PHX Newsroom Feature Enhancements

NCAA Men’s Final Four Creates Big Impact on Arizona’s Economy

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/3193

Articles and Features

8/20/2024 9:00:00 PM

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NCAA Men’s Final Four Creates Big Impact on Arizona’s Economy

<div class="ExternalClass6CA6460593AA44D9AFC594ADB60B6059"><html> The 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four generated $429 million in economic impact, according to a <a href="https://phoenixfinalfour.com/economic_impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> by Arizona State University’s Seidman Research Institute. <div>The event also generated $256.9 million for the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). </div><div>“Hosting the Men’s Final Four was a tremendous slam dunk for Phoenix, as we proudly welcomed the third highest attended event in its history,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “The influx of visitors significantly boosted our local economy, benefiting businesses, cultural institutions, and hotels across the city. I am extremely grateful to our dedicated Local Organizing Committee and the City of Phoenix staff for their outstanding efforts in showcasing our growing, glowing city and ensuring the event’s success from start to finish.” </div><div>To measure the impact of Valley’s second Men’s Final Four, researchers conducted face-to-face surveys with 1,140 out-of-state visitors who came to Arizona for Men’s Final Four games on April 6 and April 8, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The UConn Huskies claimed their second consecutive national championship, prevailing over a field that included Purdue, Alabama and North Carolina State. </div><div>The survey measured only new dollars that flowed into the state due to the Men’s Final Four. The study estimated that 114,984 out-of-state visitors came to Arizona primarily for the Men’s Final Four. </div><div><ul dir=""><ul><li>68,742 of these visitors had tickets to at least the semifinal games on April 6; they stayed 3.9 nights on average and spent an average of $482.39 per person per day. </li><li>37,211 visitors came to the Valley exclusively for the national championship game on April 8; these visitors stayed in the Phoenix area for 2 nights and spent an average of $566.69 per person per day. </li><li>Ticketholders were accompanied by 5,662 friends and family without game tickets who spent an average of $441.37 per person per day – evidence of the Valley’s strength as a springtime tourism destination. </li><li>3,369 out-of-state delegates attended the National Association of Basketball Coaches Convention, which is held at the Men’s Final Four site each year. </li></ul></ul></div><div>The study found that spending by Men’s Final Four visitors created 3,374 job years employment and contributed $153.2 million to labor income in Arizona. The study conservatively estimated that Men’s Final Four also directly generated a total of $21.2 million in taxes for the State of Arizona ($12 million), Maricopa County ($2.2 million) and cities ($7 million). </div><div>Ancillary events in downtown Phoenix also drew big crowds, with 67,451 in attendance at the NCAA March Madness Music Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park and 52,283 fans in attendance at the NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One at the Phoenix Convention Center. </div> </html></div>

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City of Phoenix Offers Resources for a Fun and Safe 2024 WNBA All-Star Game

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/3169

Articles and Features

7/18/2024 2:00:00 PM

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City of Phoenix Offers Resources for a Fun and Safe 2024 WNBA All-Star Game

