PHX Newsroom: City of Phoenix Arizona News & Videos

Three Innovative Phoenix Biotech Businesses Secure Spot in Prestigious Start-Up Stadium Stage at 2023 BIO International Convention

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/ced/2759

Community and Economic Development

5/31/2023 12:00:00 AM

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Three Innovative Phoenix Biotech Businesses Secure Spot in Prestigious Start-Up Stadium Stage at 2023 BIO International Convention

<div class="ExternalClass744D7931B24C495DB11A96A54CD288A1"><html> Phoenix-based start-ups <a href="https://electratect.com/" target="_blank">ElectraTect</a>, <a href="https://www.faknostics.com/" target="_blank">FAKnostics</a>, and <a href="https://www.referencemedicine.com/" target="_blank">Reference Medicine</a> are among the 50 global companies selected to participate in the highly acclaimed <a href="https://www.bio.org/events/bio-international-convention/start-stadium-2023" target="_blank">Start-Up Stadium</a> at the <a href="https://www.bio.org/events/bio-international-convention" target="_blank">2023 BIO International Convention</a>. This unique platform provides seed-stage companies with an invaluable opportunity to interact with influential investors and receive feedback that will contribute to their journey toward success. Competing on the Start-Up Stadium stage opens avenues for these start-ups to connect with key players in the investment community, venture philanthropy groups, and strategic partners, and gain access to previously unreachable capital. "Companies are flocking to Phoenix, making it number one in life science job growth among the nation's emerging life science markets," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "The bioscience health care workforce has increased by over 60% since 2008, which drives our economy forward. Watching businesses such as ElectraTect, FAKnostics, and Reference Medicine take the global bioscience stage and represent Phoenix is exciting." This year's BIO International Convention, set to take place from June 5-8 in Boston, Massachusetts, aims to promote collaboration between large corporations and fledgling businesses in the biotechnology industry. Representing the City of Phoenix Pavilion (booth #3035) are nearly 30 companies and organizations. Attendees are encouraged to visit the City of Phoenix Pavilion at the 2023 BIO International Conference. "As America's fifth-largest city, we are also one of the top 10 places for start-ups, driving our bioscience industry forward at rapid speeds," said the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Director, Christine Mackay. "Investors from across the globe are doubling down on their commitment to bioscience in Phoenix. I'm confident that the emerging life science opportunities and extraordinary innovation ecosystem in Phoenix will only continue to thrive. Our delegation is the best of the best, and we are ready to show off all Phoenix has to offer at BIO 2023." These Phoenix-based biotech start-ups, selected as finalists, are working on groundbreaking projects. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to present at Start-Up Stadium and are excited to share our vision for a world where cancer research isn't stopped by specimen access, but rather, accelerated by it," said Inga Rose, Founder, and CEO, Reference Medicine. Similarly, FAKnostics is making a mark in cancer therapeutics. "We are extremely excited to have this chance to present our science on groundbreaking cancer therapeutics and detection of highly aggressive cancers," said Timothy Marlowe, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, FAKnostics, LLC. "FAK is a protein found in 80% of all cancers and FAKnostics has pioneered a brand-new way to design drugs that inhibit FAK, which represent the first of its kind. This is an excellent opportunity to meet prospective investors that want to bring revolutionary medicines to cancer patients in need." Making waves in innovation, ElectraTect among those selected this year. “EelctraTect is honored to be selected among the hundreds of applicants to present at Start-Up Stadium and represent the budding biotech start-up hub in Phoenix," Dr. Christina Forbes, Senior Scientist. The Start-Up Stadium will distinguish evaluations of start-up company finalists who have raised less than $1M from those of emerging company finalists who have secured more than $1M but less than $10M to date. Winners will be identified in both categories. Previous winners have reaped benefits such as "fast-track" admission review to incubator programs at the <a href="https://www.illumina.com/company/illumina-for-startups/accelerator-program.html" target="_blank">Illumina Accelerator</a> and <a href="https://innovationspace.org/" target="_blank">The Innovation Space</a>, along with complimentary one-year memberships in the <a href="https://www.bio.org/events/bio-international-convention" target="_blank">Biotechnology Innovation Organization</a>, inclusive of access to cost-saving programs of <a href="https://www.bio.org/save/business-solutions" target="_blank">BIO Business Solutions</a>. About the Phoenix Start-ups: <a href="https://electratect.com/" target="_blank">ElectraTect, Inc.</a> is developing a solution to one of society's most recent problems – marijuana detection. Like alcohol, marijuana use can impair the operation of any vehicle. ElectraTect's breathalyzers detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. The device would use electricity and an oxidation reaction to detect levels of THC. Police would employ the breathalyzer roadside, with the long-term goal of the device being accessible for the public to use in the home. <a href="https://www.faknostics.com/" target="_blank">FAKnostics, LLC</a> is a research leader in therapeutic development with core competencies in pharmacology and drug discovery. FAK (focal adhesion kinase) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is over-expressed and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. Over the last four years, FAKnostics has developed a focus on structure-based drug design to complement and extend cancer biology capabilities. In the future, FAKnostics plans to continue the development of FAK-related drugs to provide new therapies for cancers and other diseases that lack effective treatment options. <a href="https://www.referencemedicine.com/" target="_blank">Reference Medicine</a> was founded by researchers who were tired of traditional biospecimen sourcing getting in the way of science. Reference Medicine makes it easy to find the specimens you need at a fraction of the cost - so your team can get on to building the next big thing in healthcare. About Phoenix: Phoenix is the fifth-largest American city, home to 1.7 million people. The most populous state capital, it was named the 2017 “Highest Performing City" by Governing Magazine. Key industries include advanced business and financial services, technology, health and life sciences, hospitality, and advanced manufacturing. At 517 square miles, with world-renowned mountain trails and opportunity for diverse lifestyles, Phoenix has the shortest average commute times among the 12 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Founded in 1868, Phoenix's wild-west roots grew to host major events in a dynamic downtown for the Super Bowl, NCAA championships and music festivals. Community and accessibility have made Phoenix a top market for bioscience, semiconductor manufacturing, retail, and so much more. For more information, visit <a href="file:///C:/Users/077120/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/B5ICQ230/investinphoenix.com/industries/bioscience-healthcare" target="_blank">investinphoenix.com/industries/bioscience-healthcare</a>. <div>Media Contact:</div> <div>Athena Sanchez</div> <div>Interim Communications Manager </div> <div>City of Phoenix </div> <div>E-mail: athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov</div> <div>Cell: 602-621-0507 </div> </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/econdev

