Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tempe public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
Transportation Overlay District Parking Requirements Update
The city is adding a Transportation Overlay District to the Envision Center on Apache Boulevard to fix a parking shortage caused by adding a new sustainable food forest and rainwater harvesting system.
FY 2026-2027 Public Housing Agency Annual Plan and Administrative Plan
Tempe's Housing Authority is performing well — 1,032 vouchers leased, a 6.4% attrition rate, and high-performing HUD status — but high local rents raise the per-household subsidy cost, limiting how many vouchers the budget can support. Board members expressed concern about possible federal funding cuts.
Double Butte Cemetery Restoration and Pioneer Section Preservation
Community Services presented findings from a recent engineering assessment of the historic Double Butte Cemetery, detailing estimated costs exceeding $2.6 million for infrastructure, drainage, and roadway repairs, alongside historic marker preservation needs.
Tempe Transportation Plan 2050 Update
Staff presented the draft Transportation Plan 2050, outlining long-term goals for multi-modal mobility, pedestrian safety, and transit improvements. The plan builds on successful Vision Zero initiatives that have reduced serious and fatal crashes by 60% since 2019.
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.
Emerald Center Mixed-Use Redevelopment
A developer is seeking to transform a 25-acre vacant industrial site at Priest Drive and Ruby Drive into a modern 376-unit multi-family mixed-use community with a four-story layout. Commissioners debated energy efficiency, green construction codes, and existing high-water landscaping constraints tied to older master plans.
Community Health and Human Services Programs and Funding
The city reviewed how $37.3 million is invested in programs ranging from rental assistance and homeless outreach to early childhood education and senior meals. Councilmembers praised the deep community impacts and the economic value these services bring to vulnerable families.
Aramark University Food Service Labor Dispute
Multiple food service workers from Aramark at ASU spoke out about low wages, reduced hours, and housing instability, urging the city to hold major corporations accountable for living wages.
Surveillance Camera Ban
Tempe is weighing a ban on automated license plate reader cameras that track neighborhood vehicles. The debate pits privacy advocates against public safety officials.
Axon Police Technology Contract and Surveillance Privacy
The city is launching a no-cost pilot program with Axon to test automated license plate readers, sparking community debate over data privacy and public safety benefits.
Tenant Protections and Housing Affordability
A former resident described being evicted and owing over $8,000 after the city's temporary two-year voucher program ended with little guidance or transition support, prompting a call for stronger safeguards and follow-up.
Surveillance Cameras
Tempe just scrapped its automated license plate readers over privacy worries, meaning cops won't be tracking your daily commute anymore. It's a major win for local civil liberties and anyone stressed about digital surveillance.
Surveillance Camera Contract
Tempe just dumped its automated license plate reader contract with Flock, pulling the plug on the controversial cameras in a major win for privacy lovers. If you're tired of being tracked around town every time you drive, this means fewer eyes on your daily commute.
Front Yard Setback Variances for Attached ADU
Homeowners at 1706 E. Citation Lane requested variances to reduce front yard building and open structure setbacks to build an attached ADU. The board ultimately denied the request, siding with city staff who argued the need was self-imposed.
Surveillance Camera Policy
Tempe stopped automatically sharing your license plate data from Flock cameras with outside agencies and launched a new transparency portal so you can see how your car is tracked. If you care about your digital footprint, this gives you a much better look at who's watching.
High-Density Infill and Neighborhood Compatibility on Bernardin Lane
Twinpeaks Group secured approval to build an 8-unit townhome project at 1432 and 1435 S. Bonarden Lane with slightly reduced front yard setbacks. The project revives an identical plan that was previously approved in 2022 but expired.
Packard Place Boutique Hotel Development
A new seven-story Marriott hotel is coming to the ASU campus Novus corridor, bringing 170 rooms, restaurants, and rooftop amenities to support visitors and local businesses.
Council Swearing-in and Leadership Transition
The city held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and returning council members, followed by the election of a new vice mayor to guide municipal governance.
Tempe Oasis Multifamily Conversion
City staff updated the commission on the progress of the Tempe Oasis project as it moves toward final city council hearings.
Community Engagement and Civic Participation Recommendations
A council subcommittee recommended establishing a civic engagement academy, improving digital search tools, and creating clearer feedback loops for public input.
Age-Friendly Tempe 2026-2030 Action Plan
The city unveiled a comprehensive action plan to improve older adult livability, featuring home modification support and the development of the nation's first dementia-friendly park.
Rio Salado Community Facilities District FY 2026/27 Tentative Budget and Assessments
The board advanced a $5.66 million tentative budget and annual property assessments for district improvements. This funding keeps infrastructure maintenance and operations running smoothly around the Rio Salado area.
