| Councilwoman O’Brien Announces a New Pilot Program Taking Off in District 1 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2626 | | City Council District 1 | 1/12/2023 7:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2626/D1 PHXNewsroom Image.jpg | | Councilwoman O’Brien Announces a New Pilot Program Taking Off in District 1 | <div class="ExternalClass191BC7BAA1A34BFF8EB2B611B207BD57"><html>
<p>In partnership with the Phoenix Fire Department and the Phoenix REALTORS, seniors and adults with disabilities within District 1 in Phoenix can now apply for a lockbox to be installed on the exterior of their homes for emergency access. Similar to existing programs in Scottsdale and Chandler, these lockboxes will contain a key to the home, possible medical information such as known prescriptions, pre-existing medical conditions, allergies to medications, as well as any access cards needed to gain entry. The code to the lockboxes will be archived with 911 dispatchers and will be provided to first responders answering an emergency call.</p>
<p>The intention of this program is to prevent forced entry into homes where the caller may not be physically capable of answering the door. As of now, our first responders must force entry by breaking a window or door – causing damage to the residence.</p>
<p>“I'm thankful for the partnership with the Phoenix REALTORS and for their continued commitment to the safety of all our residents," Councilwoman O'Brien said. “This program will allow our first responders to safely enter a home and help our most vulnerable residents quicker and without damaging their property."</p>
<p>The Phoenix REALTORS has committed to donating 100 lockboxes for the pilot program with a larger commitment to continue to partner at full buildout. Similar partnerships are utilized in the same program found in Scottsdale and Chandler with their realtors' associations.</p>
<p>“With time and information being at a premium when emergencies arise, we are grateful for the opportunity to help both vulnerable residents and first responders when precious seconds are at stake by providing lockboxes," said Butch Leiber, president of Phoenix REALTORS. “We look forward to seeing results from the pilot and eager to help expand the program by working collaboratively with the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Fire Department." </p>
<p>“I've always been committed to seeing what other cities are doing surrounding public safety and engaging in best practices," Councilwoman O'Brien continues. “This program is a shining example of what other cities are doing right and implementing similar programs in Phoenix."</p>
<p>If you're a District 1 resident who is over the age of 65 or are an adult with disabilities, <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?341fa8e018e7b54a18d08905ca04cb60784262fe3fe933b5">you can visit this website to apply for the pilot program.</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, Council District 1 Chief of Staff, 480-202-7347, <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?3b1ffea3f15a76ec1ba8aa29b0c50388b7369de202a74bc1">derrik.rochwalik@phoenix.gov</a></p>
<p><strong>About District 1</strong><br> District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O'Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?e594f03d742224de1779418f6bc3e91fd834179684e96faa">Phoenix.gov/District1</a>.<br></p>
<p>
<br>
</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Councilwoman O’Brien Donates Bikes to Police Officers | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2625 | | City Council District 1 | 1/10/2023 10:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2625/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Councilwoman O’Brien Donates Bikes to Police Officers | <div class="ExternalClass70C863FEF55D49BB913E1A3C3942B2AA"><html>
<p></p>
<span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>
<p>In a continued effort to make our parks safe and open to all members of the public, as part of yesterday's National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day celebration, Councilwoman Ann O'Brien announced the donation of 10 new bikes to help aide in park patrols.</p>
<p>Two months ago, Council approved the expansion of an existing pilot program to add additional security monitors to 11 parks throughout Phoenix. These parks were identified by the Parks Department as the parks with the highest rates of crime and park violations. The security monitors would supplement existing Park Rangers and operate overnight when Park Rangers are not patrolling. The park identified as the highest need throughout the City was Cortez Park in District 1.</p>
<p>Since then, community members have identified the need for increased patrols at two additional parks in District 1 – Deer Valley Park and Telephone Pioneer Park. After speaking with officers in the Black Mountain Precinct, Councilwoman O'Brien was informed of the need for new bikes and equipment to make patrolling of parks more efficient for the officers.</p>
<p>“Since day one of stepping foot into my office I have been committed to ensuring our officers have every tool they need to adequately patrol and enforce our laws," said Councilwoman O'Brien. “If providing these bikes helps our officers get into the parks and deter negative activity, I'm happy to reach into the District 1 budget to provide them."</p>
<p>Councilwoman O'Brien is allocating 100 percent of the funds directly out of the District 1 office budget to ensure the bikes are used specifically for the officers within the Black Mountain Precinct where the additional parks are located.</p>
<p>
<strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, Council District 1 Chief of Staff, <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?33f4c4fef6c759ea647241c13f6022ddc53f5d822f07ba06" target="_blank">derrik.rochwalik@phoenix.gov</a> or (480)202-7347<br></p>