<div class="ExternalClass1E1084B455B74E539CC7210A92961DDB"><html> Phoenix is excited to host players, coaches, and basketball fans from across the country for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, July 19-20. The City of Phoenix is prepared for a safe and fun weekend of events, and reminds attendees to follow safety guidelines, too. <h1>Event Information</h1> Visit <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/allstar" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/AllStar</a> for a hub of resources. <a href="https://mercury.wnba.com/allstar24/" target="_blank">Learn more about the All-Star Game and weekend from the Phoenix Mercury.</a> <a href="https://www.wnba.com/allstar/2024/wnbalive" target="_blank">Learn more about the FREE WNBA Live fan festival at the Phoenix Convention Center, July 19-20.</a> <a href="https://www.phoenixconventioncenter.com/wnba-all-star" target="_blank">Plan your visit to the Phoenix Convention Center and review prohibited items and more. </a> <h2>Be Heat Ready</h2> Weather is expected to include heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Please plan accordingly by wearing light-colored, lightweight and breathable clothing, familiarizing yourself with heat stroke and heat exhaustion symptoms, remaining hydrated throughout the day and drinking eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes while outdoors. In the event of an emergency, help is just a call away – please call 911 immediately. Office of Heat Response and Mitigation outreach teams will be handing out water and informational heat safety pamphlets to visitors and residents attending the WNBA All-Star games and events. View summer safety tips at <a href="https://Phoenix.gov/Summer" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/Summer.</a> <h2>Safety Reminders from Phoenix Police</h2> While in the downtown area, please watch for heavy pedestrian traffic and Phoenix Police officers directing traffic. Some other important reminders: <blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"> • Plan ahead where you will park. • Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle and to lock it when you leave. • Arrange a designated driver, a ride share service or take public transportation before planning to drink. • If you see something suspicious, call 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency number 602-262-6151. </blockquote> <h2>Remember to Recycle </h2> Help the City of Phoenix in our goal to make the WNBA Live event at the Phoenix Convention Center a Zero Waste event by recycling right! Look for blue bins for <a href="/publicworkssite/Documents/WEB_Zero%20Waste%20Recycling%20List%208-18.pdf" target="_blank">recyclables</a> (PDF) and black landfill bins for everything else. The City of Phoenix will have wire trash and recycling racks (bins) posted between Footprint Center and the Convention Center with volunteer teams educating on what items go where. Don’t be afraid to ask! <h2>Transportation </h2> Flying To/From Phoenix <a href="https://www.skyharbor.com/about-phx/news-media/announcements/wnba-all-star-game/" target="_blank">Read travel tips from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. </a> Light Rail Catch the fun on public transit! Your ticket to Footprint Center events is your ticket on light rail. Fare must be bought for all other event travel. For trip planning details, download the Valley Metro app. <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/basketball" target="_blank">Learn more about light rail from Valley Metro</a>. Parking <a href="https://space.aceparking.com/wnbaallstar" target="_blank">Use this online tool to reserve your parking</a>. <h2>Partners </h2> <a href="https://dtphx.org/dtphx-wnba-all-star-game/" target="_blank">View the DTPHX WNBA All-Star Fan Guide</a>. <a href="https://www.visitphoenix.com/wnba-all-star-game-2024/" target="_blank">See resources for visitors from Visit Phoenix</a>. </html></div>

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Inaugural 602 Day Celebration Dubbed a Success by Phoenix Leadership, Local Businesses and Community

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/3123

Articles and Features

6/7/2024 9:00:00 PM

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Inaugural 602 Day Celebration Dubbed a Success by Phoenix Leadership, Local Businesses and Community

<div class="ExternalClass15B13D25EBD54DA2B7400DC363A1402A"><html> <div> On June 2, 2024, the City of Phoenix officially celebrated 602 Day for the first time. The City partnered with more than 100 local businesses and organizations to offer $6.02 deals and host events to celebrate the Phoenix community and honor 602 as the city’s most historically significant area code. </div> <div> "I am thrilled to declare the first official 602 Day an incredible success,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Families got to enjoy iconic institutions at a discount, our local businesses benefitted from increased revenue, and community members came together to celebrate and show their Phoenix pride. We even honored talented mixologists by naming our City’s <a title="Spirit of Phoenix Cocktail Competition" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.visitphoenix.com/phoenix-cocktail-contest/"> first official cocktail.</a> I cannot wait for 602 Day 2025, and want to thank all of the amazing partners and City staff who made the day possible!” </div> <div> The 602 Day promotions attracted both visitors and locals from around the Valley to Phoenix in support of shops, attractions and retailers. June typically marks the decline of the peak-season for many businesses in Phoenix, but by leveraging the 602 Day campaign, many businesses saw a significant increase in sales. For example, Valley Coffee Company co-owner Donny Peper said that the 602 Day celebration exceeded their expectations, with 146 people ordering their 602 special and sales up 34% compared to the previous Sunday. “This significant boost is a testament to the strong community spirit here in Phoenix,” he explained. </div> <div> The more than 100 participating organizations offered a wide array of 602 Day discounts and experiences, including service providers – barber shops, dance studios, mechanics, and more – who found unique ways to participate and saw benefit in doing so. Marisol Bovo, owner of Loving Hands Healing Hands, a wellness company in north Phoenix said that she couldn't imagine how successful 602 would be for her business. “The event brought incredible exposure, resulting in numerous calls and four new clients booked! I'm deeply appreciative of the opportunity and the boost it has provided to my practice,” she said. </div> <div> Several staple Phoenix institutions rallied behind the city to celebrate 602 Day including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Children’s Museum, Arizona Rattlers, and more. “We were excited to see so many people enjoying all the Zoo has to offer, and know we saw families who have never been to the Zoo before. Kudos to the City of Phoenix for creating this incredible celebration of our community!” said Linda Hardwick, Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Events. She shared that the Phoenix Zoo welcomed 9,347 guests on the inaugural 602 Day – and with temperatures over 100 degrees, they would typically expect around 1,000 visitors on a summer day. </div> <div> Many City of Phoenix Departments also found ways to celebrate the community for 602 Day. The Phoenix Fire Department distributed 602 smoke detectors to promote fire prevention safety, the Parks and Recreation Department offered free 602 Day t-shirts and water safety tips at multiple City pools and the Phoenix Public Library created a 602 Day badge for the Summer Reading Program as well as had their Bookmobile out in the community on 602 Day. </div> <div> Additionally, several City of Phoenix senior centers participated in the 602-themed celebrations. The Desert West Senior Center hosted a Memory Café session led by an instructor from the Phoenix Center for the Arts. Members were asked to design an image related to a 602-area memory. The Paradise Valley Senior Center created a mini-essay contest where participants shared their time in the 602 area code and their favorite 602 activities. </div> <div> The City of Phoenix is excited to celebrate 602 Day again on June 2, 2025. Businesses and community members who would like to participate should check back at <a href="http://www.602day.com" target="_blank">602Day.com</a> in spring 2025 for more information. </div> </html></div>

