Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Glendale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
Donation to Arizona Humane Society
A donation to the Arizona Humane Society is on the agenda for board action. It would direct Authority funds to animal welfare work in the region.
Scholarship Grant to Helping Hands for Single Moms
The Authority is set to consider a scholarship grant to Helping Hands for Single Moms, an organization that helps single parents pay for education. It's public money going toward college or training support for local single-parent families.
Committee role in pass-through grant process
The committee will discuss whether it should be included in the process for pass-through grants — money the city receives and passes on to other recipients. Adding the committee to the review could change how those funding decisions are vetted.
2026 Resident and Business Survey Results
Water resources and affordable housing top resident priorities; 91% worry about housing costs. Businesses cite traffic congestion as their biggest pain point and want more police engagement.
Water Services Financial Update & FY27 Budget
Staff presented the FY26 financial report and proposed FY27 operating and capital budgets for Water Services, highlighting a $1.4 million reduction in revenue driven by lower water consumption and conservation.
Fleet optimization audit
A draft audit on how the city manages and optimizes its vehicle fleet will be reviewed. Better fleet management can mean savings on maintenance, fuel, and replacement costs.
Human Services Grants audit
A draft audit examining how the city's Human Services Grants are administered will be reviewed. It's about making sure grant dollars reach the residents and programs they're meant for.
City Finances Update
The city's general fund balance grew to $333 million and the city holds a triple-A credit rating, thanks in part to conservative budgeting. The FY 27 adopted budget is $1.41 billion, with sales tax growth leveling off after big construction years.
MPC Excise Tax Revenue Bond Refunding
The MPC only has about $13.2 million of bonds left outstanding, and neither series can realistically be refinanced for savings. Debt service runs about $3.47 million a year until the bonds are fully paid off by 2033.
Workers' Compensation Trust Fund Financial Health and Insurance Renewal
The board reviewed strong fund balances and approved the upcoming year's excess insurance policy to protect the city against high workers' compensation claims.
Risk Management Trust Fund Revenue, Expenses, and Fund Balance
The fund holds about $22 million — well above the $13 million required confidence level — even after expected losses of roughly $4 million, and the balance is projected to trend down toward target through 2027. Staff also proposed benchmarking liability trends against other Arizona cities.
FY 2026/2027 insurance program savings
The city's property and liability insurance program came in about $652,000 under budget thanks to a new primary carrier, meaning less money tied up in premiums. The board reviewed coverage levels, retentions and cyber insurance layers.
Administratively accepted grants and grant-writing capacity
Grants under $50,000 are accepted administratively, and councilmembers argued the city may be missing out on larger funding because it lacks a dedicated grant writer. The mayor suggested looking at a full-time position next year.
City Investment Portfolio
Glendale's $322 million investment pool is earning about 4% in treasury-heavy, low-risk holdings and brought in over $12 million last year. Council asked how it compares to the state's investment pool.
DOE cooling tower grant funding
A $247,266 Department of Energy grant will help pay for HVAC cooling tower upgrades at city facilities — energy efficiency that trims long-term operating costs.