Local Candidates Policy Positions
Phoenix City Council: Candidate Policy Positions
Below are the policy positions provided by Phoenix City Council candidates by mayoral office and then by district.
City of Phoenix Mayor
Kate Gallego
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Phoenix is a desert city, and it is essential that we protect our water supply. I am working to invest in strengthening our water supply through tribal partnerships, water recycling, conservation programs, and advocacy on behalf of our water rights at the federal level.Transportation infrastructure is essential to Phoenix's wellbeing. I am helping lead the campaign for Prop.479, the regional transportation plan. The plan continues our existing funding for infrastructure and is essential to our roads, freeways, and transit system. I am also a huge champion for investing in our airport system, our Valley's largest economic engine.Public safety is key to a successful city. During my time as mayor, we have worked to make our policy and firefighters the highest paid and to make hiring a priority. We are also growing the Community AssistanceProgram, which dispatches people with a social services expertise to 911 calls that focuses on addiction and homelessness.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
I led the effort to create an affordable housing program at the city of Phoenix, which now has a 9-point plan. I look forward to completing the plan in my next term in office. We have already accomplished many of the points of the plan with strong support from the Realtors. For example, we passed the Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance to make it easier to have backyard casitas. We also passed a strong Housing Bond with support of the Realtors, which gives tens of millions to invest in affordable housing including demonstration projects. We are also improving permitting and investing in the construction workforce.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
I cannot think of any instances we have used eminent domain during my time as mayor. I prefer to get work accomplished through more collaborative means. It should be used extremely sparingly.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
I have actually hosted delegations from several of those cities that were studying the success we have had in Phoenix! To me, it is key to diversify our economy. That's why I worked so hard to recruit TSMC, the semiconductor company investing $65 billion in Phoenix. I am also a huge proponent of our university partnerships, such as the work we are doing to bring a new ASU medical school to Phoenix. I hold a business degree and worked in economic development before running for mayor, so I am extremely passionate about this work!
District 1
Ann O'Brien
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Public Safety - I will continue to support and advocate for our public safety departments to have the resources, policies and tools necessary to do their jobs and keep Phoenix families safe. Homelessness - One year ago, I released my Homelessness Plan which my office continues working to implement the solutions. We opened Community Court began in January of this year; it offers an opportunity for a person without shelter who received a ticket or was arrested to receive services and housing instead of serving jail time or paying fines. This program helps people get back on their feet while still holding them accountable. Ensuring all our citizens have a good quality of life while leading with support services while still holding people accountable is vital to tackling this issue. Housing - My District as well as our entire City needs diverse options of housing. I have and will continue to streamline the City's process as well as work with legislators to change laws impeding development of some first-time home products. It is my priority to work with all stakeholders, so the policies implemented provide good quality housing for all our workforce and their families.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
I will continue to advocate for policy changes that will help build the housing we need, like allowing accessory dwelling units, reducing parking requirements, and decreasing the time it takes to go from shovels in the dirt to roofs over heads. Working with the Arizona Legislature is also vital as there are laws making it difficult to build housing with shared walls that can be perfect starter homes.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
I generally do not support eminent domain. In the rarest of cases eminent domain may be necessary. It is important to look at each case individually.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
Phoenix must continue to be forward thinking about how we utilize our resources and provide the proper infrastructure to support businesses and the workforce. The partnership Phoenix has with neighboring cities and the Maricopa Association of Governments continues to be vital to our success. A strong education system, preschool to university, that provides a variety of pathways for our students is also critical to ensuring that businesses looking to come here will have a strong workforce and that our children will be prepared for the jobs of the future.
District 3
Ayensa Millan
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
More Home Ownership: As an immigrant from Mexico who achieved the American dream of home ownership, I want to ensure the opportunity I received remains open for future generations of Arizonans. That's why I am running to create housing for people like our teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders who are increasingly unable to live in the communities they serve. To achieve this goal, we need someone on the Phoenix City Council who will work hard every day, helping to forge partnerships with private, non-profit and community developers to ensure that the housing needs for our growing city are met. Economic Development: My Council district has welcomed many new residents, including young families, over the years. Despite this growth in population, our neighborhoods have not seen corresponding growth in services and amenities for both new and longtime residents. Instead, many people have to drive as far as Scottsdale to shop, dine out, or find activities to do with their kids. As the Councilmember for this area, I want to help advocate for mixed use developments that provide the housing and the services our neighborhoods need. Homelessness: It's a crisis that many of us see everyday, and it defies easy solutions. I am running to bring new energy and a fresh approach to this issue. First, we need historic investments to expand affordable housing opportunities throughout our city, including in my Council District. Second, we need to dramatically increase the number of available shelter beds to get more people off our streets and parkland-especially the most vulnerable, including women, children, and the elderly. I believe our city should always lead with compassion. However, we also need to act wisely and effectively to address the root issues of homelessness-not just move the problem from one neighborhood to another.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
Addressing Phoenix's housing shortage requires a multifaceted approach. I will work to increase the availability of affordable housing by:
Supporting New Developments: Encouraging the development of affordable housing projects through incentives and streamlined approval processes.