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ced

CED

Truth in Taxation Hearing Notice of Property Tax Increase

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/budget-and-research/2756

Budget & Research

5/26/2023 4:00:00 PM

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Truth in Taxation Hearing Notice of Property Tax Increase

<div class="ExternalClass1239B8E01C3648D38709E476EC1E17EA"><html> Tax Notice Explained The accompanying Truth in Taxation notice is required by state law. The required notice addresses the City's primary property tax, which supports the General Fund services such as police and fire, parks and recreation, libraries and senior and community centers. The City of Phoenix's proposed primary property tax rate for 2023-24 of $1.2851 per $100 of assessed valuation is reduced from its 2022-23 rate of $1.2989 per $100 of assessed valuation. However, overall increases in assessed valuation result in a 2% increase in primary property taxes for the average City of Phoenix property owner. Individual experiences may differ based on unique property variances. State law requires the notice below any time the average primary property tax bill increases, even if the primary property tax rate is reduced. The Truth in Taxation notice prescribed by state law does not address the City's secondary property tax. The City's secondary property tax rate for 2023-24 will be unchanged from its 2022-23 rate of $0.8141 per $100 of assessed valuation. Secondary property taxes pay the bonded debt service for facilities like libraries, police and fire stations, storm drains and parks. For more information, call 602-262-4800, or visit <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Users/082377/Desktop/phoenix.gov/budget">phoenix.gov/budget</a>. Truth in Taxation notice publication dates and locations: <ul> <li>The Record Reporter – May 26, 2023, and June 5, 2023.</li> </ul> Additionally included in published estimates of revenues and expenses: <ul> <li>The Record Reporter – June 12, 2023.</li> </ul> Truth in Taxation Hearing Notice of Tax Increase In compliance with section 42-17107, Arizona Revised Statutes, the City of Phoenix is notifying its property taxpayers of the City of Phoenix's intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year's level. The City of Phoenix is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $4,098,863 or 2.00%. For example, the proposed tax increase will cause the City of Phoenix's primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $128.51 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $125.99. The proposed increase is exclusive of increased primary property taxes received from new construction. The increase is also exclusive of any changes that may occur from property tax levies for voter approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides. All interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing on the tax increase that is scheduled to be held June 14, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at the City of Phoenix Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St. </html></div>

