| Source of Income Discrimination Ban Goes into Effect April 6 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/equal-opportunity/2712 | Equal Opportunity | | 3/30/2023 7:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2712/Newsroom_EOD_028.jpg | | Source of Income Discrimination Ban Goes into Effect April 6 | <div class="ExternalClass6243D8CA45F14F708FC1046D638BB2E0"><html>
<p>On March 1, 2023, the Phoenix City Council amended Chapter 18 of the Phoenix City Code. The amendment adds "source of income" as a protected class to the City's existing housing discrimination ordinance. The City Council approved the measure with the understanding that it would not be enforceable unless Attorney General Kris Mayes reconsidered her predecessor's opinion that Tucson's source of income ordinance violated state law. On March 8, 2023, Attorney General Mayes reversed the prior opinion, opening the way for the City of Phoenix to implement and begin enforcement of its new ordinance.</p>
<p>"Discrimination has no place in Phoenix, especially as we continue taking on the challenge of creating affordable housing options for our residents. The source of income ordinance we approved will help us move closer to our goal of housing more residents with an eye towards equity. I look forward to the positive impact it will have on thousands of Phoenicians," said Mayor Kate Gallego.</p>
<p>"Come April 6, residents in Phoenix using governmental assistance will have a new and needed tool to advocate for their right to affordable and fair housing," said Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari. "The enforcement of our source of income discrimination ban will help residents find and keep their homes – ensuring that fewer residents end up in the grip of homelessness."<br></p>
<p>The City will begin enforcing the amendment to Chapter 18 on April 6, 2023. The amendment is designed to address housing discrimination against persons who receive various kinds of sources of income including but not limited to: child support, spousal support, foster care subsidies, rental assistance, security deposit or down payment assistance, income derived from social security or disability insurance, veterans' benefits, Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers, and other forms of governmental assistance.</p>
<p>"This change to the City of Phoenix code will positively impact thousands of residents," said Councilwoman Debra Stark. "I believe everyone has the right to affordable housing without discrimination and this amendment to add source of income as a protected class is a major victory for the City and will create equitable opportunities for those seeking housing."<br></p>
<p>"Attorney General Kris Mayes made the necessary decision to ensure that the residents of Tucson and Phoenix have access to affordable housing options. At the end of the day, the source of income ordinance represents basic, fundamental rights that everyone is entitled to," said Councilwoman Laura Pastor.</p>
<p>"This is a crucial step in creating a fair and equitable housing market in Phoenix, and no one should be dictated on where they live," said Councilman Sal DiCiccio. "The source of income ordinance that was approved will ensure families have the opportunity to live in neighborhoods where they feel safe and have better school districts to raise their families."<br></p>
<p>"It was necessary for City Council to approve this ordinance to protect people from housing discrimination. I am proud to have been part of this effort with my colleagues in City Council and want to recognize the dozens of community members that flooded the city council chambers multiple times asking for our leadership on this matter," said Councilmember Carlos Garcia. "While the implementation of this ordinance will not solve the affordable housing crisis people are facing now, it solidifies the city's responsibility to prevent housing inequality moving forward."<br></p>
<p>The City of Phoenix is aware of the ongoing housing crisis and the struggles with finding affordable housing and is committed to addressing the <a href="/housing" target="_blank">housing shortage in Phoenix</a>. Although this new ordinance provides the City of Phoenix's Equal Opportunity Department with additional authority to protect City residents who face discrimination because of their source of income, it is designed to address a limited aspect of the current housing crisis - the barrier of housing discrimination that has adversely impacted many in the community. </p>
<p>If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination because of your source of income, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, gender expression or gender identity, please contact the Equal Opportunity Department at (602) 262-7486 (7-1-1 Friendly) or visit <a href="/eod" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/eod</a>. <br></p>
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| Phoenix Offers New Apprenticeship for Fleet Technicians | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-works/2711 | Public Works (Trash and Recycling) | | 3/30/2023 3:45:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/0sKBSPU9YQ8 | Phoenix Offers New Apprenticeship for Fleet Technicians | <div class="ExternalClassA32B42DC51474811840016D83BDEA653"><html>
