| Phoenix Office of Innovation Partners with Venture Café to Host Innovation Challenge | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/innovation/2704 | Innovation | | 3/23/2023 10:10:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2704/Skyline with Suguaro (1).jpg | | Phoenix Office of Innovation Partners with Venture Café to Host Innovation Challenge | <div class="ExternalClass17FEC12458F94CDBA996F64F1A36B70E"><html>Students and residents can now apply to participate in a hackathon and pitch competition hosted by the <a href="https://venturecafephoenix.org/" target="_blank">Venture Café Phoenix</a> and the City of Phoenix’s Office of Innovation. Competitors will have an opportunity to develop innovative solutions that will increase access to chilled drinking water in public spaces – and compete for cash prizes.<br><br><div>“To solve an important challenge, Phoenix is tapping into one of our greatest resources— our creative and enterprising residents,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Expanding public access to drinking water, especially in areas of high pedestrian and public transit, is essential to keeping our residents comfortable and safe. I’m excited to see the ideas that come from the City of Phoenix’s first Innovation Challenge.”<br></div><div><br></div><div>Groups of five to six people will work together to develop an innovative concept to present to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $600 per person. <br></div><div><br></div><div>“Access to water in a desert city with over 1.5 million residents is essential," said Vice Mayor Ansari. "However, given the challenges with existing infrastructure and our rapidly rising population, water access is not always guaranteed for our residents, particularly those who are homeless. I'm excited to see the solutions generated by those competing in the City of Phoenix's first Innovation Challenge."</div><div><br></div><div><strong>Here are some details for contestants to consider and discuss:</strong></div><div>• New technologies to provide drinking water in public spaces that could make a system more accessible.</div><div>• Non-tech ideas to provide access to drinking water without using plastic water bottles.</div><div>• Cooling and shading efforts to keep the systems cool so the water stays cool in extreme heat.</div><div>• Education and communication strategies around the systems to build interest and encourage people to use the bottle filling stations.</div><div>• Innovative ideas for maintenance and preventing vandalism, such as tech solutions or wrap-around support from the community or businesses.</div><div>• Adding a public art component to support the project and encourage community engagement and preservation of the system.</div><div>• Sustainable ways to alert if a system isn't functioning properly and potentially losing water, as well as providing alternative options for those who forget their water bottle and would like to use a water filling station.</div><div><br></div><div>Contestants will participate in the hackathon from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and attendees can watch the pitch competition from 5:30-7 p.m. at 850 PBC located at 850 N. Fifth St. Apply to participate in the hackathon or register to watch the pitch competition <a href="https://venturecafephoenix.org/event/thursday-gathering-innovation-night-the-city-of-phoenix/" target="_blank">here</a>. Lunch and snacks will be provided. <br></div><div><br></div><div>About the Office of Innovation:<br></div><div>The City Manager’s Office of Innovation partners with residents, City departments, and local and national organizations to advance solutions to some of our City’s most pressing challenges, championing the strategic use of data to deliver effective, efficient and equitable impacts for the City and its diverse communities. innovate@phoenix.gov <br></div><div><br></div><div>About Venture Café:<br></div><div>Venture Café Phoenix partners with companies and organizations that are evolving business, education, technology, social justice, science and the arts within Phoenix and beyond. Along with pitch nights, thought provoking content and one-on-one sessions, the Thursday Gathering event provides participants with hundreds of connection and action opportunities each week. When you take part in a Venture Café event, you can meet hundreds of creative, resourceful people who are just as invested in improving life in Phoenix as you are.</div></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/innovation | News |
