​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

 

Councilwoman O'Brien's Statement on the Release of the Department of Justice Findings Reporthttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/3130City Council District 16/13/2024 7:00:00 AMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3130/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpgCouncilwoman O'Brien's Statement on the Release of the Department of Justice Findings Report<div class="ExternalClassE2928D906A49465A87048D1D506AE937"><html> <div><strong>​​Phoenix, AZ -</strong> Throughout the Department of Justice’s nearly three-year investigation, Phoenix remained fully transparent and compliant. We provided over 179,000 documents, 20 terabytes of data, 22,000 body-worn camera videos, and 220 recordings of 911 calls. We also facilitated more than 200 hours of ride-alongs and 130 interviews with police department and city staff, including our Police Chief and City Manager. We opened the doors to our training academy and facilitated 8 field visits with the DOJ.<br></div><div><br></div><div>While we remained transparent with the DOJ, it was clear they were not willing to reciprocate. After having asked for adequate time to review the findings report and for a fully translated Spanish version to be released concurrently to ensure our entire population was able to access the report, we were denied multiple times.<br></div><div><br></div><div>During today’s press conference, the DOJ made clear their intent is for the City of Phoenix to enter into a consent decree and agree to federal court-ordered monitoring. They continued to refer to this model as a “track record of success.” Time and time again, this has proven to be a broken model for fixing and reforming police departments across the country.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Assistant Attorney General Kristin Clarke pointed to Seattle, Albuquerque, and Baltimore as examples of this successful model. If success to AAG Clarke looks like Seattle’s violent crime increasing by 37% in the first 10 years under a consent decree or a 53% increase in violent crime in Albuquerque since they entered into a consent decree in 2015, then we absolutely should sit down to negotiate other options for reform.<br></div><div><br></div><div>AAG Clarke acknowledged “no one size fits all on this approach,” so hopefully the DOJ will be open to negotiating an option which both Phoenix and the DOJ can agree will bring the needed reform to our Police Department. Because clearly, a consent decree doesn’t bring the necessary reforms.<br></div><div><br></div><div>A consent decree would impose significant financial burdens and bureaucratic hurdles, as seen with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Under a consent decree since 2015, MCSO must run every decision through their court-ordered monitor, which hampered their effectiveness. This ineffective oversight, combined with $250 million costs, recently led to Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone's resignation from office. Seattle and Detroit have faced similar financial strains, spending $100 million and $50 million respectively.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Our police department is not perfect, but we have already implemented significant reforms, such as revising our use of force policy with community input, mandating de-escalation training, removing them from interactions where a mental health professional may be better suited, and creating the Office of Accountability and Transparency, and the Civilian Review Board. In fact, the City of Phoenix and its Police Department have already implemented, or are currently implementing, many of the reforms the DOJ called for in other agencies they investigated and placed under a consent decree. Phoenix Police have demonstrated a commitment to improvement and transparency, showing we are capable of reforming ourselves without the need for a DOJ consent decree or a costly court-ordered monitor.<br></div><div><br></div><div>I stand firm behind the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department and trust our leadership to continue to improve and elevate the service we provide Phoenix families, businesses, and visitors. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Phoenix can and will make necessary changes – independently!<br></div><div><br><strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, Councilwoman O'Brien's Chief of Staff, derrik.rochwalik@phoenix.gov, call or text (480)202-7347<br></div><br></html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/district1Newsdistrict-1D1District 1AnnO’BrienCooper Payne602-329-2445cooper.payne@phoenix.govCWAnnObrien

 

 

