saturday, Sept. 26 — Skate Party @ The Plaza 6 – 9 p.m. • The Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St. Bring your skates for a free community skate party featuring food trucks and an outdoor showing of “Shrek the Third.”
 September Council Meetings
September 14, 2026 5:45 pm
September 28, 2026 5:45 pm
September Study Sessions
September 10,2026 7:30 am
September 14,2026 5:15 pm
September 28,2026 5:15pm
Other Meetings
September 3,2026 Audit & Finance Committee Meeting
September 17,2026 Mini Strategic Planning Session @ Piper Theater at the MAC
*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.
|
|
|
|
|
