Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tolleson public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with low priority
Pending litigation executive session
Council went behind closed doors for legal advice on lawsuits involving the city.
Digital newsletter transition
The city plans to move its printed newsletter mostly digital starting mid-2027, saving roughly $13,000 a year — but printed copies will stay available at the senior center and City Hall for residents who need them.
TAASA board reappointments
The council was asked to reappoint four directors, including Vice Mayor Jimmy Davis, to the Tolleson Alliance Against Substance Abuse for two-year terms beginning October 1, 2026.
Library closure for furniture replacement
The library closes October 21-23 for new furniture throughout the building, though passport services and curbside pickup stay open — a $-cost refresh for a facility serving around 400 visitors a day.
Sister Cities program with Puerto Peñasco
Visiting Peñasco firefighters got Tolleson's donated jaws of life and air packs, and Council Member Gámez floated reviving a student exchange program with Mexican schools.
Recognition of NCAA Champion Viviana Martinez
Council backed a proposal to dedicate a day honoring Tolleson native Viviana Martinez, who won back-to-back NCAA national championships as starting shortstop at the University of Texas — paired with earlier requests to celebrate women's sports in the city.
West Valley Regional Partnerships
The Mayor proclaimed West Valley Day, spotlighting the regional partnerships in economic development, transit, arts and public safety that the small city leans on to compete with bigger neighbors.
90-day Waiting Period for New Hires
The Police Department wants the 90-day pension waiting period to start at date of hire instead of after academy graduation — recruits often wait months before the academy begins. The board will revisit this at a future meeting.
Industrial Wastewater Permit Duration Change
Ordinance 630 lets major industrial users keep permits up to five years instead of reapplying every 12 months. Monthly and quarterly reporting, inspections and enforcement all stay in place.
Student Requests: Bonfire, Homecoming Parade, Girls' Sports Support
Two Tolleson Union High juniors asked the city to help with a senior-class bonfire at Baker's Acres, to let the homecoming parade return to Van Buren on September 24, and to boost publicity and sponsorship for girls' sports. Staff will follow up with each student.
Tree City USA Designation
Tolleson is now officially a Tree City USA — one of just 27 recognized communities in Arizona — after a two-year effort including a tree ordinance and Arbor Day plantings.
Tolleson Initiative for the Arts Expansion
Council directed staff toward a combined $90,000 budget to add a West Valley-style alley mural festival, wrap the old medical building in murals, and add a literacy/arts component — part of a push to make Tolleson an arts destination.
Veterans Park LED lighting conversion
A new $250,000 contract converts Veterans Park field lights from halogen to LED — cheaper to run, better for evening leagues.
Parks and Recreation Center generator upgrade
The electrical contract for the Rec Center generator got a $100,000 boost to cover a transformer upgrade — keeping the community center powered when the grid goes down.
Del Sol Jewelry opens; Tohono O'odham partnership celebrated
Vice Mayor Davis cut the ribbon on a new family-run jewelry store, and the Mayor recounted marching in the Tohono O'odham Nation's rodeo parade in Sells to thank the community for years of grant support to Tolleson.