Utilizing Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with private developers, non-profits, and community organizations to create innovative housing solutions.
Revitalizing Existing Properties: Promoting the renovation and repurposing of underutilized or vacant properties to increase the housing supply.
Advocating for Policy Changes: Pushing for zoning reforms that allow for higher-density housing and more mixed-use developments.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
As a small business owner with my own law firm, I understand the importance of protecting private property rights and ensuring that businesses are treated fairly. Eminent domain should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
To keep Phoenix competitive and attract businesses and high-paying jobs, we must focus on the followingstrategies:
Investing in Education and Workforce Development: Ensuring that our education system is strong and thatwe provide robust workforce training programs to prepare residents for high-demand jobs.
Enhancing Quality of Life: Improving infrastructure, public transportation, and recreational amenities to make Phoenix an even more attractive place to live and work.
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Creating a supportive environment for startups by offering incentives, incubator programs, and fostering connections between businesses and academic institutions.
Building a Sustainable Future: Emphasizing sustainability and green initiatives can attract businesses looking to align with environmentally conscious values and practices.
District 3
Debra Stark
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Affordable Housing (see below); Department of Justice, their report on Police and increasing public safety response time- support public safety, ensure we are building fire stations, working with departments for aggressive recruiting; Infrastructure- continue to seek funding from the Federal Infrastructure Legislation to build and maintain infrastructure, continue to develop stronger water conservation policy, continue to encourage coordination with dry utility companies.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
Simplify the permitting process; Support Affordable Housing projects; Simplify the Zoning Process while ensuring protections for existing neighborhoods
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
Yes, for public purposes such as building roads, parks and public facilities. Generally, Phoenix has always tried to seek property already available and uses friendly condemnation whenever possible.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
We are lucky to have a great Community and Economic Development Department. Having said that, we must work with our Chambers of Commerce, Visit Phoenix, GPEC, to elevate the great assets we have. We need to ensure that we have housing, good transportation, adequate water supply, good public safety response times, and reflect a positive business attitude.
District 5
Betty Guardado
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
1. Access to opportunity -- education, economic development, jobs, and balanced neighborhoods. 2. Aging infrastructure -- ensuring our city services are reliable and equitable. 3. Public safety -- ensuring we address response times, retention, staffing, and training.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
Continue to promote balanced neighborhoods where families of all economic backgrounds can thrive as members of our community -- from affordable housing to market rate.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
In general I do not believe in eminent domain and it should only be used in rare occasions.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
Continue to diversify our workforce and be aggressive in attracting new business to the state. We must also remain competitive in wages, cost of living, and healthy neighborhoods (public safety, educational opportunities, workforce development, etc).
District 5
Jesse JJ Martinez
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
1. Crime-we need a better recruitment and retention and a plan to raise staffing levels. And bottom line support our first responders. 2. Homeless/opioid epidemic - this goes hand in hand with the first issue. There needs to be more affordable housing options. Veterans and our elderly should take priority. A task force needs to be formed to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Services and enforcement should be a the correct response. 3.Economic development- there needs to be open lines of communication with city leaders to streamline development and cut out unnecessary red tape.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
By working with our community stakeholders and builders to streamline the building process and get people into their residences faster. Things are difficult not impossible. I plan on being part of solution by being a resource with everyone and not part in f the problem.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
I honestly don't really have an opinion for it or against it. If the issue comes up is the deal beneficial for everyone involved. I think if we utilize common sense there's nothing we can't solve.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
Phoenix can focus on being solutions based mindset. As well as pro community development and have affordable housing. Being friendly towards community and business development and having a great housing market has appeal to companies. We also have to have good crime suppression in place.
District 7
Martyn Bridgeman
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Those Experiencing Homelessness work with other cities and the state to mange those experiencing homelessness, Community Empowerment (being accessible to all members of the community and meeting with them monthly) and Public Safety (ensure that the City of Phoenix is doing everything possible to assist the Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Fire Department to ensure they have the staff, resources and funding to serve the citizens of Phoenix)
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
Listen to realtors, developers and community members about what is creating a housing shortage. From their responses the way to solve the shortage is based on the feedback received and in turn take that to Council, State Legislator and Governor.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
I only support eminent domain if it is beneficial to the greater good (public transit or freeway). I am not proponent of eminent domain for something that will benefit a few.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
The things that Phoenix can do to stay competitive with other markets would be to raise the bar scholastically for elementary and high school students in the public schools. I would also work on continuing to have a design standard throughout the city and focus on having more shade structures. When people think of Phoenix they think of summer and if we are innovative in showing ways that we can stay cool while outdoors during the summer months that is certainly a benefit. There should also be an improvement on education to the public and businesses about our water supply. The last thing that we can do to stay competitive is to show that Phoenix has a vibrant Arts and Culture Community located not just downtown but in other parts of Phoenix as well.