The Marshall on Spence Student Housing Proposal
A developer is seeking to build a seven-story, 105-unit student apartment building on Spence Avenue. Residents raised strong concerns about traffic congestion, parking, and building height, leading the council to delay a decision for six months.
Truth in Taxation Property Tax Levy
The city raised its primary property tax levy by 2% on existing properties to help balance day-to-day operations and generate roughly $462,000 for the general fund.
Legend City District at Papago Park Center Development
The council approved general plan and zoning changes to allow a new mixed-use residential and live/work development at 1600 North Priest Drive.
City Council Election
Tempe's local political scene is getting a shake-up after a progressive, DSA-backed candidate managed to kick out an incumbent and win a city council seat. This signals a shifting tide in who holds power at City Hall, meaning potential new policy directions ahead.
Election Results
Early runoff results for the Tempe City Council show challengers pulling ahead, which means we're likely getting some fresh faces on the dais to shake up local policy.
FY26/27 Capital Improvement Program Funding for Historic Preservation
Commissioners questioned how 2024 bond funds are being accounted for, noting that the $12.3 million total includes pre-existing capital improvement funds, leaving less new money available than expected.
Amendments to City Code Chapter 14A-11 (Historic Preservation Violations)
Commissioners questioned staff regarding the delayed rehabilitation of the Gonzales-Martinez House under a development agreement with First and Farmer LLC. Members stressed that the building must not be allowed to deteriorate further and requested copies of relevant development agreements.
Stabilization of the Gonzales-Martinez House
City staff and developers are working on a development agreement for First and Farmer to move forward with stabilizing and rehabilitating the historic Gonzales-Martinez house.
Downtown Tempe Historic Core Planning
Commissioners and residents raised concerns about the quality of public outreach for the Downtown Tempe Historic Core Plan, asking for more interactive workshops and better representation of historic resources.
Appeal of Massage Establishment Use Permit
Residents raised strong concerns over a proposed massage establishment on Scottsdale Road, citing fears of illicit activity and human trafficking. Staff and the applicant defended the project as a legitimate, licensed wellness business subject to police background checks.
International Green Construction Code Implementation
Staff and public speakers discussed the ongoing implementation of the voluntary International Green Construction Code for private developments and mandatory standards for city buildings. The initiative aims to promote sustainability, urban cooling, and energy efficiency.
Local Elections
Incumbent Arlene Chin locked down her spot on the Tempe City Council, but the race isn't over yet. Four other candidates are heading to a runoff election to fight for the remaining open seats.
Elections
Tempe's City Council race is going to a runoff election, so you'll need to vote again to pick your city representatives. It's your second chance to make sure your voice is heard on the council.
Council Election
Tempe's city council election is happening this Tuesday, so you'll want to review the candidates before casting your ballot. Your vote directly shapes local leadership and city policies that affect your everyday life.
Shalimar Golf Course Rezoning Opposition
Residents spoke out passionately during public comment urging the council to protect the Shalimar golf course open space and reject high-density residential rezoning proposals that could increase urban heat and traffic.
Affordable Housing Development Bonus Program
City staff presented a new program aimed at encouraging affordable housing development through density bonuses and incentives.
Priest and Alameda General Plan and Zoning Amendments
A 25-acre commercial office site at 2750 South Priest Drive is proposed for rezoning to industrial use to attract advanced manufacturing jobs.
Adaptive Reuse of Marlott's Garage
A proposal to rezone and revitalize the historic 1922 gas station at 1249 East 8th Street into a commercial hub and food truck gathering space.
Affordable Housing and Public Safety
Tempe is adding new affordable housing and building a brand-new fire station to make living here safer and more accessible. These projects mean you'll have better neighborhood safety and quicker emergency response times right where you live.
Drink Spiking Prevention Ordinance
The city council is considering a first-of-its-kind ordinance requiring bars and restaurants operating past midnight to stock drink testing kits and offer preventative education, sparking debate over business mandates versus public safety.
Mill Avenue Streetscape Revitalization
The major infrastructure and aesthetic upgrade along Mill Avenue is nearly complete, bringing new trees, custom art mosaics, improved ADA ramps, and updated underground utilities.
Candidate Forum
Want to know where Tempe City Council candidates stand before you vote? The Arizona Republic is hosting a local candidate forum so you can hear directly from the people running for office.
Acquisition of Historic Mill Avenue Properties
The city is buying two historic downtown buildings (520 and 526 S. Mill Ave) to preserve local history and maintain affordable rental spaces for small, independent businesses.
Election Candidate Forum
Thinking about who to vote for in the upcoming Tempe City Council election? The Arizona Republic is hosting a candidate forum on January 14th so you can check out the hopefuls and see where they stand before casting your ballot.
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.
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.
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.