City of Phoenix’s Overnight and Extended-Hour Respite Sites Keep Thousands Safe from Extreme Heat  

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/homeless-solutions/3174

Homeless Solutions

7/25/2024 6:10:00 PM

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City of Phoenix’s Overnight and Extended-Hour Respite Sites Keep Thousands Safe from Extreme Heat  

<div class="ExternalClass0CDC3142232F4402983B7276DA504CDC"><html> As the City of Phoenix reaches the midpoint of its summer relief efforts, it continues to expand shelter and respite options for residents most vulnerable to the Valley's extreme temperatures. This month, the City opened a West Phoenix shelter and increased capacity at the 24/7 Burton Barr Library heat respite center. Thousands of residents have sought reprieve and resources at one of the City's five overnight respite and extended-hour heat relief sites, which have seen more than 14,000 visits since May 1. More than 400 unsheltered individuals and families with children have so far accepted services and support, including shelter, housing, or treatment for mental health or substance use concerns. And 280 new shelter beds are on track to open in Phoenix at three new shelters by next month. “Phoenix is proud to lead on critical heat relief for our residents who need it most," Mayor Kate Gallego said. “In learning from last summer, we went into this season knowing that overnight heat respite was a top priority for our community, and the results speak for themselves. Though our high temperatures are set to continue over the course of the next few months, we are encouraged by the progress we've made so far." For the last five weeks, heat-related calls for service to the Phoenix Fire Department are down 23% according to electronic patient care reporting from the same five-week period in 2023. “Our hope is to get even more Phoenicians on a path to safe, cool, permanent shelter options," Gallego added.  <h2> Read More about the City's Efforts</h2> <h3> Heat Relief Creating Homeless Solutions  </h3>Phoenix is the only city in the region offering 24/7 heat relief this year, and the services provided there are helping end people's homelessness. Since May 1, 407 people have accepted a place at an alternative location, such as shelter, treatment, the City's Safe Outdoor Space, or have been permanently housed. Each of the City's five overnight and extended-hour heat relief locations are staffed with navigators from nonprofit partner, Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI), to help connect people with the services they need. “While our heat relief locations are open to everyone, we know there is an especially high need for cool, indoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness during the summer," Rachel Milne, Director of Phoenix's Office of Homeless Solutions said. “These heat relief sites are proving to be a vital connection point to help people find more permanent solutions to end their homelessness."  <h3> CoolTainer Increases Heat Relief Capacity <img style="width:300px;" src="file:///C:/Users/082402/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.jpg" alt="" /> </h3> <img alt="Exterior of the CoolTainer, a converted shipping container with air conditioning to help provide heat relief." style="margin:0px;width:495px;" src="/solutions/Media%20Assets/CoolTainer_exterior.jpg" /> <img alt="Interior of the CoolTainer, a converted shipping container with air conditioning and chairs to help provide heat relief." style="margin:0px;width:495px;" src="/solutions/Media%20Assets/CoolTainer_interior.jpg" />The City is using a CoolTainer, an innovative solution to increase capacity at the Burton Barr heat respite center. The converted, solar-powered shipping containers are insulated, air conditioned and can fit as many as 22 people. State officials got the CoolTainers from a local company, Steel + Spark, and provided one to the City of Phoenix. It serves as an extension of the Burton Barr respite center and also operates 24/7 with staff and security.<h3>New Shelter Beds Opening During the Summer Heat </h3> <img alt="Exterior of the new Phoenix Navigation Center with a structure that has 100 shelter beds and XWing converted shipping containers" style="margin:0px;width:495px;" src="/solutions/Media%20Assets/PhoenixNavCenter_exterior.jpg" /> <img alt="A close-up of shelter beds and storage at the new Phoenix Navigation Center" style="margin:0px;width:495px;" src="/solutions/Media%20Assets/PhoenixNavCenter_interior.jpg" />Last week, the City of Phoenix welcomed the first guests at the <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/homeless-solutions/3070">Phoenix Navigation Center</a> near 71st Avenue and Van Buren, in partnership with CBI and St. Vincent de Paul. The City worked diligently to ensure the site could serve up to 140 people during the dangerous summer heat, and quickly installed a temporary structure to provide 100 congregate beds. While construction continues on the permanent facilities at the site, workers are installing two <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/homeless-solutions/2819">X-WING</a> converted shipping container shelters onsite. The X-Wings will provide non-congregate shelter space for up to 40 people who are participating in St. Vincent de Paul's onsite Neighborhood Brigade workforce program. The center offers guests wraparound services to help end their homelessness, including case management, behavioral health services, meals, property storage, and space for pets and personal property. Two new additional shelters will begin welcoming guests next month, opening 140 more new shelter beds in Phoenix: 100 beds at <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/homeless-solutions/3097">De Paul Manor</a> , in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, and 40 beds at North Mountain Healing Center, in partnership with CBI. These projects represent 280 of the 790 new shelter beds the City of Phoenix is working to add in 2024 and 2025, as part of the City's continued commitment to expanding shelter capacity in Phoenix.  <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phoenix.gov/solutions">Learn more about the Office of Homeless Solutions and shelter projects</a>. <a target="_blank" href="/cityclerksite/City%20Council%20Meeting%20Files/2-27-24%20Policy%20Agenda-Final.pdf">2024 Heat Response Plan (PDF)</a> <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/summer" target="_blank">Summer Safety Resources</a> </html></div>

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A Community Bridges Staff member helps a person connect to services at the 24/7 Burton Barr heat relief site.

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Heat Relief, Phoenix Solutions, Homeless Solutions, Shelter

Kristin Couturier

602-568-8126

kristin.couturier@phoenix.gov

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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

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