| Critical Incident Briefing: March 8, 2023 – 27th Avenue and McDowell Road | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2702 | Police | | 3/22/2023 9:47:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/wHL8MN_I45M | Critical Incident Briefing: March 8, 2023 – 27th Avenue and McDowell Road | <div class="ExternalClassE71424A986CD4F79BDA7558742F1B950"><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.<br> <br>The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an officer-involved shooting which occurred on March 8, 2023.<br><br>This incident occurred near the intersection of 27th Avenue and McDowell Road when Phoenix Police received two calls for service at a business in the area. The first, was from a man who identified himself and requested an officer to meet him at the business to turn himself in. The second call was from an employee of the business who said the man who called police was inside the store yelling and screaming. <br><br>When the first officer arrived, he entered the business and contacted the man described in the 911 call. The man and officer walked outside together. As they began to talk, the man moved close to the officer and pushed him. The officer used his taser causing the suspect to fall to the ground. The officer moved in to take him into custody, but the suspect kicked the officer – knocking the taser out of his hand. The suspect then continued to attack the officer. The officer backed away from the suspect and fired his duty weapon as the suspect continued to advance on the officer.<br><br>Nearby surveillance footage captured a portion of the incident. <br><br>The suspect was treated on scene by officers and the Phoenix Fire Department. He was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition. The officer's body worn camera was activated and captured the incident.<br><br>The investigation into whether the man is related to any previous crimes is still ongoing.<br><br>The officer involved in this incident is assigned to the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct and has approximately 6 years of service with the department. <br><br><p>Conclusions about whether the actions of the officer 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.<br> <br>Public records law requires redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. That is why you may see some parts of the 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.<br></p></html></div> | https://phoenix.gov/police | Video |
| City of Phoenix Welcomes Community Input for 2023-24 Proposed Trial Budget | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/budget-and-research/2700 | Budget & Research | | 3/21/2023 11:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2700/City-Hall-in-Downtown-Phoenix.jpg | | City of Phoenix Welcomes Community Input for 2023-24 Proposed Trial Budget | <div class="ExternalClass414703DBF3EE4AA69B7F8ACE547022BA"><html>
<p style="line-height:150%;margin-bottom:11px;">The City of Phoenix Trial Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024, proposed by Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton, is ready for public review and comment.<br></p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">City Manager Barton presented a balanced Trial Budget to Council on March 21, 2023.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">The proposed Trial Budget will provide new and expanded programs and services to the community, and ensure the City can competitively pay its employees in order to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">“This year’s Trial Budget is focused on ensuring that we can deliver quality, timely and efficient services to our residents,” said Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “Over the last three years, the City has made smart, strategic decisions and has expanded programs to assist our residents with the impact and aftermath of COVID-19. The Trial Budget ensures that those vital services and most importantly the people who provide them can be sustained for years to come.”</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">During the month of April, the Budget and Research Department will hold 11 community budget hearings, inviting residents to attend in-person and give public comment. The schedule of budget hearings can be found at <a style="color:rgb(30, 81, 136);" tabindex="0" href="https://phoenix.gov/budget/hearings" data-cke-saved-href="https://phoenix.gov/budget/hearings" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/budget/hearings</a>.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">This proposed Trial Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 includes $14 million for service additions in key City Council priority areas such as: public safety and criminal justice, including adding firefighters to staff a new Fire station located at 19th Avenue and Chandler Boulevard which will help to improve response times; further efforts to civilianize positions in the Police Department to allow sworn officers to respond to higher level public safety calls for service; resources to continue important expiring grant funded programs to support low-income residents and victims of crime; resources are also proposed to add park rangers for overnight patrol at City parks, and increases for community arts grant funding. Additionally, $1 million is reserved for community input and recommendations reflecting resident comments gathered over the next several weeks. Based on available funds some of the suggestions could be incorporated into the final City Manager’s Budget scheduled to be presented to City Council on May 2nd. The remaining $5 million would be allocated to the General Fund contingency fund, or rainy-day fund to account for proposed ongoing spending initiatives.