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Phoenix to Celebrate First Official 602 Day on June 2

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/3104

Articles and Features

5/16/2024 10:00:00 PM

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Phoenix to Celebrate First Official 602 Day on June 2

<div class="ExternalClass2F9B15B0CE85404795CA08395CD2FBA6"><html> <div> <h4> How do you 602? For the first time, the City of Phoenix will celebrate June 2 (6/02) as 602 Day. </h4> </div> <div> Phoenix is celebrating 602 Day by working with local businesses and organizations to promote events and community engagement opportunities that cultivate civic pride. This year, more than 100 participants including attractions, restaurants, shops and community organizations are joining the festivities by offering special $6.02 deals or hosting events. </div> <div> Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said, “We are excited to launch 602 Day festivities in Phoenix to celebrate the incredible place we all call home. I invite residents to join their friends and families for a day or two of fun showing support for small businesses and iconic Phoenix institutions. Let’s show the world how we 602!" </div> <div> The community is encouraged to celebrate Phoenix by participating in the festivities, taking advantage of the deals, and supporting our partners on Sun. June 2 and in the days leading up to 602 Day. June is typically the start of the slower season for many local businesses, and 602 Day aims to kick off the summer with local pride. </div> <div> Many communities across the country celebrate an area code day. City area code days typically involve local businesses providing discounts, musical entertainment, food, art events, or other cultural celebrations. </div> <div> 602 is Phoenix’s most prominent and historically significant area code, established in 1947. To learn more about 602 Day and to view a list of participating businesses visit <a href="http://www.602day.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 602Day.com</a>. </div> </html></div>

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Phoenix Kicks off Summer Safety Campaign With Heat Awareness Week

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/3093

Articles and Features

5/6/2024 5:30:00 PM

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Phoenix Kicks off Summer Safety Campaign With Heat Awareness Week