Give Your Input 2025-2029 Grant Planning Processhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/neighborhood-services/3347Neighborhood Services2/10/2025 10:00:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3347/City of Phoenix Skyline.pngGive Your Input 2025-2029 Grant Planning Process<div class="ExternalClass9EF94216431645ACA2E3AAB5AE174A20"><html> <p>​​Every five years, the city of Phoenix develops a Consolidated Plan to submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).<br></p> <p>The Consolidated Plan is a comprehensive plan for affordable housing and community development created from an assessment of the community needs and market conditions. The consolidated planning process serves as the framework for a community-wide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investme​​nt Partnership, Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.</p> <p>"We are asking the community to participate in the planning process by attending community meetings and providing feedback on proposed goals. Don't miss this opportunity to be involved in the City's 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan process," Neighborhood Services Department Director Spencer Self said. <br></p> <p>The Your City, Your Voice: Improving Your Community Over the Next 5 Years series of community meetings will be held across Phoenix to explain the grant funding sources and to give residents content to help voice their goals through a public survey. To learn more, visit <a target="_blank" href="/nsd/yourvoice"><strong>phoenix.gov/YourVoice</strong> </a>for future updates.<br></p> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/nsdNews
City of Phoenix Appoints New Chief Information Security Officer https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/information-technology-services/3346Information Technology Services2/7/2025 3:00:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3346/phoenix ciso mitch kohlbecker.pngCity of Phoenix Appoints New Chief Information Security Officer <div class="ExternalClassF20B958434264427AB625C9597771947"><html> The City of Phoenix and Information Technology Services Department are pleased to announce the appointment of Mitch Kohlbecker as the City’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).   <br><br> <div></div> <div>For nearly five years, Kohlbecker has dedicated his time to serving the City of Phoenix as the deputy chief information security officer, and his efforts significantly strengthened the city’s security office. He drove critical advancements in Architecture, Engineering, Risk Management and Compliance, greatly improving the organization's security posture. </div> <div> <br> </div> <div>Prior to joining the City, Kohlbecker served over two decades in leadership as a Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Director in various organizations across a range of industries, including education, government, non-profit, and Fortune-listed companies. </div> <div> <br> </div> <div>“I look forward to my continued work in securing the City and its assets and data on behalf of our constituents,” said Kohlbecker. “Cybersecurity is a critical component of the overall health of City operations, and I'm eager to work with my colleagues to help foster a culture of business innovation and enhancement, done securely.“ </div><div><br></div><div>As CISO, Kohlbecker’s goal will be to balance the City’s business needs with the essential task of safeguarding the City's assets and resident information. His view is that effective security and business alignment are not mutually exclusive but complementary pursuits that drive overall organizational success.<br></div><div></div> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/itsNews
City of Phoenix Appoints Maxwell Wilson as Water Resources Management Advisorhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3344City Manager2/6/2025 9:52:00 PMhttps://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3344/Newsroom_MaxwellWilson_no_text.pngCity of Phoenix Appoints Maxwell Wilson as Water Resources Management Advisor<div class="ExternalClass4588D46998364DD4B6320C61C23EB245"><html> <p>​The City of Phoenix has named Dr. Maxwell Wilson as its new Water Resources Management Advisor, effective February 3, 2025. Wilson, who has served as Deputy Water Services Director for the Water Planning Division, steps into the role following the retirement of Cynthia Campbell, a highly regarded expert in Arizona water policy.<br></p> <p>With more than a decade of experience in water resource management, conservation, and policy development, Wilson has been a driving force behind Phoenix’s efforts to ensure a sustainable water future. Since joining the Phoenix Water Services Department in 2021, he has played a pivotal role in expanding conservation initiatives, implementing innovative water efficiency programs, and strengthening partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.<br></p> <p>"Phoenix has a strong history of responsible water use. Our growing, thriving City needs someone with the experience and talent Max brings to the role. It is crucial to meeting the needs of our residents, businesses, and future generations," said City Manager Jeff Barton. "I am confident he will be a strong leader as we navigate the complexities of water management and continue providing safe, reliable water to our community."<br></p> <p>As Deputy Water Services Director, Wilson oversaw water resource planning, infrastructure records services, and conservation programs. Under his leadership, Phoenix advanced initiatives such as Advanced Water Purification, financial incentive programs for homeowners, and new conservation strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of ongoing drought conditions. His expertise in long-term water planning has helped position Phoenix as a national leader in sustainable water management.<br></p> <p>In his new role, Wilson will advise the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council on critical water policy matters, represent Phoenix in high-level discussions with state and federal agencies, and continue to drive policies that ensure the city’s water security amid ongoing climate challenges.<br></p> <p>"Phoenix’s commitment to water sustainability has been built on a legacy of forward-thinking policies and strategic planning," said Wilson. "I’m honored to step into this role and continue working with our community, policymakers, and industry leaders to secure a resilient water future for Phoenix."<br></p> <p>Wilson holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has dedicated his career to addressing the water challenges in the Southwest and around the world. His appointment underscores the City of Phoenix’s ongoing commitment to proactive water management, innovation, and long-term sustainability.<br></p> <p>He succeeds Cynthia Campbell, who served as Water Resources Management Advisor since 2011. During her tenure, Campbell played a key role in securing Phoenix’s long-term water supplies, developing drought management strategies, and leading the city's participation in major conservation agreements.<br></p> <p><b>About City of Phoenix Water Services Department</b><br></p> <p>The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit <a href="/waterservices" target="_blank"><strong>phoenix.gov/water.</strong></a><br></p> <p>Media Contacts:<br></p> <p>Michael Gertzman<br><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Sr. Public Information Officer<br></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Water Services<br></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">602-534-1209 <br></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong></a></span></p> <p></p> <p>Jimena Garrison<br><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Public Information Officer<br></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Water Services<br></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">480-390-1933<br></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong></a></span></p> <p>​</p> </html></div>https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanagerNews

 

 

DispForm.aspxCWAnnObrienhttps://www.phoenix.gov/district1City Council District 1DispForm.aspxdistrict-1District 1PHXDistrict1

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Catalog-Item Reuse

 

 

​Share this page​