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Budget

Critical Incident Briefing: May 14th, 2023 – 39th Ave. and Cactus Rd.

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2758

Police

5/26/2023 7:00:00 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL43dP2B3zo

Critical Incident Briefing: May 14th, 2023 – 39th Ave. and Cactus Rd.

<div class="ExternalClass325C777D78ED4F09B2416A5558E77A75"><html> WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on May 14th, 2023. This incident occurred in the area of 39th Avenue and Cactus Road when Phoenix Police received a call about shots fired behind the caller's house. The caller also indicated she believed the person shooting was her son. Two officers responded to the home and contacted the woman who called police. During the contact, a man came to the front door armed with a gun and began firing towards the ground. The officer's backed up from the house and took a position in front. Over the next couple of minutes, they heard gunshots from inside the home. The suspect walked to the open front door and raised a gun at the officers. This is when the officer involved shooting occurs. The suspect walked to the open front door, stopped in the doorway and did not listen to police commands. An officer discharged a 40mm less-lethal launcher, striking the suspect, which caused him to retreat into the house. A couple minutes later, the suspect walked out of the house unarmed and is taken into custody. The suspect was not injured by officer gunfire. He was later booked on multiple felony charges to include aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons, endangerment and aggravated assault. No other community members or officers were injured during this incident. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. That is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case. </html></div>

https://phoenix.gov/police

Video

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Police

Critical Incident Briefing: May 11, 2023 – 91st Avenue & Lower Buckeye Road

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2755

Police

5/25/2023 10:00:00 PM

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https://youtu.be/6dxGz9xbEKM

Critical Incident Briefing: May 11, 2023 – 91st Avenue & Lower Buckeye Road

<div class="ExternalClass275440593AA94900874342FACCC4840A"><html> WARNING: The attached video may contain strong language as well as graphic images which may be disturbing to some people. Viewer discretion is advised. The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting (OIS) which occurred on May 11th, 2023. This incident occurred in the area of 91st Avenue & Lower Buckeye Road when Phoenix Police officers were driving in the area and found a pickup truck stopped in the roadway. The only person in the truck was a man asleep behind the wheel. A check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was reported stolen. Officers positioned their patrol vehicles to the front and the back of the pickup in order to prevent the man from driving away and potentially causing harm to the community. The man then woke up and attempted to drive off, but the pickup was blocked in. The man continued to accelerate for about 3 minutes causing the wheels to spin and create a large cloud of smoke. While the driver continued to accelerate, an officer repositioned himself behind his patrol car and noticed the suspect had a gun. He alerted the other officers and they moved away from the vehicles. Once the officers moved, the suspect got out of the vehicle and ran down Lower Buckeye Road. The officers got into their patrol cars and followed the man towards a neighborhood. Officers caught up to the suspect and fired less-lethal PepperBall projectiles at him that were ineffective. The suspect made his way into the neighborhood and officers began to set up a perimeter around the area where the man was last seen. A two-man unit responded to help search the neighborhood and located the suspect near the edge of the neighborhood. The officers gave the suspect commands to get on the ground. The suspect turned and pointed the gun towards the officers. Both officers fired their guns toward the suspect. After the shooting, the suspect ran off and hid inside the neighborhood. Officers from the Tactical Support Bureau responded to search for the suspect. He was later located in the backyard of a residence and taken into custody after the use of a less-lethal tool. The suspect was not struck by gunfire and was medically cleared by the fire department. He was later booked on multiple felony charges. No other community members or officers were injured during this incident. The gun used by the man was found near the area where he was taken into custody. Detectives discovered the firearm used by the suspect was a pellet gun. The officers involved in this shooting have been with the department for 4 and a half and 3 years. They are assigned to the Maryvale/Estrella Mountain Precinct. Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. That is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case. </html></div>