<div class="ExternalClassD08BC7DD25FB4638B490C3F4868AC263"><html> The 2024 heat season has arrived and Phoenix is prepared to keep as many people as possible safe, comfortable, and healthy during the long stretch of dangerous temperatures. What’s new in 2024? Respite Centers and Extended Cooling Center Hours The City of Phoenix is expanding public heat relief options this year. For the first time, Phoenix offers two heat respite centers that will be accessible overnight. Now through Oct. 7, Burton Barr Central Library  will operate as a 24-hour respite center. Additionally, the Senior Opportunities West Senior Center at 7 th  Ave. and Buckeye will offer overnight respite hours daily from 6 p.m.-5 a.m. through Sept. 30. Other cooling centers also have extended hours in 2024. Yucca, Cholla, and Harmon Libraries will now stay open as cooling centers Mondays thru Saturdays until 10 p.m. On Sundays, these three locations will open as cooling centers from noon to 10 p.m. through Sept. 30. All other Phoenix Public Libraries now serve as cooling centers during their regular business hours. To find any of the 95+ cooling centers now open in Phoenix, along with hydration stations where free bottled water is available, check the Heat Relief Network’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://azmag.gov/Programs/Heat-Relief-Network"> countywide map </a> . Longer Trail Closures Three popular City of Phoenix <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3080"> hiking trails will close </a> during extremely hot days in 2024. On days when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning, Camelback Mountain's Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve will now close beginning at 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. During Excessive Heat Warnings, trail access is limited, parking lot gates will be closed, and signage will be posted. Heat Ordinance For Contracted City Workers A heat mitigation ordinance that protects workers contracted by the City of Phoenix is now in effect. It applies to all non-governmental contracts, licenses, and leases held by the City that involve work in an outdoor environment. Under the new ordinance now in effect, all contractors are required to have a written heat safety plan on file that addresses criteria such as drinking water, breaks, and access to shaded areas or air conditioning. Heat Safety and Awareness Heat Awareness Week is May 6-10 and it’s a good time to reacquaint yourself with potentially life-saving heat safety tips. <span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:window;color:windowtext;" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":210,"335559740":259}"> Keep an Eye on the Weather The National Weather Service issues heat watches and warnings (@NWSPhoenix on social media). During these times, it is recommended to remain indoors whenever possible. Even when an excessive heat warning is not in effect, the summer weather can still be dangerous. If you must be outdoors, it is recommended that you do it either before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Stay Hydrated Don’t forget to drink plenty of water before any vigorous or outdoor activity. Make sure to take frequent breaks and drink water regularly throughout the day, even when you are not thirsty. The CDC recommends that people working outdoors drink eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. Know the signs of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="/piosite/Documents/PAYS_May_2023_Summer_Safety.pdf"> heat exhaustion and heat stroke . </a> Protect your Skin Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin. The CDC recommends a minimum of SPF 15. Reapply at least every two hours while in sunlight. Light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats can also help protect your skin and keep your body temperature down. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="/parkssite/Pages/take-a-hike-do-it-right.aspx"> Take a Hike . Do It Right </a> No hike should happen during the hottest part of the day. Even at night, summer hikes in Phoenix can be extremely hot and dangerous. Always carry a cell phone, hike with a partner, and stay on the trails. Landlord Cooling Ordinance Did you know there is a City ordinance that requires landlords to provide reasonable cooling to rental housing units? Phoenix landlords are required to maintain housing units at 82 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler for units with air conditioning, and 86 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler for evaporative coolers. To learn more about your rights or report a violation call 602-262-7210. Other resources Phoenix has 16 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="/parks/pools"> city pools </a> that will be open all summer and two pools that will be open for a limited time in June and July. Find the one closest to you for swimming lessons or just a place to cool off. Make sure to follow the City's Summer Safety Campaign (#PHXSummer) on all our social media platforms for more information during Heat Awareness Week and throughout the Summer. Facebook: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofPhoenixAZ"> City of Phoenix, AZ USA </a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/HeatReadyPHX"> Heat Ready PHX </a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/phoenixparks"> City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department </a> X (formerly Twitter): <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/CityofPhoenixAZ"> @CityofPhoenixAZ </a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/HeatReadyPHX"> @HeatReadyPHX </a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixParks"> @PhoenixParks </a> Instagram <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/cityofphoenixaz/"> @cityofphoenixaz </a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/heatreadyphx/"> @heatreadyphx </a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/phxparks/"> @phxparks </a> <div> Find more details at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="http://phoenix.gov/Summer"> Phoenix.gov/S umm er </a> . </div> </html></div>

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Phoenix City Council Appoints Carlos Galindo-Elvira to Fill District 7 Council Seat Until Special Election

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/3072

Articles and Features

4/10/2024 1:30:00 AM

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Phoenix City Council Appoints Carlos Galindo-Elvira to Fill District 7 Council Seat Until Special Election

<div class="ExternalClass6D40819CBF48470DB114B0A4C83E7461"><html> <div> The Phoenix City Council has appointed Carlos Galindo-Elvira to serve as the District 7 Councilmember until a special election is held. That special election will determine the Councilmember to fill the remainder of the term, which runs through 2024 . </div> <div> The City Charter states that when a vacancy occurs with more than one year remaining in the term, the City Council must appoint an individual to fill the vacancy until a special election is held to fill the remainder of the term. </div> <div> Please visit the following website to learn more about the City Council vacancy process and timeline: <a href="/cityclerk/elections/november-election-24/vacancy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Council Vacancy Information - District 7 (phoenix.gov)</a>. </div> </html></div>