<p>
<strong>About District 1</strong>
<br> District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O'Brien was elected in November of 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?7a06f2829def205ac11886a433a51a934001518ee99b7601" target="_blank">https://www.phoenix.gov/district1</a>.</p>
<p>If you would like more information about this topic, please call the District 1 Office at (602) 262-7444 or email at <a href="mailto:council.district.1@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">council.district.1@phoenix.gov</a>.<br></p>
<br>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Phoenix City Council Approves Metrocenter Redevelopment | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2569 | | City Council District 1 | 11/16/2022 11:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2569/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Phoenix City Council Approves Metrocenter Redevelopment | <div class="ExternalClass5385A0C99FD04877A729E490524B53DE"><html>
<p>By a 6-2 vote, Phoenix City Council has passed the last required vote for Metrocenter to enter into redevelopment.</p>
<p>Almost 50 years ago Metrocenter Mall opened its doors, and for many Phoenicians served as the backdrop for their formative years. Housing five department stores, a food court and an indoor ice rink during the winter months, Metrocenter Mall was a crown jewel west of the Mississippi River. Metrocenter even made its debut on the silver screen in movies such as “Take Me Home Tonight” (2011) and cult classics like “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989).</p>
<p>“I have fond memories of Metrocenter Mall,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien. “One of my first jobs was at Park Lane Hosiery in the mall and I remember the many nights my friends and I spent cruising around the mall. Although those times are gone, I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come for the entire Metro region.”</p>
<p>As the decades passed, Metrocenter fell into disrepair, and like all megamalls across the country, stores started to close. During the last part of 2021, the City announced the development plans and conceptual designs for the future of Metrocenter. Development partners, Concord Wilshire Capital, TLG Investment Partners, and Hines Development, will bring a mixed-use community over three phases. The new development will feature multi-family housing, restaurant space, retail space with a main street vibe, and an amphitheater park opened to the public and pets.</p>
<p>“In addition to the redevelopment of Metrocenter itself, we're moving swiftly toward the day when light rail will stop right at the mall's doorstep," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "With excellent housing, transit, business and retail options all in one place, Metrocenter will once again be a vibrant hub for the northwestern part of our city." </p>
<p>“I want to thank Councilwoman O’Brien and Community and Economic Development Director Chris Mackay for ensuring this project crossed the finish line,” said former Councilwoman Thelda Williams. “I’m excited to have Metrocenter become a crown jewel of Phoenix once again.”</p>
<p>Today’s vote marks yet another mall redevelopment which Phoenix has become nationally recognized for – joining Paradise Valley Mall and Park Central.</p>
<p>“This redevelopment is just the first of so much more to come to the Metro region,” said O’Brien. “With this investment, we’ll be able to attract more partners interested in working with community members to completely revitalize the Metro District – making it cleaner and safer for everyone.”<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, Council District 1 Chief of Staff, 480-202-7347</p>
<p>
<strong>About District 1</strong>
<br>District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit <a href="/district1" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/district1" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/District1</a>.</p>
<p>If you would like more information about this topic, please call the District 1 Office at 602-262-7444 or email at <a href="mailto:council.district.1@phoenix.gov" data-cke-saved-href="mailto:council.district.1@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">council.district.1@phoenix.gov</a>.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Phoenix City Council Reaches Decision on Park Security Item | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2550 | | City Council District 1 | 11/3/2022 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2550/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Phoenix City Council Reaches Decision on Park Security Item | <div class="ExternalClassC890EA13D74E40C59482BCF73F1BB75C"><html>
<div>Phoenix, AZ, November 2, 2022 – The Phoenix Mayor and City Council voted YES today to approve a <a href="/newsroom/district-1/2524" target="_blank">program</a> to increase private security and surveillance in a number of parks throughout the city that are considered the most at risk for dangerous and illegal activity. The program was proposed to address ongoing issues raised by citizens who are concerned with public safety in the face of staff shortages among city police and state park rangers. </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>Proposed as a pilot program that will be implemented in at least one park per district, the security initiative will place unarmed private security as an added patrol effort in each area to deter and monitor illegal and dangerous activity. It is an expansion of a similar program that is already in use at three parks in the more urban center of downtown. Council hopes that the program will function as a temporary solution until the city can increase recruitment and retention of rangers and officers or develop a more holistic approach to what is indeed a systemic issue in our city. </div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>The initiative, sponsored by Councilmembers O’Brien, Stark, DiCiccio, and Waring, was originally set to go to Council for voting last month, but was continued in order to allow the Phoenix Parks Department additional time to review the program details.