District 7
Anna Hernandez
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
The most important issues the residents have shared with me is their concern for housing affordability, homelessness, and public safety due to the homelessness crisis. I plan to address these issues by pushing for investments and solutions into the root cause of the issue. All 3 issues require a multifaceted approach that brings more diverse housing supply, pursue additional grant funding for more LIHTC projects, ensuring effective management of wrap-around services, and reviewing our evictions process to ensure we have balanced solutions that are beneficial for all parties.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
A few of the ideas I have that would help our housing shortage is reforming our zoning laws to allow the building of more diverse housing such as starter homes, missing middle housing, housing along transit lines, expand mixed use housing, and streamline the city approval process.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
I would support this in a limited capacity and when used for a specific reason such as public infrastructure. This would also depend on a very strict case by case basis.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
I believe Phoenix can stay competitive with other cities by really digging into housing supply solutions. If we are able to bring down the cost of housing by increasing our supply that would have multiple benefits, 1) it would allow individuals to have more disposable income that then could be cycled back into the economy and 2) by having attainable and affordable housing costs it would attract more businesses that would also bring high-paying jobs. That is one way I believe we can be competitive.
District 7
Michael Nowakowski
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
1. Safe neighborhoods. I will make it a priority to keep our neighborhoods, schools, and parks safe. I will continue to look for a community based approach to address public safety emergencies with better training and better response times. 2. Attracting High Wage jobs and small businesses. There are not enough quality jobs for our community. 3. Affordable housing. This issue can be addressed by helping working families with creating more affordable housing and providing first time homeowner incentives. I want to be able to repurpose abandoned and city own property.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
I plan to address this issue by working with the federal, state, and local governments to create more incentives for first time homeowners and develop workforce housing. I also intend to prioritize economic development in the area as more jobs, retail and entertainment will support local communities and encourage new development. I believe all stakeholders should have a voice when making policy decisions that affect an industry and I would welcome the REALTORS to the discussion. In fact, I plan to encourage collaboration with the private sector on any given topic.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
I support eminent domain only when it serves the community at large. In these cases I believe that the government entity needs to give the top market value for the property.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
The key to growing our city is three-fold. Jobs, Public Safety, Diversity in Housing.
First, we need to give the City of Phoenix, Economic Development department the tools and incentives needed to compete against cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh.
Second, we must support, train and hire more police officers to ensure our community is safe for families and inviting for new residents.
Third, we must work diligently to find solutions for affordable and workforce housing. We must clear the way for development by expediting planning and zoning permits to avoid unnecessary and expensive delays.
District 7
Marcelino Quinonez
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Based on the hundreds of conversations I have personally had with my neighbors. The three most important issues affecting the quality of life in Council District 7 are public safety, job creation, and housing. My plan to address public safety is by focusing on trust, transparency, technology, and training. We need to work on establishing trust between our police department and the people they serve and protect. We need to be transparent about what is working and areas of opportunity for growth. We need to ensure residents have access to the footage of the 2,000 body cameras our police officers have at the moment, and finally, we need to ensure our police officers are trained to de-escalate situations. We need to have gatherings between our police officers and the community that go above and beyond when they are being called to address a situation. Finally, we need to work on constructing a trauma center in Laveen and a police precinct in that same neighborhood. Job creation is key in our district. Neighbors want good-paying jobs and the opportunity to provide for their families. We will do this by focusing on our educational system and ensuring students have after-school programs to develop and hone in on their interests. We need to work with our community colleges, trade schools, and universities to develop the next generation of our workforce. We need to work with our businesses to create incentives and opportunities for them to move their headquarters and jobs into our district. We will accomplish this by having honest conversations and looking for areas of collaboration and growth. I have consistently worked with our business partners to create pathways for them to grow their industries in the state. Finally, we have a tremendous opportunity to focus on infrastructure and the construction of our roads and public transportation systems. This will make us a global city that attracts tourists and investments in our city.
Housing looks different for every person. We must continue building affordable housing units and constructing homes in areas ripped for growth. We need to continue to connect our residents to non-profit resources and submit grants for federal dollars into our state to help us build more units. As a State Legislator, I championed a First Generation Home Buyer Program. As a City Council Member, I will not only champion this program but work on leveraging my network and attracting federal dollars to help residents with downpayment assistance dollars. During my time as an Executive Member of the National HispanicCaucus of State Legislators, I had the opportunity to meet many people who work within the housing space in the federal government.
How do you plan to address Phoenix’s housing shortage while in office?
I plan to address Phoenix's housing shortage by proposing bi-monthly workshops where your members can meet and engage with potential homebuyers and others who need Phoenix Realtors' services. It is incredibly important to have your organization and members at the stakeholder table to ensure that we are moving policies that allow Phoenicians access towards homeownership. I want to continue building on Phoenix's booming economy by cutting burdensome red tape that would impede Realtors from putting a roof over my constituents' heads or from allowing my constituents to fulfill their dream of purchasing their home. We should always have a healthy inventory supply of homes, the workforce to sell, and the availability of Phoenicians to purchase.
