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City News
City News City of Phoenix COVID-19 Update
Councilwoman Thelda Williams, City of Phoenix District 1
AS OUR COMMUNITY AND OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTY EXPERIENCE INCREASED VIRUS SPREAD, THE DISTRIBUTION OF A VACCINE IS CRITICAL AND WELCOMED NEWS.
Although vaccine distribution is beginning, it is important to continue to practice the basic public health steps outlined by the CDC.
The city of Phoenix is not the lead agency on vaccine distribution, but has been working closely with federal, state and county officials on the planning and logistics of distribution.
The state of Arizona will decide how the vaccine will be allocated to the 15 counties as well as who is prioritized in each phase. We’ve been advised that as the vaccine becomes available it will be distributed in three phases through five regional distribution pods.
Information about vaccine availability and distribution is frequently updated. I encourage you to tune into our state and county public health offices for the most up-to-date schedule. Shifting to funding allocation, on May 5, 2020, the Phoenix City Council put a plan in action to use federal CARES Act money to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Phoenix residents should be confident and proud of the way we have worked to distribute these funds. We were one of the first cities in the country to roll out a strategic plan to dispense this money to our community and partner organizations. As a result of that, cities across the country have contacted our professional staff to use the Phoenix model to appropriately distribute coronavirus relief funds.
The city received $293.3 million directly from the U.S. Treasury Department that was intended to cover costs that are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency from COVID-19 and had to be spent by Dec. 30, 2020. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Treasury. It was in the community’s best interest to use every single dollar ahead of the deadline. Any expenses deemed inappropriate by the Treasury when they do an audit of our expenditures will be recouped, meaning we would have to pay back anything that was inappropriate.
The City Council approved and revised a plan that allocated the relief funds into three major categories: Community Investment: $78.2 million; City Operations: $71.8 million; and Reserve to Preserve City Services: $143.3 million.
Despite the unprecedented procurement undertaking in a short timeframe and serious supply chain disruptions, as of early December, the city disbursed approximately $249 million.
Based on the programs and allocations previously approved, staff estimated that all but approximately $43.4 million was spent by the Dec. 30 deadline. Of this amount approximately $34.5 million is still needed to complete and facilitate projects and programs originally approved by City Council for COVID relief and approximately $8.9 million will be available to be reprogrammed.
The City Council approved the use of $43.4 million to further offset Public Safety salaries which would free up additional General Fund resources. The freed up General Fund resources could then be used to continue funding the original projects as needed and to address any issues determined to be high priority by City Council and that required more time than available under the deadline of Dec. 30. The Council agreed to reprogram the remaining approximately $8.9 million as follows: • $3.3 million for utilities, prevention of homelessness and evictions • $2 million for project assist • $1.08 million for business assistance • $2 million for COVID testing • $500,000 for food and afterschool programming
While my colleagues and I on the City Council have different political positions, we worked hard to come together to find the best possible use of these funds for our residents. I want to recognize our talented staff lead by City Manager Ed Zuercher, Deputy City Manager Jeff Barton and Finance Director Denise Olson, whose mission it was to quickly and efficiently disburse every penny.
If you need to apply for relief funding, or for more COVID-19 information, testing and resources, visit phoenix.gov/ resources. If you have any questions, call my office at 602-262-7444.
Arizona DPS to Enforce Distracted Driving Law
By Sergeant Kameron Lee, Arizona Department of Public Safety
NINETY FOUR PERCENT OF CRASHES THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY (ARIZONA DPS) INVESTIGATES ARE DUE TO DRIVER ERROR, MEANING 94% OF THE CRASHES ARE COMPLETELY
AVOIDABLE. Distraction remains a common theme in many of the crashes we respond to.
Beginning this month, Arizona DPS will enforce the law signed last year that says it is “Illegal in Arizona to talk or text on a cellphone while driving unless the device is in a hands-free mode.” This law prohibits drivers from using a cellphone or a stand-alone electronic device while driving unless it is being used in a hands-free mode. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, tablets, music and gaming devices. A “stand-alone electronic device” is a portable device other than a portable wireless communication device that stores audio or video data files to be retrieved on demand by a user.
We want people to think of the consequences of distracted driving now, not after a crash has happened. If someone is hurt, or worse, loses their life because you chose to look at a text, scroll social media or even looked down to follow the GPS on your phone, the consequences can be life altering and life changing.
The hardest part of a trooper’s job is knocking on the door of a home and telling the people living there that their family member isn’t coming home. We are asking for voluntary compliance of the hands-free law. In our day and age, we have the technology that allows us to safely operate our vehicles without phones or other electronics in our hands. That one text or that one phone call isn’t worth it. This is more than a text and driving ban. You cannot hold your phone or any portable electronic communication device in your hand while driving–you don’t have to be texting to be in violation.
THREE INSTANCES WHERE YOU CAN USE YOUR PHONE INCLUDE: 1. Using GPS navigation while the phone is docked. 2. Talking on the phone via Bluetooth or other handsfree devices. 3. Calling 9-1-1.
WHAT YOU CANNOT DO: 1. Holding your phone to make or answer a call (except a 9-1-1 call). 2. Read or send text messages, emails, etc. 3. Hold or support the device with your body.
Learn more at azdps.gov/handsfree.
City News TSMC brings $12 Billion Investment to North Valley
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IN A MOVE THAT WILL ADD THOUSANDS OF JOBS AND PROVIDE AN ENORMOUS ECONOMIC BOOST TO THE VALLEY, THE CITY OF PHOENIX HAS APPROVED A MASSIVE $12 BILLION DEAL WITH TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY (TSMC).