</div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>“In a time when we are dangerously low on park rangers and police officers, we need every tool in our tool belt to help keep our communities safe. It’s time we expand our security services past just the three parks located downtown. If it’s good enough for downtown Phoenix, it’s good enough for our neighborhoods,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, District 1 Chief of Staff, (480)202-7347<br></div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<strong>About District 1</strong>
</div>
<div>District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November of 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit https://www.phoenix.gov/district1.</div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>###</div>
<div>
<br>
</div>
<div>If you would like more information about this topic, please call the District 1 Office at (602) 262-7444 or email at council.district.1@phoenix.gov.<br></div>
<br>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Coalition of Councilmembers Call for Adding Phoenix Park Security Expansion to Council Agenda | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2524 | | City Council District 1 | 10/11/2022 7:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2524/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01 (002).jpg | | Coalition of Councilmembers Call for Adding Phoenix Park Security Expansion to Council Agenda | <div class="ExternalClass41980EF7635D4EE3BFE3D65851C2DAD8"><html>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“Our parks are a place where neighbors can gather; where pickup games of basketball, soccer, and other sports can be played; where birthday parties and family reunions can be set up under ramadas. They provide an outlet for kids to exude their energy in a positive manner. Our parks are cornerstones of our neighborhoods.</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">
<br>
</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">They deserve to be safe environments.</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">
<br>
</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Yesterday evening, together with Councilman Jim Waring, Councilwoman Debra Stark, and Councilman Sal DiCiccio, I submitted a memo to City Staff requesting an item be added to the upcoming Formal Council Meeting to discuss expanding private security patrols in some of our parks with the highest volume of concerned citizen calls.</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">
<br>
</span>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">In a time when we are dangerously low on Park Rangers and Police Officers, we need every tool in our toolbelt to help keep our communities safe. It’s time we expand our security services past just the three parks located downtown. If it’s good enough for Downtown Phoenix, it’s good enough for our neighborhoods.”</span>
</div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Councilwomen O'Brien and Stark Invite the Community to Celebrate Taiwanese Independence Day this Saturday | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2510 | | City Council District 1 | 10/4/2022 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2510/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Councilwomen O'Brien and Stark Invite the Community to Celebrate Taiwanese Independence Day this Saturday | <div class="ExternalClass69D92780F972495B81D09E68B61CA7ED"><html>
<p>District 1 Councilwoman Ann O'Brien and District 3 Councilwoman Debra Stark are inviting the community to a Double Ten Day celebration event this Saturday, October 8. Double Ten Day, normally celebrated on October 10th, is Taiwanese Independence Day recognized all over the world as the day common Chinese people rose up against their feudal empire and declared independence from the reigning dynasty. Celebrations have been held annually in China Town, San Francisco; China Town, Montreal; Hong Kong; Taiwan; and all over the world.</p>
<p>"With TSMC moving into the North Phoenix region, we have already been seeing an increase in new Taiwanese residents creating homes here in Phoenix – with more on the way," Councilwoman O'Brien said. "We wanted to find a way to welcome them, celebrate their culture, and take the opportunity to introduce them to some of our culture."</p>
<p>This celebration will encompass local vendors offering traditional Taiwanese cuisine, drinks and crafts, as well as local Arizona vendors offering attendees a taste of our culture. For the kids, there will be games and entertainment including traditional Lion Dances, Taiwanese Yo-Yo displays, and martial art demonstrations. As the sun sets and the sky darkens, everyone will be asked to step outside to enjoy a fireworks display celebrating the event!</p>
<p><strong>What:</strong> Double Ten Day - a Taiwanese Independence Day celebration</p>
<p>
<strong>When:</strong> October 8, 2022 from 5 - 9 p.m.</p>
<p>
<strong>Where:</strong> ASU West Campus (4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ 85306)</p>
<p>
<strong>Register:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?3f9514e15fa7cf2a28a60a04bcfd5e1fd53fdcce8e7060e3ae852cde9c18aded">Click here</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"calibri",sans-serif;">
