Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Maricopa County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues with high priority
Domestic Violence Awareness Proclamation
The board proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with members sharing personal survivor stories and highlighting local support networks and county programs available to victims.
Peoria County Island Fire District Impact Statement
The board reviewed and approved an impact statement for a proposed County Island Fire District in Peoria, setting a public hearing for October 21 to evaluate property tax implications for residents.
School District Tax Levy Adjustments
The Alhambra school district faced a tax roll deviation affecting its property tax collections, leading to a restricted cash deficit levy approval by the county.
Outside Legal Counsel and Federal Oversight of Sheriff's Office
The board authorized up to $750,000 for specialized outside appellate counsel to challenge ongoing federal court oversight and monitoring of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Melendrez v. Sheridan.
Mental Health Treatment and Court-Ordered Renewal Funding
Mental health advocates and family members testified on the challenges of securing care for individuals with severe mental illness, highlighting funding gaps for court-ordered treatment renewals.
Employee Health Benefits and Healthcare Rates
The board approved the annual employee healthcare rates and benefits package for approximately 15,000 county employees, maintaining favorable coverage terms and protecting employee drug copays during open enrollment.
Prohibition of Personal Profit from Non-Public Information
The county adopted a resolution preventing employees and staff from wagering on elections or government actions using confidential information, setting a new ethical standard.
FY 2025 County Audit & Financial Health
Arizona Auditor General presented Maricopa County's annual financial audit, showing strong reserves of $6.1 billion and a clean opinion on financial statements, alongside recommendations to improve IT security and federal reporting compliance.
Housing Authority Participant File Compliance
External auditors found a 100% exception rate in a sample of 25 Housing Authority participant files missing mandatory EIV income verification documents, raising eligibility compliance concerns.
Eviction Prevention and Mental Health Pilot Programs
The county is launching an eviction prevention pilot program and expanding court-ordered mental health treatment to help vulnerable residents stay housed and get care.
Paradise Ridge Drainage Improvements and Flood Control
The Flood Control District approved a $68 million contract for Paradise Ridge drainage improvements to mitigate flood risks along the Rawhide Wash Corridor.
Public Urination and Defecation Prohibition Ordinance
The county adopted a new public health ordinance making public urination and defecation illegal in unincorporated areas, aiming to help communities like Sun City deal with homeless encampment impacts.
Termination of Court Services Agreement with Town of Queen Creek
The board and presiding judges discussed terminating an intergovernmental agreement for court services with the Town of Queen Creek due to rising caseloads, jurisdictional mismatches, and inadequate reimbursement. Town officials requested more time to negotiate an equitable solution and establish future municipal court infrastructure.
Cox Communications Tax Valuation Settlement
The county approved a major property tax settlement with Cox Communications, resulting in an estimated $4.5 million impact across county taxing jurisdictions.
Rancho Bravo Event Venue Permit
The board debated whether commercial event venues in rural areas should be held to county road dedication and infrastructure standards, ultimately sending the Gambel Field SUP back for more talks.
Gila Bend Library Establishment
The Board approved an IGA to establish a new library in Gila Bend, which will serve as a multi-purpose hub for workforce development, voting, and public health services.
Legislative District 3 House Vacancy Appointment
The Board of Supervisors selected a new state representative for LD3 after the resignation of Representative Joseph Chaplik. The appointment process involved weighing three candidates nominated by local precinct committeemen, with supervisors ultimately backing Cody Reim.
Animal Shelter Overpopulation and Rescue Partnerships
The county continues to partner with local rescue organizations through New Hope agreements to place shelter animals and reduce overcrowding.
Explosion of Digital Evidence and Prosecution Backlogs
The County Attorney's Office is requesting major funding increases for specialized software like Cellebrite and Axon Justice Premier to process thousands of hours of body camera and cell phone video evidence.
Ranchero Livestock & Supplies Special Use Permit
Neighbors strongly opposed a home-based hay business operating in a Wittmann rural residential area, citing excessive noise, dust, diesel fumes, and safety hazards. The Board ultimately voted to deny the permit.
Justice Courts Staffing Study and Clerk Retention
Justice Courts requested above-base funding to address high clerk turnover, market salary adjustments, training programs, and technology updates for court operations.
School Superintendent Professional Development & District Oversight
The County School Superintendent requested above-base funding for teacher professional development programs, school district financial oversight, and juvenile detention education needs.
Formation of Irrigation Water Delivery Districts
Property owners in the Tolsun Farms developments are seeking to establish two new irrigation water delivery districts to manage local water infrastructure. The county board set formal public hearings for January 14, 2026, to evaluate the petitions.
Emergency Declaration
Maricopa County declared a local emergency for Tempe to unlock state and federal disaster funds for an ongoing crisis. We're still waiting on details about what happened and how it might affect your day-to-day city services.