Do you support eminent domain? Why or why not?
Do I support eminent domain? First and foremost, I support an individual's constitutional right to hold private land and not be taken away without due process. I also support that a property owner be compensated in away that satisfies the equal worth or more of the property. And that the owner of the property is returned to the whole upon sale.
What can Phoenix do to stay competitive with other cities such as Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh when attracting businesses and high-paying jobs?
Phoenix is an incredible market. We have outstanding amenities, friendly neighbors, and the best airport in the country that can help bring and take people to their desired destinations. Our culture in Phoenix is rich with diversity, amazing food and art, and access to incredible museums, hiking trails and for at least six months out of the year the best weather in the country. In order to remain competitive and attract businesses and high-paying jobs to Phoenix we need to create an environment that is business friendly, we need to prepare an educated workforce, and work to ensure costs are low so that others want to call Phoenix home. We will do this by engaging business leaders into our city and having honest and meaningful conversations about their needs and our ability to create a market for their growth. As a Councilmember, I will have an open door with neighbors, business leaders, and all others who want the best for Phoenix.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: Candidate Policy Positions
Below are the policy positions provided by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors candidates by district.
District 1
Joel Navarro
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Like in other parts of our region, housing is a big issue in District 1. Families at all income levels and circumstances are struggling in the current housing market, particularly young families who are looking to buy their first house at a price they can afford. As a Tempe City Councilmember, I have been part of a comprehensive effort to identify opportunities to create the workforce housing we desperately need-work that I wish to continue at the county level. Another big problem affecting quality of life is homelessness. In Tempe, we've worked to address this complex issue with compassion while addressing the safety and quality of life concerns of our residents. Since this problem is bigger than any one city, I would like to lead a comprehensive effort on the county level to really make progress on this issue. Lastly, I am concerned with the health and wellbeing of our residents. As a Deputy Chief with Phoenix Fire during the pandemic, I saw many things that we got right, but also things we needed to improve on. I would like to take the lessons learned during that difficult time to the Board of Supervisors to improve the health of everyone in Maricopa County.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
Cities in Arizona, including Phoenix, are required to submit a General Plan that considers multiple factors to accommodate future growth. I would like to see the county adopt more of this planning mindset to ensure that every part of our region is growing in a sustainable way, and that all our cities and towns are working together to address concerns about traffic congestion, water conservation, and essential services.
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
To address issues of allocation of precious resources like water, we all need to work together to find common ground. If municipalities and unincorporated areas communicate their needs with each other, early and often, we will have less areas of misunderstanding. I believe that the Board of Supervisors should take a leading role in encouraging these conversations and finding consensus.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
I think early education is key for Maricopa County to attract the businesses and jobs of tomorrow. As a Tempe Councilmember, I helped expand access to quality early childhood education through Tempe PRE, ahigh-quality, full-day preschool for three- and four-year-olds. Studies have shown that children who attend preschool have much better educational outcomes than kids who don't. Parents are also able to find jobs or attend school during pre-school hours to boost their family's economic prospects. I would like to take Tempe's program as a model for the entire county, giving more parents the opportunity to give their children the tools they need to succeed in a 21st century economy.
Jack Sellers
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
1) Inflation - We are a very well run County. We have reduced our county property taxes 4 years in a row. We continue to ensure we are addressing issues important to our constituents as efficiently as possible. 2) Congestion - We are currently better than most Metro areas but because of our exciting growth we need to work hard to maintain our lifestyle. My passion is addressing how to continue this exciting growth while we enhance our favorable lifestyle. 3) Housing Availability - Our growth can cause some housing affordability issues. This is a complex issue that I work closely with my municipalities and realtor friends to seek solutions that are acceptable in each community.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
Ensure that we can provide the critical infrastructure to keep up growth and enhance safety throughout the region. Allow markets to provide the needed housing for our expanding population.
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
We have done an exceptional job of ensuring water supplies that have kept up with our phenomenal. We need to develop a better plan for controlling wildcat developments that do not have a longterm water source identified.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
My main focus and strength is infrastructure. Our planning & investments over the past few decades have played a significant role ion attracting companies and people to relocate here. I am very involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council & our Chambers of Commerce to ensure we are continuing to provide an inviting atmosphere. And I work with our Realtor Community to help understand our housing needs and how best to address those needs, as we expand. I'm also very involved in planning for our longer term needs including use of autonomous vehicles and serving on the Interstate I-11 Coalition Board.
