It has been an exciting year of progress for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, the City Council, and local residents.
Among the many positive developments have been:
- The commencement of projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS Act for areas like low-no emission buses, the semiconductor industry, and places like Sky Harbor Airport.
- Increased affordable housing projects.
- The passage of paid parental leave for Phoenix City Employees.
- Launching the Route to Relief Program in alliance with Maricopa County Community Colleges for post-secondary students in high-demand technological areas.
- The finalization of a city-wide electrification plan which will help combat climate change.
- The adoption of heat mitigation measures such as light coating pavement.
Mayor Gallego graciously took the time to discuss the many positive things that have happened this year in the fifth-largest city in the country and what policy goals she would like to pursue in 2023.
The questions and her responses are below.
- Please tell the readers, at least three policy accomplishments you are proudest of from 2022. Please explain.
TSMC
“A top accomplishment for me this year was watching the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) come to life in North Phoenix. TSMC’s presence in our city is nothing short of transformational and – with an increased investment of $40 billion, and the addition of a second fabrication plant – marks one of the largest Foreign Direct Investments in this nation’s history. The new headquarters and fabrication plants place Phoenix on the leading edge of high-tech manufacturing. In early December, that was enough to bring President Joe Biden, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and many other distinguished guests to our city. TSMC brings with it more jobs and more partnerships – most notably with the community college system that will train people for these jobs of the future. This partnership with TSMC is why I say, “The future is Phoenix.”
GO Bond
“2022 marks the first General Obligation (GO) Bond program since 2006 – 16 years ago. The GO Bond programs fund critical infrastructure and rehabilitation needs in our city. The Phoenix City Council and I voted in June to move forward with a proposed $500 million GO Bond and voted again in December to move forward with the recommendations we received from the GO Bond Committee. I look forward to the people of Phoenix having the final say at the polls next November. My goal is to have similar-sized bond programs every five years from now on. This will allow us to be better stewards of the city’s finances, infrastructure, and services.”
Affordable Housing
“Ensuring affordable housing options for all who call Phoenix home has been a top priority for me since I took office. Though there is still work to be done, we made great strides in 2022. This year, I implemented the Housing Phoenix Plan which combats the rapid rise in rents by creating or preserving 50,000 homes by 2030. I also attended several groundbreakings ushering in new affordable housing units to the Phoenix market. I recall one particular day in October of this year when I attended back-to-back events announcing a total of more than 400 affordable housing units. First, we celebrated the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s 70th anniversary and completion of their Expanding Hope Campaign, adding 240 new beds for their Hope Center. Then, I broke ground with Ulysses Development Group for 192 new, affordable homes at the Salt River Flats. All of this brings us closer to becoming the city we all want for ourselves, our children, and our future.”
- Personally, what is your best highlight of 2022?
Michael Learning to Read
“A personal highlight for me in 2022 is that my son, Michael, is learning to read! I love reading and it is rewarding to share something you love with your kid. Most recently, Michael has been very into the Dragon Masters series by Tracey West, an interest sparked by your kind holiday gift to him last year. We are currently on book 14!”
- What has been one area or incident in 2022 that you wish you could have a do-over? Please explain.
Head Start Birth to Five Program
“Our City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Program faced staffing and enrollment challenges this year. In 2022, the city added new Head Start teacher openings to expand the number of children the program could help. But, like many looking to hire this past year, the city struggled to fill those openings. Early childhood education is a priority both politically and personally and seeing this program struggle weighs on me in and out of the office. That’s why my office is already working with our Human Services Department to get a head start on hiring for the next and continue prioritizing the educational success of the future of our community.”
- Is there anyone on your staff/team you would like to salute for their positive contributions to advancing your and the council’s goals?
David Drennon – Press Secretary to Policy Advisor
“David has a strong professional background in economic development, and in helping small and large businesses succeed. He was doing a terrific job as my press secretary, but because of his expertise, we asked him to move into a new role as my Policy Advisor for Economic Development and Arts + Culture. It has proven to be a fabulous move! David has been very involved in our continuing conversation with TSMC. He’s also worked with the Maricopa County Community Colleges on my vision for job training for the semiconductor industry, as well as others. Perhaps most significantly for this year, David has been our point person for all things related to the Super Bowl. David continues to do a magnificent job and I am so pleased to have him on my team in this new role.”
- Based on the accomplishments and challenges of 2022, what are at least three policy goals you would like to pursue in 2023?
Pass Proposition 400 Extension
“In 2023, I am hopeful that we will bring a Proposition 400 extension to voters before it expires on December 31, 2025. The extension of Prop 400 is mission-critical. The bi-partisan bill was originally passed by the legislature and supported by every mayor in Maricopa County, plus a robust and diverse group of business leaders and sustainability partners, yet it was vetoed by Governor Doug Ducey. The half-cent tax has been in place for 38 years and renewing it would fund a $38 billion infrastructure package in the region. In fact, Prop 400 funded the completion of the Loop 303 – a key factor in the decision to locate TSMC in Northwest Phoenix. I intend to exhaust all avenues to get this prop to the ballot.”
Advancing Police Accountability
“I was pleased to welcome Chief Michael Sullivan to the Phoenix Police Department this past year, and as we enter 2023, I have high expectations for his plans for the reform and modernization of police services. Chief Sullivan has a record of bringing out the best in public safety and working to create stronger and safer communities. I plan to work closely with Chief Sullivan to advance equity and accountability in the department through reinforced training and policy review. I am optimistic about the future of Phoenix Police and look forward to continued work with the Chief to make Phoenix an even safer city.”
Drought Resiliency/Improve Water Policies
“Phoenix is building upon a strong track record of water conservation to adapt the way we operate and grow to live in harmony with our desert environment. In 2023, it is my goal that we continue to collaborate with other cities, tribal partners, the private sector, and agriculture, and invest in our infrastructure to bolster resilience to drought and aridification. Examples of water conservation efforts include partnering with industry to retrofit cooling towers that can save tens of millions of gallons of water per year, enhancing water efficiency in buildings and irrigation, and establishing water-smart policies for new development. Advanced water purification will be an important solution to make our water resources go further, and we are examining the potential for infrastructure that can serve the region.”
- Is there anything not covered in the first five questions that you would like the readers to know about your tenure as Phoenix Mayor in 2022? Please explain.
Waymo
“In case you missed it, Phoenix is making history in autonomous vehicles! This year, Waymo launched a rider-only service in the downtown and central Phoenix corridor. Sky Harbor also became the first airport in the world to offer Waymo rider-only autonomous vehicle services. I have had the opportunity to ride in several Waymo’s and the technology of watching the wheel spin with no driver is wild! I can’t wait for Super Bowl LVII fans to see this technology in February. The future is here and the future is Phoenix!”
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