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> 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. City Manager Barton presented a balanced Trial Budget to Council on March 21, 2023. 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. “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.” 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>. 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. 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. What is the General Fund? 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. What’s Next? 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. Community Input 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. In-Person Community Hearings The City of Phoenix is holding 11 budget hearings including one bilingual community-wide hearing and community-wide hearings for youth and arts. Hearing schedule: <ul> <li>District 6, Monday, April 3, at 8:30 a.m. Devonshire Senior Center, Multipurpose Room 2802 E Devonshire Avenue </li> <li>District 2 and 3, Monday, April 3, at 6 p.m. Paradise Valley Community Center Multipurpose Room 17402 N 40th Street </li> <li>District 3, Tuesday, April 4, at 8:30 a.m. Shadow Mountain Senior Center 3546 E Sweetwater Avenue </li> <li>District 5, Tuesday, April 4, at 6:00 p.m. Washington Activity Center, Building B Multipurpose Room 2240 W Citrus Way </li> <li>District 1, Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 a.m. Cholla Library 10050 N Metro Parkway E </li> <li>Bilingual Community-wide, Monday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m. Maryvale Community Center Multipurpose Room 4420 N 51st Avenue </li> <li>District 7, Tuesday, April 11, at 8:30 a.m. Desert West Community Center 6501 W Virginia Avenue </li> <li>Youth Community-wide, Tuesday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. Central High School Student Union 4525 N Central Avenue </li> <li>District 4, Wednesday, April 12, at 6:00 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, Memorial Hall 300 E Indian School Road </li> <li>District 8, Thursday, April 13, at 6:00 p.m. South Phoenix Youth Center 5245 S 7th Street </li> <li>Arts Community-wide, Saturday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. South Mountain Community College, Library Community Room 7050 S 24th Street</li> </ul> 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>. </html></div>