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Former Mayor Thelda Williams, Steadfast Champion of City’s Transit and Water Infrastructure, Dies at 82

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/2924

Articles and Features

11/17/2023 1:30:00 AM

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Former Mayor Thelda Williams, Steadfast Champion of City’s Transit and Water Infrastructure, Dies at 82

<div class="ExternalClass24B7158DE5734E19AB527B4F7F6EEB4B"><html> Flags Ordered to Fly at Half-Staff at City of Phoenix Sites Former Mayor Thelda Williams, the only person to ever serve as the city's top official on three separate occasions who served on the City Council for more than 20 years, died Tuesday night (Nov. 14) after a brief battle with cancer. She was 82.“Thelda Williams's service to our city has touched and improved the lives of everyone who lives here—from improving Sky Harbor International Airport to strengthening our transit system to making sure that we use our water wisely," Mayor Kate Gallego said. “She cared deeply about Phoenix's people and its future, and her legacy will endure far beyond our lifetimes. We mourn her loss, and her large City family extends our heartfelt condolences to her family who she treasured so much."The city will lower flags at its facilities in honor of Williams through Tuesday at sunset.To honor Williams, the City Council recently voted to <a href="/newsroom/public-transit/2739" target="_blank">name the new transit</a> center at Metrocenter after her. In 2019, the city, along with the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and PetSmart Charities, built the “<a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/03/19/phoenix-opens-first-downtown-dog-park-thelda-williams-paw-pup-park/3168137002/" target="_blank">Thelda Williams Paw-Pup Dog Park</a>," downtown Phoenix's first dog park. Williams was a devout animal lover and spearheaded multiple City policies to protect dogs.“Thelda Williams was a dear friend and colleague," Councilwoman Debra Stark, who served with Williams, said. “I am deeply saddened about her passing, as she impacted so many lives, as well as my own. She was an ally on the Council, but also a force to be reckoned with. I take solace in knowing she lived a full and accomplished life. We owe a debt of gratitude to Thelda for her many years of public service and contributions to the City of Phoenix. Thelda will be so missed."“Thelda Williams leaves behind a legacy for all of Phoenix that cannot be outshined," Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, who succeeded Williams on the City Council, said. “She was a role model, a mentor, a Jeopardy question, the only person to have served as the mayor three separate times, and a friend. She will be deeply missed and leaves behind a pair of shoes that will be impossible to fill. District 1 and all of Phoenix saw exponential growth under Thelda's leadership. We would not be where we are today as a city if it weren't for Thelda's service."Williams first began serving on the City Council in 1989, and unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 1995. After departing the Council, she ran again in 2007 and served through 2021 after her third consecutive term expired. After the resignations of Mayors Paul Johnson, Terry Goddard and Greg Stanton, who each ran for a different office, she was selected by her City Council colleagues to serve as interim mayor.Williams also served as the City's vice mayor, chair of the City Council's Transportation Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee, and as chair of the Valley Metro Rail board.Williams is survived by her son Murry and daughter Cyndi, as well as three grandsons: Matt Smith, a Phoenix police officer, and Ben and John Williams. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mel, a former Phoenix police officer, and her daughter Chris. </html></div>

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22 Ways Phoenix Has Grown Since its Last World Series

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/article/2905

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10/30/2023 5:14:00 PM

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22 Ways Phoenix Has Grown Since its Last World Series