<div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">The Phoenix Public Works Department’s Fleet Services Division is <a href="/publicworks/jobs" target="_blank">accepting applications</a> for the brand-new Fleet Technician Apprenticeship Program. Because apprentices will complete a two-year course that includes both in-class and on-the-job training, no automotive experience is required to apply. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“You’re getting paid to go to school, your tuition will be paid for, and when you do your on-the-job training experience you’ll also be getting paid,” said Fleet Operations Manager Lane Moulton. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">The program provides apprentices with education, experience, and empowerment for the future. Classroom learning includes 18 courses in partnership with the <a href="https://www.maricopa.edu/" target="_blank">Maricopa Community College District</a>. Meanwhile, apprentices will complete approximately 4,300 hours of training, which includes pairing with experienced City of Phoenix technicians eager to mentor others. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“A lot of our technicians here have ten or 20+ years of experience, so they’re actually transitioning all that experience to you to be the next generation of technicians for the Fleet Services Division,” Moulton said. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">As an apprentice's knowledge and skill increases, the complexity of assignments will increase – as will the salary -- until performance and technical ability are at the journey level. Ultimately, apprentices who finish the program will be ready to promote to the role of Equipment Service Worker II. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“There’s lots of room for advancements and promotions,” said heavy equipment mechanic Santos ‘JC’ Casillas. “Whoever comes in the door here, whether they’re male or female, young or old, there’s room for advancement. You’re never too old and you’re never too young.” </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“This is a unique experience to really start your career!” Moulton said. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">The Fleet Technician Apprenticeship is the fourth apprenticeship program offered by Phoenix Public Works. The department also has apprentices currently training as electricians, building equipment (HVAC) operators, and solid waste equipment operators (trash and recycling truck drivers). </span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><strong>The deadline to apply is April 10.</strong> Applicants must have completed high school at the time of hire, and they must attend a Fleet Services information session. You can find more details about the position, salary, benefits, and information sessions <a href="https://hcmprod.phoenix.gov/psc/hcmprodtam/EMPLOYEE/COP_TAM/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U&" target="_blank">here</a> (search Job ID 49566).</span></div><br></html></div> | https://phoenix.gov/publicworks | Video |
| Circle K Park in South Phoenix Changes Names to “Highline Park” | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2710 | Parks and Recreation | | 3/29/2023 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2710/Highline-Park.jpg | | Circle K Park in South Phoenix Changes Names to “Highline Park” | <div class="ExternalClass6ACA7FFCB1BC40E288058FFBCAA99086"><html>
<p>During the Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Thursday evening, the board voted to approve a name change for Circle K Park. <br></p>
<p>The new name for the park is “Highline Park" (1346 E South Mountain Rd.) due to its proximity to the Highline Canal in South Phoenix. The name change was approved alongside the approval of the proposed master plan for the park that will include a park renovation and bring amenities such as a new playground area, new lighting, a new sport court, 9-hole Disc Golf Course, WalkPHX path and a new park restroom to the newly-named “Highline Park."</p>
<p>“We are thrilled to announce this name change for our beloved park. The new master plan will provide a wide range of enhancements that will make this park a great place for everyone in our community," said Parks and Recreation Board Chair Kelly Dalton.</p>
<p>Park renovation design and permitting is anticipated to take approximately 12 to 14 months, and park construction is anticipated to take 12 months. The Highline Park renovation process is expected to be complete in summer 2025.</p>
<p>
<strong>Background</strong>
</p>
<p>The land was initially bought in 1972 and was named Escondido Park. In 1984, the park was developed in a partnership between Parks and Recreation and Circle K, resulting in the name change of the park to Circle K Park. </p>
<p>In 1984 the park site was developed through a partnership between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Circle K Corporation. The City of Phoenix contributed $400,000 of City Bond Funds, and Circle K provided a donation of $300,000 towards the project. During the community process and development of the park, the community supported a name change of the park to Circle K Park.</p>
<p>Since 1984, the park site has seen many improvements to amenities. The playground has been replaced, the parking lots have been renovated and new ramadas have been installed. Many infrastructure items in the park need improvements or replacement, including items such as the area lighting, sports courts and park restroom. </p>
<p>Because of the needs identified, $2.48 million in Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative Funding was allocated for Fiscal Years 2022-24. Staff also worked with the community to develop a new master plan for the park due to the age of the original master plan.<br></p>
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