Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tempe public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in public safety
Promotion of Civil Discourse and Community Respect
The council approved a resolution affirming civility and respectful communication in public discourse and municipal meetings to combat increasing divisiveness.
Opioid Response Plan 2026-2029
City officials reviewed the 2026-2029 Opioid Response Plan, which utilizes opioid settlement funds and federal grants to coordinate prevention, recovery, and enforcement efforts. Staff highlighted the success of first responder naloxone distribution and community health worker outreach in saving lives and connecting vulnerable residents to care.
Code Compliance Property Abatements
A homeowner appealed a city abatement order after squatters filled his yard with massive amounts of trash and debris. The board upheld the order to ensure the property is cleaned up for neighborhood safety.
Public Safety Oversight and Data Transparency
The Tempe Police Department shared positive end-of-year crime statistics showing a 14% drop in major Group A offenses and decreases in both violent and property crime. Officials highlighted the success of the new Strategic Response Section in tackling quality-of-life and neighborhood complaints.
Police Conduct
Remember that viral video of a Tempe police officer taking down an ASU student? Prosecutors have officially slapped that student with criminal charges, keeping the controversial incident in the spotlight.
Code Compliance Abatement at 1432 S. Rita Ln.
The city is clearing out massive amounts of dead vegetation, fallen trees damaging neighbor fences, and overgrown landscaping blocking sidewalks and streets at a multi-family zoned property.
Code Compliance Abatement at 6904 S. Lakeshore Dr.
The city approved cleaning up dead palm fronds, high weeds, and assorted junk stored on the porch and yard of a residential property on Lakeshore Drive.
Code Compliance Abatement at 1858 E. Southern Ave.
The city is stepping in to clean up overgrown weeds, dead trees, graffiti, and debris at a commercial/residential property after the owner ignored months of warnings and unpaid fines.
Police Misconduct Lawsuit
A Tempe woman is suing the city after police slapped the cuffs on her over a Game of Thrones GIF. This weird arrest could end up hitting taxpayers hard if the city loses or settles the lawsuit.
Animal Control and Municipal Shelter Discussion
A resident raised concerns regarding county animal control costs and rabies vaccination rates, prompting calls for Tempe to study establishing its own municipal animal shelter.
Neighborhood Safety, Public Cleanliness, and Campaign Sign Enforcement
Public commenters raised concerns about downtown safety, neighborhood deterioration, unhoused populations, and enforcement of campaign sign regulations.
Drink Safety Mandates
Tempe is considering a new rule requiring local bars to keep drink-spiking test kits in stock. This adds a helpful layer of safety if you're heading out for a night on Mill Avenue.
Emergency Declaration
Tempe's mayor declared a state of emergency after heavy storms wreaked havoc across town, which means emergency cash and resources are now unlocked to get the cleanup started fast.
Storm Damage Emergency
Tempe's mayor just declared a state of emergency to help residents get federal financial relief for recent storm damage. If your property got wrecked by the storm, this is your crucial first step toward getting help.