<div class="ExternalClass50229F8240B8442ABAD7B5BCF3564BA5"><html> <div class="ExternalClassEC66BA79CD6041AFAF2D87C5DB0B0C57"> The home of Super Bowl LVII, the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and the WNBA All-Star Game is now proud to host the Fall Classic as Phoenicians watch their Arizona Diamondbacks continue their historic run to win a second World Series trophy. The City of Phoenix is proud to support its hometown team, while providing a safe, fun experience for those with tickets to the game or those wanting to enjoy the festive downtown atmosphere. While the City of Phoenix is no stranger to hosting major events, it has been 22 years since the Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series, and over the last two decades, Phoenix has exploded. Here are 22 ways Phoenix has grown in the last 22 years: 1. In 2001, Phoenix was the 6th largest city in the country with approximately 1.3 million residents. In 2023, Phoenix has risen to 5th largest with 1.6 million calling the desert oasis home. 2. Downtown Phoenix is where education, innovation, and opportunity converge to create an electrifying community! Since 2001, 12,110 residential units have been built downtown. An additional 3,897 units are currently under construction. 3. With Arizona State University’s addition of a Downtown campus, more than 15,000 students are now attending classes Downtown, compared to zero in 2001. 4. The population of downtown Phoenix has tripled since 2001. 5. There are currently more than 230 bars and restaurants in downtown Phoenix. In 2001, there was well below 100. 6. The City has seen a nearly 150 percent increase in businesses in downtown Phoenix since 2001 and nearly 80 percent are locally owned and operated. 7. Several other downtown points of interest were built since 2001: <ul dir="" class="" style=""><li>Arizona Financial Theater </li><li>Japanese Friendship Garden </li><li>Sandra Day O’Connor Federal Courthouse </li><li>Arizona State University Downtown Campus/Thunderbird School of Global Management </li><li>UA College of Medicine and Phoenix Bioscience Core </li><li>Bioscience High School </li><li>Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel </li><li>Westin/Freeport McMoRan </li><li>Phoenix Children’s Museum </li><li>CityScape </li><li>Block 23 </li><li>Valley Metro Light Rail </li><li>Phoenix Convention Center (formally known as Civic Plaza)/ Symphony Hall – renovations took place in 2009 to connect the two facilities </li><li>Civic Space Park </li><li>Hanny’s was still an abandoned department store </li></ul>8. Phoenix has worked hard to ensure the growth is sustainable. For example, In 2001, the City of Phoenix’s annual water usage was about 111 billion gallons. Even with an increase to our service population, in 2022, the City reduced its annual water usage by about 12 billion gallons. We are using less water now, even with more DBacks fans here! Step up to the plate and help us save water for future generations. It's a team effort. Load the bases and apply for a water-efficient toilet incentive, a smart irrigation controller incentive, free xeriscape plans, or score a home run with all three! <a target="_blank" href="/waterservicessite/Pages/Solutions.aspx">Learn more ways to become a water conservation champion</a>. 9. The Tres Rios Wetlands did not exist in 2001. Approval for the environmental restoration project was granted in 2000, with construction taking place from 2007 to 2012. Highly treated water from the nearby 91st Ave. Wastewater Treatment Plant flows through the seven-mile section along the Salt and Gila Rivers in southwestern Phoenix. This project, along with other partnerships, enables the City to recycle 97% of its treated wastewater. Learn more:<a target="_blank" href="/waterservices/tresrios/wetlandsinfo"> Water Services History of Tres Rios</a> on phoenix.gov. 10. Since 2001, Phoenix has strategically dedicated staff to priority focus areas of residents and the City Council by launching new offices without increasing the total number of city staff. These offices include the Office of Innovation, the Sustainability Office, Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, the Office of Environmental Programs, the Office of Homeless Solutions and the Office of Public Health. Phoenix is dedicated to creating a greener, more innovative and healthier future for residents. 11. The city has been working towards a circular economy since 2001 by investing in waste diversion facilities. For instance, the city opened its second Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in 2006 and upgraded for $4.5 million in 2019. The facility currently processes over 120,000 tons of recycled material every year. The city's first MRF at 27th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road is being rebuilt with $25 million of equipment to increase its efficiency and processing capabilities. It is expected to be up and running again by late 2024. Additionally, the city launched its first state-of-the-art 27th Avenue Compost Facility in 2017. This facility can process up to 55,000 tons of organic material. Learn more about <a target="_blank" href="/publicworks/zero-waste">zero waste education</a> in Phoenix. 12. Phoenix is also home to more than 41,000 acres of amazing desert parks and mountain preserves, with over 200 miles of trails, but not all of them were available to residents in 2001. For example, since the last World Series in Phoenix, Phoenix Parks and Recreation acquired and developed the 10,000 acres that makes up the Sonoran Preserve in north Phoenix. Remember to follow <a target="_blank" href="/parks/trails">Take a Hike. Do it Right</a>. Hiking safety guidelines when enjoying our preserves. 