District 2
Thomas Galvin
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
First of all, it's been an honor serving Maricopa County for the past 2 years. My number one priority has been protecting the Maricopa County taxpayers. There are many issues affecting quality of life in my district, and I want to continue to work in addressing them.1. Housing: As an attorney specializing in water and land use law, I am acutely aware of the challenges posed by the current housing crisis. The lack of a suitable housing supply has driven up the cost of housing in the Valley which has negatively impacted affordability for many residents. What it boils down to is a simple issue of supply and demand. I have been using my position as a County Supervisor to advocate and support an increase in the housing supply. We also need to nurture a mix and variety of housing options that are suitable for their locations and communities. I would especially like to see a focus on optimizing density and medium-scale options in certain areas of Phoenix. Utilizing medium-scale options such as duplexes and townhouses and some accessory dwelling units in specific areas can go a long way in addressing affordability for the region at large. I am very proud of the fact that Maricopa County, in the last 2 years, has been supportive and proactive in approving housing options throughout the County. In addition, Maricopa County recently enacted new rules regarding permitting and reviewed processes which are already easing regulatory obstacles.
2. Water Management: With my extensive background as an attorney specializing in water issues, I've been an advocate for addressing the pressing water challenges facing our district and the state at large. The prolonged drought has significantly impacted our water supply, particularly from the Colorado River. It's imperative that a County Supervisor possesses a deep understanding of these issues, especially given the looming water cutbacks. I have spent a considerable amount of time advocating for three areas of water need; Conservation, Augmentation, and Re-use. Time is of the essence in tackling this issue, focusing on both conservation efforts, and augmenting our water supply. I propose incentivizing innovative water conservation methods across businesses, farms, ranches, and residences. Additionally, investing in regional desalination plants can bolster our water resources and provide much-needed flexibility. However, I stress to add that Arizona is not "running out of water" despite sensational media headlines to the contrary. I have spoken to many media outlets and informed them on how Arizona's 100-year assured water supply is an example of how our state is the national leader in responsible planning.
3. Transportation and Infrastructure: A robust Regional Transportation Plan is essential to ensure accountable allocation of tax funds and continued investment in our transportation infrastructure. With over 450 miles of freeway in Maricopa County, past investments have notably boosted property values and economic growth. However, it's crucial to not only plan for future growth but also maintain existing infrastructure. I've been proactive in addressing concerns raised by constituents and officials regarding the condition of routes. Engaging with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), I've emphasized the urgency of addressing deteriorating road conditions, particularly on the US-60 in the East Valley, to reverse the trend of degradation. We must and can develop a transportation network in a taxpayer friendly manner that's economically efficient. We must continue to be consistent in how we finance and tax to fund our transportation systems.
In summary, this is all about economic development. As the fourth largest and fastest-growing county in the United States, Maricopa County is a testament to successful economic policies. With 200 new residents daily, sustaining economic growth while preserving a high quality of life is paramount. Diversifying our economy and maintaining low taxes are key components of this mission. While Maricopa County has made significant strides since the Great Recession, there's an ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and responsive economy that benefits all residents.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
As a County Board of Supervisor, planning for and accommodating Maricopa County's projected population growth over the next four years requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of infrastructure, services, and community development. Here's what the Board of Supervisors should prioritize: Infrastructure Investment: Allocate resources for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, public transportation, and utilities to support the increasing population. This includes collaborating with state and local agencies to ensure coordinated efforts and efficient use of funds. Housing Affordability: Address the growing demand for housing by promoting policies that encourage affordable housing development while ensuring quality and sustainability. This may involve zoning reforms, incentives for developers, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations to provide housing assistance programs. Education and Workforce Development: Invest in education and workforce development initiatives to prepare residents for job opportunities in key industries. Collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, and workforce training programs to align skills development with the needs of emerging sectors. Public Safety and Emergency Services: Enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities to meet the needs of a growing population. This includes increasing staffing levels for law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services, as well as investing in technology and equipment upgrades. I believe that the County should exam and reform how it pays law enforcement officials, especially our sheriff deputies and detention officers. Environmental Policies Based on Common Sense: Implement reasonable policies and programs to promote environmental sustainability and mitigate the impact of population growth on natural resources. This may involve conservation efforts, and smart growth planning to minimize urban sprawl. I am proud of Maricopa County's numerous parks. And I'm especially proud of the new Spur Cross Conservation Area in my district. Maricopa County partnered with the state and the town of Cave Creek to create the 2,154-acre Spur Cross Recreation Area. Community Engagement and Planning: Engage with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders to gather input and feedback on growth-related issues. Develop comprehensive land use plans and zoning regulations that reflect community priorities and ensure responsible development. Collaboration with Regional Partners: Work closely with neighboring jurisdictions, regional agencies, and private sector partners to coordinate growth management strategies and address regional challenges collaboratively. By taking a proactive and collaborative approach to planning for population growth, the Board of Supervisors can help ensure that Maricopa County continues to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive community for current and future residents.
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
This is a great question. I was intimately involved in this very matter from my first day in office on December8, 2021. I represent both the City of Scottsdale and the unincorporated Rio Verde Foothills area, at the County level, and they had been fighting over water service for years before I began my tenure. At issue was that the City of Scottsdale announced it would no longer serve water, from the city's standpipe to RVF residents, as of December 31, 2022. The RVF residents had relied on that standpipe service for decades. I pp immediately rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I quickly learned that this issue had been festering for years and no one had taken significant action. I pledged to "take the baton" see the issue through to the finish line. I met with hundreds of RVF residents, the Scottsdale mayor and his staff including the city's water manager, and numerous water experts. Ironically, Maricopa County has NO jurisdiction over water. Maricopa County is not a water provider and doesn't have any water rights. However, I was best fit to mediate between the two warring sides and negotiate a win-win for all involved.