https://phoenix.gov/police

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Police

Celebrating New Lighting at Palomino Park

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/neighborhood-services/2753

Neighborhood Services

5/22/2023 11:30:00 PM

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Celebrating New Lighting at Palomino Park

<div class="ExternalClass5532AE4B98064DC9AEBF63003983B0BC"><html> The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of 38 new LED lights at Palomino Park. In partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, NSD invested nearly $390,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to install new lighting, ensuring the parking lot, walkways and ball courts are safe, well-lit environments. The lighting project will also provide added safety benefits to neighboring facilities including Palomino Primary and Intermediate Schools and the Metropolitan Phoenix Ed Robson Family Branch Boys and Girls Club. The City recognizes that enhanced park lighting is a high priority for Phoenix neighborhoods and is investing nearly $2 million in park lighting this year. </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/nsd

News

neighborhood-services

NSD

Phoenix Sky Harbor Reminds Memorial Day Travelers to Plan Ahead

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2751

Aviation

5/22/2023 4:00:00 PM

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Phoenix Sky Harbor Reminds Memorial Day Travelers to Plan Ahead

<div class="ExternalClass8CCABBF6722A4818AFF5A4C35869DABB"><html> The summer travel season begins with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. As the number of people traveling continues to increase and people continue to focus on leisure travel, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is expecting robust summer travel passenger volume. As the airport has seen the busiest first quarter in its history, the key to ensure your summer getaway is a success is to plan ahead. Here are a few tips from America's Friendliest Airport® to ensure summer travel does not leave you overheated: Plan ahead for parking. If you plan to park at the airport, reserve your parking in advance. Book your parking at <a href="http://www.skyharbor.com/parking" target="_blank">skyharbor.com/parking.</a> Come early even if you have a reservation. We will be busy so allow for extra time to enter the parking facilities and find a space. See up-to-the-minute parking availability on <a href="http://www.skyharbor.com/" target="_blank">skyharbor.com</a>. And don't stop there, we have conveniently numbered the columns throughout each parking area. Take a photo of the parking pillar closest to your car for easy finding when you return. Packing your bags. Know what can and cannot go in a carry-on bag. Prohibited items result in checkpoint delays. Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag or your checked bag? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?" feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly or visit <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/" target="_blank">tsa.gov</a>. Give yourself extra time. Arrive early and check security wait times online. If you are traveling domestically, arrive two hours before your flight, three hours if you are traveling internationally. Travelers can also check current TSA security checkpoint wait times on <a href="http://www.skyharbor.com/" target="_blank">skyharbor.com</a> and on the flight information screens in the Airport once they arrive. Traveling in Terminal 4? You can use any security checkpoint to access your gate. Reduce your time in the security checkpoint line. Our PHX RESERVE program allows you to save your space and reduce the wait. Make a reservation up to six days before your flight departs. You'll be provided with a time to enter a designated checkpoint where you'll begin the standard security process. This program is open to travelers of any airline. <a href="https://www.skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/security-screening/phx-reserve/" target="_blank">Learn more</a>. We are not just busy in our terminals and on the runways. The roadways around the airport are seeing increased congestion as well. This means picking up or dropping off family and friends can be potentially stressful too. Here are some easy tips to avoid the congestion on airport roadways and outside terminals: <ul style="" class="" dir=""> <li>Take advantage of the PHX Sky Train® Stations for pick-up and drop-off. This will help you avoid terminal curb congestion and roadway traffic. The 44th Street and the 24th Street PHX Sky Train® Stations flank the airport and can easily be reached from highways and major streets. Also remember, from the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station there is easy access to the Valley Metro Rail.</li> <li>Avoid circling the terminals. Use the Cell Phone Lots. The lots are east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage and at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station.</li> </ul> Finally, remember we are here to help. From tips on navigating Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with children or pets to our interactive maps that help you see what food options and services are near your gate, visit <a href="http://www.skyharbor.com/" target="_blank">skyharbor.com</a>. Also, look for our Navigators dressed in purple. Navigator volunteers serve all over the Airport by providing directions, information, and friendly assistance. They serve as a welcoming presence to more than 120,000 passengers daily, making us America's Friendliest Airport®. </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/aviation