13. The last time the DBacks were in the World Series, this type of traffic signal didn’t exist in Phoenix! The Street Transportation Department has buil t more than eight 5 <a target="_blank" href="/streets/hawk">HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk)</a> signals to help make it easier and safer for people walking to cross busy streets. Phoenix began installing HAWK signals in 2009 when they were approved by the Federal Highway Administration. 14. Micromobility options are much more vast in Phoenix now than they were during the last World Series run. Residents and visitors today can rent e-scooters and e-bikes through the City’s <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/scooters">Shared Micromobility Program</a>. 15. Transportation options have also increased dramatically since 2001. During the last World Series in Arizona, baseball fans did not have a fast and convenient option to get to downtown Phoenix. Now, Valley Metro Light Rail has two stops (3rd Street and Jefferson and 3rd Street and Washington) are just a short walk away from Chase Field. And with 12 park-and-ride locations along the rail, passengers can easily park their car at one of these locations and ride straight to the game. 16. Light Rail connects to the PHX Sky Train® allowing those flying into Arizona, another option to get to downtown or their accommodations. In 2001, the PHX Sky Train® didn’t yet exist! In 2023, the PHX Sky Train® operates between the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station, East Economy Lot, Terminal 4, Terminal 3, 24th Street PHX Sky Train® Station, and the Rental Car Center. 17. The PHX Sky Train® isn’t the only thing new at Sky Harbor International Airport since the home team was in the World Series. <ul dir="" class="" style=""><li>In 2001, there were six concourses at Terminal 4. There are now eight. </li><li>Terminal 3 is now modernized – a three-phase project that was completed in early 2020. </li><li>2022 had approximately 25% more passengers than 2001! In 2001, 35,437,051, 2022 total passengers flew through Sky Harbor and last year, there were 44,397,854 total passengers. </li><li>Even the Air Traffic Control Tower grew! In 2001, the tower was 181 feet tall and it is now 326 feet tall. </li><li>Rental car companies were dispersed throughout the terminals in 2001; now, customers have a more seamless experience with rental car counters housed in a consolidated Rental Car Center west of the airport. </li><li>Sky Harbor’s Navigator Buddies, the dog teams of furry friends and their handlers to help de-stress passengers during travel, weren’t around in 2001! In fact, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skyharbor.com/volunteer/">Navigator volunteer program</a> was in its infancy. It began in 2000. </li></ul>18. In 2001, Phoenix voters approved the expansion of the Convention Center, which was then known as Phoenix Civic Plaza. The $600 million project, which consisted of two phases, tripled the size of the Center, making it one of the top 20 convention venues in the United States to date. The expansion added what is known now as North and West buildings and increased the facility’s overall square footage from about 320,500 square feet to nearly 1 million square feet. 19. The Phoenix Fire Department has been committed to keeping our growing city safe throughout the decades – in 2001, firefighters worked from 48 fire stations across the city, and today, there are 59. 20. In 2001, Phoenix Public Library was a 13-location library system. Today, Phoenix Public Library has 17 locations. In 2001, Phoenix Public Library’s website offered only basic, simple information about Phoenix Public Library services could be accessed through the website and most items checked out were physical books, CDs, and magazines. Today, <a target="_blank" href="http://phoenixpubliclibrary.org/">phoenixpubliclibrary.org</a> hosts almost 16.5 million visits a year and circulates approximately 9.4 million electronic items a year. 21. The City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department’s Adaptive Reuse Program helps small businesses revitalize existing buildings to preserve their history. The program has helped several downtown Phoenix hotspots come to life that locals and visitors alike can enjoy during and beyond the World Series: <ul dir="" class="" style=""><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJZOsGT1Hyc">The Van Buren</a> </li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPk06IkHwxE">Superstition Meadery</a> </li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1yEB1vINVY">Greenwood Brewery</a> </li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxQnPgm4GPo">Desoto Market</a> </li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suHJKwdU88Q">The Newton</a> </li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpP0BujrW9o">Federal Pizza</a> </li><li>Cobra Arcade </li><li>Cham Pang Lanes/ Ghost Donkey/ Palma </li><li>Taco Guild </li></ul>22. The City of Phoenix wasn’t on social media in 2001!<a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/social"> Follow along with your favorite desert City @CityofPhoenixAZ.</a>Be part of this growing, vibrant city and join our team! Do work that makes Phoenix work. Learn more and apply at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/jobs">Phoenix.gov/Jobs</a>. </div></html></div>

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