I quickly identified the two pressing issues; who would be the new long-term provider for the RVF community and, in the interim, how would RVF get water once Scottsdale no longer served them? I identified the source of the long-term provider as the bigger "puzzle piece" that needed to be resolved. I decided that a private water company would be the best option to deliver water to the RVF community. I worked at it for months and negotiated with several water companies. I am proud to say that I convinced EPCOR, a sophisticated and respected water provider, to apply at the Corporation Commission to be RVF's long-term water provider. I had only been in office for seven months.
Then came the necessity to deliver the smaller "puzzle piece" of an interim solution. I proposed a "win-win "for all in which EPCOR would deliver water to RVF via Scottsdale's existing standpipe, and pay Scottsdale to treat the water, until EPCOR constructed a new standpipe in about two years' time. Many people applauded my sensible proposal. Unfortunately, the Scottsdale mayor decided to play politics and blocked the proposal even though it was an elegant solution. Thus, on January 1, 2023 the RVF community was blocked from accessing water even though a private third-party was ready to deliver that water and not one drop of Scottsdale's water would be utilized. I called on the legislature and the governor to enact my proposal into law, which they did. In the end, Scottsdale opened its standpipe for EPCOR water delivery. And EPCOR is currently working on its plans to construct a new standpipe that will serve RVF for decades to come.
There are a lot of lessons to be drawn from this saga that never should have attracted national and international headlines. The issue of "wildcat lot splitting" was exploited and used as a foil to justify blocking water to hundreds of human beings. I think it was unconscionable to block water delivery to people. Indeed, wildcat lot splits can and should be addressed but it should be done at a negotiating table with major stakeholders involved. And the other unfortunate outcome of this Scottsdale/RVF water issue is that the national news media descended on our community to write stories that "Arizona is running out of water." I know that because I met with many reporters who were dispatched here to write or air those false tales. This should be a cautionary lesson for policy makers and stakeholders, we cannot let petty local political spats undermine Arizona's great story about water.
I do not think there should be disputes surrounding water. There should not be finger pointing. We should all work together to find commonality and ultimately, good answers. We are in this together. I am proud of my work in achieving a solution to the RVF water issue that had been festering for years. I will continue to offer my voice and experience for productive efforts.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
From the perspective of the County Board of Supervisors, positioning Maricopa County as a competitive destination for businesses outside Arizona requires strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment and highlighting our unique advantages, including our relatively low county tax rates. Here are key steps we must take over the next four years: Invest in Infrastructure: Continued investment in infrastructure, including transportation networks, utilities, and broadband connectivity, is crucial to support business operations and facilitate efficient movement of goods and services. We will prioritize infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity and accessibility across the county. Streamline Regulatory Processes: Simplifying and streamlining regulatory processes for businesses will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and encourage entrepreneurship and investment. We will work to create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment that promotes innovation and growth. We have been doing so, Maricopa County recently enacted new rules regarding permitting and reviewed processes which are already easing regulatory obstacles. Promote Workforce Development: Developing a skilled workforce is essential to attracting businesses seeking talent. We will collaborate with educational institutions, vocational training programs, and industry partners to align workforce development initiatives with the needs of businesses in key sectors. Incentives and Support Programs: Providing targeted incentives and support programs can incentivize businesses to choose Maricopa County as their location of choice. This may include tax incentives, grants, and assistance with site selection and permitting. Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship will attract startups and tech companies looking for a supportive ecosystem to thrive. We will support incubators, accelerators, and research institutions to spur innovation and create opportunities for collaboration. Quality of Life: A high quality of life is a significant factor in attracting businesses and talent. We will invest in amenities such as parks, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions that enhance the overall livability of the county and contribute to employee satisfaction. Market Maricopa County's Advantages: Effectively marketing Maricopa County's strengths, including its favorable business climate, diverse economy, and vibrant communities, is essential to attracting businesses from outside Arizona. We will develop targeted marketing campaigns to showcase our competitive advantages to businesses and investors nationally and internationally. By implementing these strategies, the County Board of Supervisors aims to position Maricopa County as a premier destination for businesses seeking growth opportunities, driving economic prosperity, and creating jobs for our residents over the next four years and beyond. Once again, it is an honor to represent Maricopa County. Thank you for your time and consideration.
