PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix City Councilwoman Betty Guardado voted in support of the City of Phoenix Fiscal Year 2026 budget, highlighting key investments that support working families, youth programs, neighborhood improvements, and essential community services.
Throughout the budget process, Councilwoman Guardado emphasized the importance of community participation and ensuring resident voices helped shape the city’s priorities.
“I want to thank the residents of Phoenix who participated in this budget process,” said Councilwoman Betty Guardado. “Whether you attended community budget hearings, emailed, called, or shared your concerns directly with us, your voices mattered and helped shape this budget.”
Councilwoman Guardado championed investments aimed at supporting families facing economic challenges, including more than doubling flexible emergency financial assistance from $1.5 million to $3.15 million. These funds will help residents experiencing housing instability, rising costs, and food insecurity.
The FY26 budget also nearly doubles investments in teen and youth programming, expanding access to tutoring, recreation, arts, and youth activities throughout Phoenix. Guardado has consistently prioritized investments that create opportunities for young people and strengthen neighborhood resources.
“This budget invests in our families and our youth while continuing to support the services our communities rely on every day,” Guardado said. “These investments help create stronger neighborhoods and improve quality of life across our city.”
Additional investments supported by Councilwoman Guardado include childcare affordability assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) navigation services, homelessness services, housing affordability efforts, neighborhood safety improvements, parks, and heat relief programs.
The budget also includes continued support for park lighting enhancements, cooling centers, shelter operations, and other services that directly impact Phoenix neighborhoods, particularly during the summer months.
Guardado also highlighted the importance of supporting city employees whose work helps deliver critical services throughout Phoenix.
“Our city employees play a vital role in serving residents every day, and this budget recognizes the work they do to keep Phoenix moving forward,” Guardado said.
While acknowledging that no budget can address every need, Guardado emphasized that the FY26 budget reflects the city’s values and the partnership between residents, city staff, and Council.
“This budget reflects our values as a city — compassion, responsibility, safety, and opportunity,” Guardado said. “Most importantly, it reflects what can be accomplished when residents, city staff, and Council work together.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado
Zul Lopez
(480) 594-7506
zul.lopez@phoenix.gov
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