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">The 2023-24 Trial Budget also proposes to allocate resources to address employee compensation, so we can provide the highest level of service ensuring our most valuable assets are paid competitively and positions can be filled with the best talent available. The City is experiencing significant vacancy rates due to the competitive labor market and therefore approximately 85%, or $114 million, of the total $134 million surplus in the 2023-24 Trial Budget is allocated to employee compensation. This investment in our employees is necessary and will help to fill vacant positions so the services residents rely on and expect can continue to be provided with improved service levels.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">
<strong>What is the General Fund?</strong>
</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">The General Fund is part of the City of Phoenix’s total budget. The General Fund is made up of resources including general sales tax, property taxes, revenue distributed by the state from income tax, sales and vehicle license taxes, and some fines and fees. The General Fund supports many of the services our residents, visitors, and businesses have come to expect in Phoenix such as libraries, parks, senior and youth programs and police and fire services.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">
<strong>What’s Next?</strong>
</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">After community review, City Manager Barton will present a revised proposed budget to the Phoenix City Council on May 2, 2023. The City Council is expected to decide on the budget on May 16, 2023. The approved budget will take effect July 1, 2023.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">
<strong>Community Input</strong>
</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming in-person budget hearings. The community is also encouraged to use the City’s FundPHX interactive tool to provide input. The <a style="color:rgb(30, 81, 136);" tabindex="0" href="https://phoenix.gov/fund" data-cke-saved-href="https://phoenix.gov/fund" target="_blank">FundPHX tool</a> allows residents to provide direct feedback on the proposed FY 2023-24 Trial Budget additions. All input received from the tool, at the budget hearings, or by contacting the Budget and Research Department directly at budget.research@phoenix.gov or by calling (602) 262-4800 will be provided to the City Council, so they may consider your feedback prior to adopting the budget.</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">
<strong>In-Person Community Hearings</strong>
</p>
<p style="line-height:150%;">The City of Phoenix is holding 11 budget hearings including one bilingual community-wide hearing and community-wide hearings for youth and arts. <br><br><strong>Hearing schedule:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>District 6, Monday, April 3, at 8:30 a.m.<br>Devonshire Senior Center, Multipurpose Room<br>2802 E Devonshire Avenue <br><br></li>
<li>District 2 and 3, Monday, April 3, at 6 p.m.<br>Paradise Valley Community Center Multipurpose Room<br>17402 N 40th Street<br><br></li>
<li>District 3, Tuesday, April 4, at 8:30 a.m.<br>Shadow Mountain Senior Center<br>3546 E Sweetwater Avenue<br><br></li>
<li>District 5, Tuesday, April 4, at 6:00 p.m.<br>Washington Activity Center, Building B Multipurpose Room<br>2240 W Citrus Way<br><br></li>
<li>District 1, Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 a.m.<br>Cholla Library<br>10050 N Metro Parkway E<br><br></li>
<li>Bilingual Community-wide, Monday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m.<br>Maryvale Community Center Multipurpose Room<br>4420 N 51st Avenue<br><br></li>
<li>District 7, Tuesday, April 11, at 8:30 a.m.<br>Desert West Community Center<br>6501 W Virginia Avenue<br><br></li>
<li>Youth Community-wide, Tuesday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m.<br>Central High School Student Union<br>4525 N Central Avenue<br><br></li>
<li>District 4, Wednesday, April 12, at 6:00 p.m.<br>Steele Indian School Park, Memorial Hall<br>300 E Indian School Road<br><br></li>
<li>District 8, Thursday, April 13, at 6:00 p.m.<br>South Phoenix Youth Center<br>5245 S 7th Street<br><br></li>
<li>Arts Community-wide, Saturday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m.<br>South Mountain Community College, Library Community Room<br>7050 S 24th Street</li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height:150%;">The hearings will broadcast live on the City of Phoenix’s YouTube page. Learn more at <a style="color:rgb(30, 81, 136);" tabindex="0" href="https://phoenix.gov/budget/hearings" data-cke-saved-href="https://phoenix.gov/budget/hearings" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/budget/hearings</a>.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/budget | News |