District 3
Kate Brophy McGee
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
1) Public Safety threats including fentanyl and related crime spikes. Will first address the continued forced priority of internal investigations over constituents' safety, redirect those dollars to public safety 2) Economic Development including rapid population growth, which requires effective management of housing, transportation, infrastructure, water resources; 3) Chronically Homeless (seriously mentally ill and addicted individuals) work with public/private entities to address the spectrum of homelessness proactively at the regional level; while remaining fiscally strong and debt-free.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
Continue implementing and update as needed the County Strategic Plan which addresses these issues at the regional level. Continue to make government more efficient and effective to properly manage growth (i.e. Permitting, licensing, land use, etc.)
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
Based on my experience on the Planning & Zoning Commission, we have an effective process in place to work with adjacent cities and towns on proposed development - to ensure water and sewer access - and to align the property for annexation. Continued review to ensure the process meets current conditions. If needed, work with stakeholders, the legislature and Governor's office on ADWR rule-making, and proposed water legislation. The Board can be a valuable advisory body.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
Work with the Governor's office, the Arizona Commerce Authority, MAG and cities and towns within our borders to market our exceptional climate, pro-business operations and low taxes. Make SURE that what wearer marketing is accurate. For example, do we need to streamline our permitting processes?
Daniel Valenzuela
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
(a) Public Safety: People must feel safe and live in a safe environment. I believe public safety should be the priority of any government. I have dedicated my life to keeping people safe. I led with that mission, personally as a 20-year professional firefighter, as a policymaker on the Phoenix City Council and I will continue to do so as a Maricopa County Supervisor. I helped lead the effort to pass Phoenix's anti-discrimination ordinance. I fought to lift the hiring freeze to add more police officers and firefighters and I worked to secure federal grants to add more resources for public safety departments. I will continue building on my mission and vision of keeping people safe as Maricopa County Supervisor by working on similar efforts regionally. I'm proud to stand alongside the brave women and men who protect our community, and I'm honored to have been able to kick-off this campaign with immediate public safety support.) Solving the Housing Challenge: We have a housing crisis in Arizona. Arizona now ranks number 9 on the least affordable places to live. And the median home value is over $400,000. For many the dream of owning their own home is slipping away. We must immediately address this crisis. This will take regional leadership. Maricopa County can and should play a vital role in bringing leaders from the 24 cities and towns to the table with Phoenix REALTORS® and other stakeholders to work on critical housing issues affecting the region. As a member of the Phoenix City Council, I was a problem-solver, bringing people together in the constant quest to keep government moving forward. Macro public policy issues related to housing, transportation, water, infrastructure, and elections need a collaborative approach across the region. When I served on the Phoenix City Council, for several years I represented the City of Phoenix as the Mayor's designee with the other 90Mayors across the state on the League of Cities and Towns Executive Committee. Governing is about problem-solving, and bringing people together is the only way to accomplish that, which will be my focus on the Board of Supervisors.c) Economic Development: Maricopa County is the 4th largest county in the country, and for the last 10years, the fastest-growing county in the nation. Our collective future will depend on our ability to attract, retain, and especially develop the talent needed to compete for the jobs of today and for the industries of tomorrow. But it's not just high-tech jobs. We need to cultivate a pipeline of skilled trades like electrical, plumbing, framing, and heavy construction. I plan to work with higher education institutions, nonprofits, the community, and business organizations to create and launch UPSKILL MARICOPA, to provide new workforce connections through re-skilling and retraining. Previously, I served as chair of the city's economic development subcommittee for several years, focusing on diversifying our economy, creating opportunities for our workforce and an environment for businesses to thrive. Maricopa County is the economic engine of the state with an evolving economy led by healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and transportation among other drivers.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
Maricopa County has been a leader in long range planning. However, Maricopa County's last long-range plan was approved in 2016. A lot has changed since 2016 and its time to update that plan for the next four years and beyond. The Board of Supervisors should focus on several key areas. Firstly, investing in infrastructure is crucial to support the increasing population. This includes expanding water, sewer, and transportation systems, as well as improving digital and broadband capabilities to meet the needs of residents and businesses. As part of these efforts, we need to address today's IT challenges to things like deed fraud. Additionally, prioritizing flood mitigation measures around future developments will be essential to ensure the safety and resilience of the county's infrastructure. Furthermore, addressing housing affordability is imperative to accommodate the growing population. The Board of Supervisors should work with both government agencies and private sector partners to implement policies and initiatives that promote affordable housing options. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, they can help ensure that residents have access to housing that meets their needs. Lastly, maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents should be a top priority. This involves not only providing essential services like public health and safety but also supporting economic development initiatives to create job opportunities and attract businesses to the region. By focusing on these areas, the Board of Supervisors can effectively plan for and accommodate Maricopa County's population growth while improving the overall well-being of its residents.