https://www.phoenix.gov/budget

News

budget-and-research

Phoenix City Hall in Downtown Phoenix

Budget

Adam Waltz

602-781-1334

602-534-6648

adam.waltz@phoenix.gov

cityofphoenixaz

Annual Stormwater Awareness Campaign Encourages Residents to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean Year-round from Stormwater Pollution	https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3328	Water Services	1/16/2025 5:40:00 PM	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3328/Stormwater 2025 Newsroom v2.png	Annual Stormwater Awareness Campaign Encourages Residents to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean Year-round from Stormwater Pollution	<div class="ExternalClass25ABA5293D0D442FBD8C72C7DF13948C"><html> <p>The Water Services Dept. Environmental & Safety Division invites you to learn about the City of Phoenix Stormwater Management Program during the <strong>Annual Stormwater Awareness Week on Jan. 20-26, 2025.</strong> Stormwater Awareness Week is an annual regional effort to teach simple everyday actions to reduce stormwater pollution.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p> <p></p> <p> <strong> <em>What is Stormwater Pollution?</em> </strong> <br> </p> <p>In Phoenix, stormwater is rainwater that flows over roads and through gutters and does not soak into the ground. This stormwater enters our storm drainpipes, which carry the water to protected surface waters like the Salt River or Skunk Creek. Unlike water we use to flush our toilets, stormwater does not go to a treatment plant. It flows from the storm drains untreated right into rivers and washes. <br></p> <p>As stormwater flows across areas like roads and parking lots and into our storm drains, it can pick up pollutants like oil and pet waste and carry them into our washes and rivers. This creates significant water quality challenges. Because pollutants can enter surface waters through our storm drain system, the city is required to have a Clean Water Act MS4 permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to operate that system. <br></p> <p> <strong> <em>What the City does to prevent Stormwater Pollution?</em> </strong> <br> </p> <p>Several Phoenix departments work together to support the MS4 permit through the Stormwater Management Program including Phoenix Water Services, Office of Planning and Development, Office of Environmental Programs, and the Street Transportation Dept. <br></p> <p>In 2024, the program added storm drain management tools and a database to help manage this complex permit, which uses infrastructure of 760 outfalls where rain flows, 80 of which are located along the Salt River. Additionally, a new stormwater post-construction program required by the permit allows owner-led inspections to minimize staffing costs. </p> <p>"Stormwater Awareness Week encourages our community members to take everyday actions to help protect the quality of our water,” said Berai Kimball, Deputy Water Services Director. “With our separate systems for stormwater and wastewater, it’s important to remember that stormwater doesn’t get treated and flows directly to nearby washes and retention basins, infiltrating the soil, making it imperative that we work daily to keep our water system clean.”</p> <p> <em> <strong>How can residents participate in Stormwater Awareness Week?</strong> </em> <br> </p> <p>Since the campaign's initial launch in 2019, more Valley municipalities and government agencies have participated in the weeklong event. We are encouraging the public to get involved by taking steps to reduce stormwater pollution by learning more at our <a href="https://cityofphoenix.webex.com/weblink/register/rf4432881ec344b42e9dd7b602165d251" target="_blank"><strong>Virtual Workshop</strong></a> which is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon to discuss the City’s Stormwater Management Program and our activities to reduce stormwater pollution. Attendees are required to <a href="https://cityofphoenix.webex.com/weblink/register/rf4432881ec344b42e9dd7b602165d251" target="_blank"><strong>Register</strong></a> in advance to participate.<br></p> <p>Simple actions to reduce stormwater pollution include: <br></p> <ul style="" class="" dir=""> <li><p>Properly disposing of trash, recyclables, and chemicals like detergent, paint, medications, etc.</p></li><li><p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Recycling motor oil and maintaining your vehicle to prevent leak s</span></p></li> <li><p> Cleaning up after your pet </p></li> <li><p> Using lawn chemicals sparingly and always following manufacturers’ directions </p></li> <li><p> Properly disposing of lefto ver paint and household chemicals at a household hazardous waste event <br> </p></li> <li><p> And please remember - only rain in the storm drain </p></li> </ul> <p></p> <p> To learn more about the City of Phoenix Water Services Department Stormwater Awareness Week and what you can do as an individual or business to prevent stormwater pollution, please visit <a href="/waterservices/envservices/stormwater-program" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/stormwater.</a> </p> <p></p> <p>Media Contact:<br></p> <p> <strong>Jimena Garrison</strong> </p> <p>Senior Public Information Officer <br></p> <p>Water Services<br></p> <p>Cell: 480-390-1933 (call or text) </p> <p>E-mail: <a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong></a></p> <p> <strong>Angela Serda</strong> <br> </p> <p>Public Information Specialist<br></p> <p>Water Services</p> <p>Cell: 623-499-8919 (call or text) </p> <p>E-mail: <a href="mailto:angela.serda@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>angela.serda@phoenix.gov</strong></a><br></p> <p> <br> </p> </html></div>	https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices	News
City of Phoenix Appoints New Chief Privacy Officer to Strengthen Commitment to Data Privacy	https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/3326	Information Technology Services	1/16/2025 4:00:00 PM	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3326/CHIEF PRIVACY OFFICER_newsroom.png	City of Phoenix Appoints New Chief Privacy Officer to Strengthen Commitment to Data Privacy	<div class="ExternalClass7B3063BD8EDA47DD92E594A828AA8804"><html> <p>The City of Phoenix and Information Technology Services Department are pleased to announce the appointment of Ciara Maerowitz as the City’s Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). This role underscores the City’s commitment to responsibly handle and protect the data of our employees, residents, and business partners. </p> <div></div> <p>Maerowitz brings nearly ten years of experience in regulatory compliance. Previously, she held positions at multiple global financial services firms, where she implemented global privacy programs across over 50 jurisdictions in highly complex and tightly regulated environments. </p> <p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">"I am honored to continue my work in privacy as the City’s first dedicated Chief Privacy Officer,” said Maerowitz. “Privacy is a cornerstone of the trust our residents place in us, and I look forward to leading the City's efforts in enhancing privacy protections and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations." </span> </p> <p></p> <p>In