News

aviation

Aviation

Join the She Matters Equity Forum

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/equal-opportunity/2723

Equal Opportunity

5/17/2023 3:00:00 PM

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Join the She Matters Equity Forum

<div class="ExternalClass00E7E3C472254BEB94946AA2DB1D472A"><html> The Phoenix Women's Commission is proud to organize the She Matters Equity Forum. The event is designed to address issues of equity and promote wellness and empowerment for women in the workforce. The free event is taking place at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, May 18, at South Mountain Community College. It will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions from industry experts, interactive workshops and networking opportunities, including remarks from City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. Attendees will gain insight into the current state of pay equity and learn practical strategies for promoting wellness. The keynote presentations and initial remarks will be streamed live on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofPhoenixAZ/">Facebook</a>. Learn more and register at: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-matters-equity-forum-tickets-579879564387">SheMattersEquityForum.eventbrite.com</a><a target="_blank" href="/eodsite/Documents/She%20Matters%20Flyer.pdf"><img src="/eodsite/MediaAssets/She%20Matters%20Equity%20Forum%20Flyer.jpeg" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:350px;" /></a> </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/eod

News

equal-opportunity

EOD

Phoenix Fire Hosts Water Safety Day at Site of Near-Drowning Incident

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/fire/2750

Fire

5/17/2023 7:00:00 AM

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4T-6qpZLZg

Phoenix Fire Hosts Water Safety Day at Site of Near-Drowning Incident

<div class="ExternalClass19BD547AE5CE4F3580AA63EF1B4A02E4"><html> In honor of National Water Safety Day, a Phoenix family shared their harrowing testimony with local media to spread awareness; Matthew Damore and his family stood near their backyard pool on Monday afternoon where his son nearly drowned four years ago.It was an August evening in 2019 when Matthew went swimming with his sons Wick and Watson, ages 6 and 4 at the time. The two boys had taken swimming lessons from an early age. However, Damore knew to be careful and not let them swim alone. The family even had proper barriers with a pool fence installed to ensure the kids couldn't get in without a parent present. During their swim, they played games with the pool light and Wick wanted to show his dad some flips and tricks he could do underwater. That's when the unimaginable happened to the Damore family. “I turned around and started walking towards the pool light, which is on the far end of the pool, I saw my one son with his floaties on," Damore added. “And then I said, where's Wick?" That's when he found his 6-year-old son Wick floating suspended between the bottom of the pool and the surface of the water. Damore rushed to remove him from the water and begin life-saving measures: performing CPR and calling 911. Firefighters from nearby Phoenix Fire Station 31 responded within minutes and evaluated young Wick. Captain Blake Trivison was leading the crew that responded to the Damore household. Finding Wick was alert and responsive, the crew completed a comprehensive evaluation and transported Wick to a local pediatric facility in stable condition for definitive treatment. Captain Trivison and the crew reunited with the Damore family four years after the incident. The firefighters made a special helmet for Wick and had safety information and Phoenix Fire memorabilia for him and his brother. Phoenix Fire thanks the Damore family for sharing their story to bring awareness to water safety. Damore wants to ensure parents know this could happen to anyone. He said, “Never take your eyes off kids around water – even if you're in the water with them which was a shock to me being in the pool with my kids and this happening." Learn more about water safety and Phoenix Fire's drowning prevention campaign, #DrowningZero. Swimming classes, CPR lessons, and pool fences are available through city programs and the Local 493. </html></div>

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