<a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?3f9514e15fa7cf2a28a60a04bcfd5e1fd53fdcce8e7060e3ae852cde9c18aded" target="_blank">
<span style="color:blue;">
<img height="348" class="" style="max-height:348px;border-radius:0px;border-style:solid;border-width:0px;margin:5px;max-width:500px;text-align:center;width:500px;height:348px;" data-placement="custom" align="middle" alt="Double Ten Day.png" src="https://action.phoenix.gov/users/myteam46126/Media5938.png" border="0" />
</span>
</a>
</span>
<br>
</span>
</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Councilwoman O’Brien Announces Plan to Make Phoenix Police Officers Highest Paid Arizona Law Enforcement Agency | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2378 | | City Council District 1 | 6/9/2022 3:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2378/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Councilwoman O’Brien Announces Plan to Make Phoenix Police Officers Highest Paid Arizona Law Enforcement Agency | <div class="ExternalClassE8966A4C65C64AC88B6A793E1170EDA1"><html>
"For decades the City of Phoenix Police Department was the go-to for a career in law enforcement. Academy classes would fill every seat in the classroom. Venues the size of small theaters would be rented for family and friends to join cadets in their graduation ceremonies. But, when the financial crisis of 2008 hit and Phoenix needed to find creative solutions to lessen the impact, the Council at the time put a freeze on hiring new officers. In doing so, we also froze our ability to stay competitive.<br><br>
Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the country and ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors is of the utmost importance. In an increasingly competitive job market where Phoenix is competing with our fellow municipalities, the county and the state, we needed to find a solution to retain our officers and provide an enticing incentive in the recruitment of more officers.<br><br>
When I came into office last year, I made police staffing levels one of my top priorities. I quickly called a strategy group together of various stakeholders comprised of Police Union leaders, Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Human Resources Director David Mathews, Executive Assistant Chief Mike Kurtenbach, and Chief Jeri Williams to begin discussions on increasing compensation levels for our new recruits and existing officers.<br><br>
After performing a compensation study and researching other jurisdiction's pay rates, we realized our officers were sitting at the bottom of the scale compared to our sister municipalities. We then pulled in City Manager Jeff Barton and Budget Director Amber Williamson to crunch the numbers. As a result, we were able to come up with a plan to restructure the salary scale to ensure every officer will receive greater earning potential and no one will see a decrease in pay.<br><br>
This plan, if approved by my fellow councilmembers, will ensure Phoenix once again has the most competitive and attractive police department in Arizona by ensuring our officers and recruits will be the highest paid department throughout the state of Arizona by 10 percent!<br><br>
I am beyond thankful to staff for seeing a problem and being so willing to tackle it head on with me. We still have so much work to do in order to bring the number of sworn officers back to where we were prior to the 2008 financial crisis, but this salary restructuring will certainly help!<br><br>
<p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align:justify;">Read more about my plan by <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/2377" href="/newsroom/police/2377">clicking here</a>."<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
| Councilwoman O'Brien Wishes Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams Well in Retirement | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2331 | | City Council District 1 | 5/3/2022 5:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2331/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Councilwoman O'Brien Wishes Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams Well in Retirement | <div class="ExternalClass648445C6C64740949373BEB5AD612048"><html>
<p>
“I am saddened by the news of Chief Jeri Williams’ retirement. Although, I have only gotten to know her over this last year, there simply couldn’t be a more deserving person for retirement.</p>
<p>Chief Williams served her first 22 years in Phoenix and left our department as an Assistant Chief to become Chief of Police in the City of Oxnard, California. While in Oxnard, Chief Williams oversaw the successful implementation of body worn cameras and has long been a supporter of technology and outfitting our officers with every tool they need to be successful. We managed to bring her home from California in October 2016 to serve as our Police Chief.</p>
<p>A 33-year career in law enforcement peppered with awards and accolades. During her time in California, Chief Williams was honored as the California Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year, thanks in part to her leadership and accomplishments as Chief. Here in Phoenix, Chief Williams was honored by the AZ Centennial Legacy Project as one of Arizona’s 48 most intriguing women, again for her leadership in law enforcement. And just last year, Chief Williams was appointed to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board.<br></p>
<p>Chief Jeri Williams blazed a trail and will leave behind her success, leadership, and knowledge for her predecessor. She’s left big shoes to fill, but I know the Phoenix Police force has some of the most outstanding individuals, and we will find a worthy replacement to carry on Jeri’s legacy. I hope Chief Williams enjoys her retirement!"<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 | District 1 | Ann | O’Brien |