this role, Maerowitz will drive transparency, trust, and accountability in handling personal information by pursuing the highest standards of data protection. Maerowitz will play an integral role in developing and maintaining frameworks for data governance, providing guidance on mitigation of privacy risks, and ensuring the City of Phoenix continues to comply with emerging global privacy laws. The Chief Privacy Officer will also act as the main contact in the event of a privacy breach, both internally and externally. </p> <p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Maerowitz holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College. She is recognized as a Fellow in Information Privacy (FIP), a prestigious designation given to select experts in the fields of privacy risk management by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. The City of Phoenix is committed to upholding the highest standards of data protection, ensuring that the personal data of its residents and customers is always treated with the utmost care and respect. The Data Privacy Office can be reached at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:privacy@phoenix.gov">privacy@phoenix.gov</a>. </span> <br> </p> <p></p> </html></div>	https://www.phoenix.gov/its	News
Phoenix Considers Multiple Options to Balance Budget	https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3325	City Manager	1/15/2025 3:00:00 PM	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3325/Newsroom_Budget_001PCH.jpg	Phoenix Considers Multiple Options to Balance Budget	<div class="ExternalClass8149680D7C2343FE98DAA5351FF56AEA"><html> <p>The City of Phoenix is exploring options to deal with a potential budget shortfall, which could include raising sales tax or cutting some services to residents. The City is required to adopt a balanced budget each fiscal year.</p> <p></p> <p>Under the direction of the Mayor and Phoenix City Council, the City has successfully managed significant growth in population, square miles serviced, inflationary pressures on spending, while providing robust services to residents including public safety, parks, libraries, streets, additional services for those experiencing homelessness and increased efforts to combat summer heat. Seeing the fire crisis unfolding in Los Angeles is a reminder of the importance of appropriately funding these important services. </p> <p>However, decisions made at the State level including the elimination of residential rental sales tax and the implementation of a flat income tax will negatively impact the City's budget and result in reduced ongoing revenues.</p> <p>Unlike the Federal Government which can continue to spend more than the amount it takes in, the City is required by law to have a balanced budget, which means reaching a budget for the coming fiscal year may require raising revenue, cutting services, or a combination to keep the budget balanced going forward.</p> <p>To give the City Council options as we progress through the budget process, the City has posted a notice of intent to increase transaction privilege tax (TPT) and use tax (sales taxes) by up to 0.5% (half a percentage point). This notice does not necessarily mean taxes will increase, but instead gives the Council and the community time to consider potential options to balance the budget. The Council would have to vote to increase taxes, something that would not happen for at least 60 days to give community members time to share their opinions about any changes. The Council is currently scheduled to consider the increase at the March 18, 2025, Phoenix City Council meeting. If Council approved any change, it would take effect on July 1, 2025.<br></p> <p>At the same time, departments throughout the City are submitting potential cuts in services for City leadership to consider. The City Manager will use this information to create a trial budget which could include a possible tax increase, cuts to services provided to residents by the City, or a combination that leads to a balanced budget.</p> <h2>Impact Of Potential Tax Increase</h2> <p>The City of Phoenix has not raised the TPT rate for the General Fund in nearly 40 years. It was set at 1.2% in 1986 and has remained at that rate since. The combined TPT rate (including non-general funds) is currently 2.3% and was last increased in 2016 when voters approved the Transportation 2050 sales tax. For comparison purposes, the largest TPT category is retail sales tax and Phoenix's rate of 2.3% puts us in the middle for cities throughout the valley with some as high as 3.0%. Even if the full 0.5% increase was approved, the Phoenix Retail TPT rate would still be below Glendale and Buckeye and the same as Surprise. </p> <p>What would the increase mean for the typical purchase? For a $4 cup of coffee, you'll pay an additional two cents. A $20 shirt would cost an extra dime. A $100 pair of shoes would be an additional 50 cents and a new $900 washing machine would add $4.50 to the cost.</p> <h2> <span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>Provide Feedback On The Budget<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span></h2> <p>The City's more than $2 billion-dollar General Fund operating budget includes everything from police and fire services, to funding your neighborhood parks and libraries, the streets you drive on and services for seniors.</p> <p>With a budget that size , supporting the fifth largest city in the country and 1.7 million residents, it can be a challenge to understand everything that goes into the services you receive. </p> <p>To help residents better understand what is included in the General Fund budget, the Budget and Research Department uses software called <a href="/fundphoenix" target="_blank">FundPHX</a>. The interactive tool lets you see for yourself what each General Fund service costs, allowing you to recommend changes ahead of City Council making final budget decisions each year.</p> <p>Right now, the tool is using current budget year numbers. Those will be updated with the City Manager's Trial Budget numbers in April where you can submit your own recommendations for next year's budget. Residents can also check the Budget & Research Department website for more information at <a href="/budget" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/budget</a>. <br></p> <h2>More Information<br></h2> <p>The City will also be hosting several budget information sessions to further explain this possible tax increase. You can find the schedule on the <a href="/calendar/budget" target="_blank">PHX City Calendar</a>.<br></p> <p>The City has created the <a href="/fees" target="_blank">official Fee notice</a> as well as a<a href="/Documents/2025-PHX-Tax-Notice-Info.pdf" target="_blank"> detailed information document (PDF)</a> of the budget considerations for a proposed tax increase which includes service comparisons from the current year to those prior to the last tax increase, as well as a list of budget challenges and unfunded needs.</p> <p>More information on the General Fund budget status and multi-year forecast will be presented to the <a href="/mayorcouncil" target="_blank">Phoenix City Council</a> on February 25, 2025.<br></p> </html></div>	https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager	News