Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tempe public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with critical priority
City Budget Shortfall Following Prop 424 Defeat
Following the defeat of Proposition 424, Tempe faces a $25 million budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal years. City leaders announced plans to review long-term budget forecasts and evaluate potential spending reductions.
Mass Surveillance and Automated License Plate Readers
Tempe is considering becoming the first city in the nation to pass an ordinance banning automated license plate readers to protect citizen privacy. While residents strongly support the ban, police warn it could hamper investigations and solve fewer crimes.
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.
FY 2026/27 Tentative Budget and Capital Improvements Program
The city reviewed a $1.84 billion 5-year capital improvement plan focusing on infrastructure maintenance, pavement preservation, public safety facilities, and parks. Residents heard about project prioritization and funding allocations across enterprise and general government funds.
Nuisance Ordinance and Homeless Outreach Regulations
The city proposed a new nuisance ordinance targeting recurring distributions of food, merchandise, or services on private property that cause public disorder or interfere with neighboring properties.
Proposed 0.5% Sales Tax Increase Ballot Measure
To combat ongoing revenue losses from state legislation, the city is placing a 0.5% sales tax increase on the November ballot. Funds will support public safety, transit, and early childhood education through Tempe Pre, though some critics argued for budget line-by-line cuts instead of tax hikes.
Proposed Special Election Sales Tax Ballot Measure
The city is considering a ballot measure for November 2026 to increase sales tax by 0.4% for public safety and 0.1% for transit, plus an added 0.1% for pre-K, to offset state-mandated revenue losses from the rental tax repeal.
Water Conservation and Colorado River Negotiations
Council members raised concerns over the expiring Colorado River water compact and unfavorable federal environmental impact studies affecting Arizona's water supply.
Hayden Flour Mill Redevelopment and City Funding
Following the collapse of the developer agreement, the city is pursuing a basic green space and warm shell design for the Hayden Flour Mill without a dedicated funding source for full restoration.
Autonomous Vehicle Charging Hub Appeal
Residents fought against a zoning decision that classified a massive commercial EV charging station for Waymo vehicles as a neighborhood taxi dispatch. Neighbors worried about intense power usage, fire risks, and 24/7 noise on residential streets.
Drink Spiking Prevention and Nightlife Safety Ordinance
Tempe passed a new ordinance requiring bars and entertainment venues operating past midnight to provide drink-spiking test kits and safety signage. The policy aims to protect patrons, especially college students, from drug-facilitated crimes and assault while offering tax incentives for venues that go above and beyond.