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
As municipalities continue to update their Drought Contingency Plans, some unincorporated areas could potentially be at risk of being left out if leaders fail to lead. Ideally, issues concerning water between municipalities and unincorporated areas will be worked out proactively, before they become disputes, which are typically more costly for everyone. How these situations are handled could greatly impact the stability of the real estate market, hinder access to lending capital, further perpetuate the narrative of the lack of water in Arizona, and most importantly, threaten to leave people and families without our most important resource, as was the situation, especially, endured by the 500-700 residents of Rio Verde Foothills, when the City of Scottsdale announced they would no longer haul water to the unincorporated area after a certain date and before a private water provider was able to take over. An earlier, more successful, example of collaboration between all parties took place a few years earlier when the City of Phoenix decided to no longer haul city water to unincorporated New River, but not before EPCOR, a private water provider, agreed to take it on, and not before EPCOR was ready to take over. As the county has taken a closer look to identify the potential for similar situations, it is important that we work as proactively as possible to prevent water disputes in the future between municipalities and unincorporated areas. My track record from serving as a two-term Phoenix City Councilmember and former Vice Mayor will underscore my ability to work with others and lead. I have served on virtually every subcommittee and chaired Neighborhoods, Housing and Development, followed by Development, Aviation, Economy and Innovation. Additionally, I took leadership roles in addressing some of our city's most complex issues, notably by finding ways to attract federal dollars to help lift the city's public safety hiring freeze to add more police officers, championing the implementation of the city's non-discrimination ordinance and leading a diverse coalition of leaders from business, labor and community to undertake pension reform, strengthening solvency while resulting in significant savings for Phoenix taxpayers amounting to more than $1 billion. I have been a coalition builder and problem solver for our capital city, and I look forward leading in the same manner as a Maricopa County Supervisor.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
To enhance Maricopa County's competitiveness in attracting businesses over the next four years, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Firstly, focusing on infrastructure development around future business parks and addressing flood mitigation issues to ensure smooth expansion and sustainable growth is crucial. This includes upgrading streets, water, and wastewater systems, as well as ensuring the continuation of existing transportation projects like Proposition 479, which I know is strongly supported by the Phoenix REALTORS® who have donated $500,000 to the campaign. Furthermore, maintaining a fiscally sound budget is paramount for economic stability. Conservative budgeting practices will help weather economic downturns without compromising essential services like workforce development, public health, and public safety. Collaborating with both government and private sector partners to address housing affordability is also essential to attract and retain a talented workforce. Supporting economic development agencies like the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and partners like Phoenix REALTORS® is vital. Additionally, proactive involvement from County Supervisors in supporting state and city-led economic initiatives, particularly in unincorporated areas, is crucial for balanced growth across the region. Ultimately, prioritizing economic development will not only bolster the local economy but also benefit taxpayers and enhance community reinvestment.
District 4
Debbie Lesko
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
Crime/Border Security, cost of living and growth. I support more funding for the Maricopa County Sheriffs Dept and the County Attorney's office to address crime and drug trafficking. I support fiscally responsible budgeting that will keep Maricopa County property tax rates low. I support common sense growth and economic development in a way that will provide for optimum standards of living and good transportation.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
I have been told that Maricopa County has completed studies, plans and projections for growth. I support these efforts. High growth and its impact is especially important in Supervisor District 4 since this district is anticipated to have the highest growth.
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
As I have done the entire time I have served in the AZ state legislature and Congress, I listen to all stakeholders and make reasoned, common sense decisions based on what is best for the constituents in my district. My door is always open to input.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
Arizona and Maricopa County need to continue to promote policies that create a good business climate including low taxes and less burdensome regulations. Businesses want certainty.
District 5
Steve Gallardo
What are the 3 most important issues affecting quality of life in your district? How do you plan to address them?
There are three major challenges that District 5 is facing that I will continue to champion. The first one is to promote economic development, which includes ensuring economic vitality and supporting sustainable projects for business growth. This will create job opportunities and boost the real estate market. The second challenge is to maintain healthy and safe neighborhoods for our children and residents. I will continue to work closely with our fire, police, and community health centers to achieve this goal. Lastly, we need to continue to focus on improving the water and road infrastructure in Maricopa County.
What should the Board of Supervisors do to plan for and accommodate Maricopa County’s projected population growth over the next four years?
Planning for population growth in a County like Maricopa County involves several key considerations. Here are some of the steps the Board of Supervisors could take: 1. Infrastructure Development. 2. Zoning and Land use planning. 3. Affordable Housing. 4. Expansion of public services. 5. Economic Development. 6. Environmental Sustainability
How do you plan to address water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas?
When dealing with water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of water rights and their impact on communities. This highlights the importance of finding effective solutions to water disputes between municipalities and unincorporated areas. Effective methods for resolving these disputes include mediation and negotiation, collaborative water management plans, clear legal frameworks, community engagement and education, investment in water infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
What does Maricopa County need to do to compete with other major cities outside Arizona to attract businesses in the next four years?
To compete with other major cities outside Arizona and attract businesses over the next four years, Maricopa County could focus on several key areas: Invest in Infrastructure: Offer Incentives: Support Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Workforce Development: Streamline Regulations and Permitting: Promote Quality of Life: Target Key Industries: Marketing and Promotion: By focusing on these strategies, Maricopa County can enhance its competitiveness and position itself as a leading destination for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in the coming years.