TSMC recently bought 1,128 acres of land in north Phoenix at a state land auction for this project, according to reports. TSMC will build an advanced semiconductor fabrication plant to produce the company’s 5-nanometer technology for semiconductor wafer. The $12 billion figure represents direct capital investment; the full economic impact of the deal is estimated at $16 billion. In addition to being a recordsetting deal for Phoenix, it is also among the largest private investments in Arizona history.
“It is remarkable that this came to fruition during a pandemic,” says Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “It speaks volumes about what makes Phoenix so attractive. We have the workforce, the neighborhoods, and the kind of peer network of advanced manufacturers that companies like TSMC look for.”
She added, “The payoff is huge. TSMC will create 1,900 high-tech jobs and foster thousands more related jobs in the semiconductor supply chain ecosystem.”
Initial conversations with TSMC began several years ago and have continued ever since. Mayor Gallego traveled to Taiwan last year to solidify relationships and move the deal forward. At the council meeting, the mayor thanked those involved for the hard work and persistence that brought the project across the finish line.
Construction is set to begin early this year. The plant is expected to be in production by 2024.
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City News
The City of Phoenix Earns Top Honors from the HRC
THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN (HRC) RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT THE CITY OF PHOENIX EARNED A PERFECT SCORE OF 100 FOR ITS ONGOING EFFORTS TO ENSURE EQUAL TREATMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND QUEER (LGBTQ) COMMUNITY.
The HRC uses the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score to examine how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live and work in each city. The MEI evaluates 506 cities nationwide for LGBTQ inclusion based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and the city leadership’s public position on equality.
“The City of Phoenix is one that values and accepts the individuality of every resident. Earning a perfect score of 100 for the eighth year in a row highlights the fulfillment of our promise to be a city that works for everyone,” says Mayor Kate Gallego. “While we still have work to do, this announcement is cause to celebrate a win not just for Phoenix but for equality.”
Phoenix has maintained a perfect score since the expansion of the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance in 2012. The ordinance makes it unlawful to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in the areas of employment, public accommodations, housing and government contracts.
“As a city, we have so much to celebrate with eight consecutive years of a perfect score,” says Phoenix Vice Mayor Betty Guardado. “While this is an important recognition, we still have work to do, and must continue to support the LGBTQ community to make Phoenix a safe and inclusive city for everyone.” “A perfect score for the city would not be possible without the consistent, hard work of many,” says Councilmember Debra Stark. “This work takes the form of partnerships, LGBTQ liaisons for city departments, and an important non-discrimination ordinance that the city upholds to protect our LGBTQ community members. I’m extremely proud to represent this diverse city that holds equality for all to the highest standard.”
As a national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC’s goal is to ensure that all LGBTQ people, and particularly those who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens across the country and around the world.
To access the full #MEI2020 report, visit hrc.org/mei.
Know an Outstanding Youth? Encourage Them to Apply for This City of Phoenix Award
THE CITY OF PHOENIX YOUTH AND community awareness of the positive receive an award of $500. members of the community. District EDUCATION OFFICE IS NOW ACCEPTING contributions of youth. This awards • In addition, each district-level winner award winners will be invited to a APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2021 program is open to any students will be eligible for an additional luncheon sponsored by Rotary 100, OUTSTANDING YOUNG MAN/YOUNG currently enrolled in high school in $1,500 award if they are selected as Arizona Public Service (APS), and Salt WOMAN (OYMYW) OF THE YEAR Phoenix or lives within Phoenix city the citywide winners. River Project (SRP) where the citywide AWARDS. limits. award winners will be announced. Students interested in applying will The OYMYW of the Year program HOW IT WORKS need to write an essay, submit a Eligible students can apply through recognizes and honors the outstanding • One young man and one young recommendation letter, and proof of the online application form located at achievements of young people, enhances woman will be selected as winners legal residence in the United States. phoenix.gov/education before 5 p.m. the perception of youth, and raises from each city council district and Finalists will be interviewed by on Friday, February 26.
City News
Waste Not Launches Free App to Connect Donors with Nonprofits Feeding the Hungry
WASTE NOT, A 501(C) 3 NONPROFIT connected with nonprofits in their for distribution to individuals and AGENCY THAT RESCUES PERISHABLE community and local volunteer drivers families. FOODS BEFORE IT GOES TO WASTE AND who deliver the food. • Food businesses reduce waste costs, DELIVERS IT TO THOSE IN NEED, HAS generate tax savings and help those LAUNCHED THE MEALCONNECT APP, A “The process of donating meals through in need. FREE AND EASY WAY TO DELIVER EXCESS MealConnect is seamless and very • The food donation system addresses FOOD PRODUCTS TO NONPROFITS user-friendly,” says Samantha Liotta, a food insecurity in a state where one HELPING FEED THE HUNGRY. sports dietician for Sun Devil Athletics. in four children go to bed hungry Liotta and her team create balanced, every night and one in five adults After a successful and well-received nutritious meals for ASU student lack consistent access to adequate soft launch last spring just as the athletes. “It makes the process so easy food. coronavirus pandemic took hold, and we have recommended it to others MealConnect “is easy to use and to use. It feels good knowing our excess “Our goal is to add to our base of never eaten. Waste Not provides requires no obligation from the user, nutritious meals are being donated to more than 70 generous local food nearly 3.5 million meals a year only that they use it when they have those who need and appreciate them. businesses, including restaurants, through donations. In 2019, Waste surplus food,” says Hillary Bryant, All the volunteers have been kind and catering companies, resorts, grocery Not diverted 963 tons of food from community engagement manager at great to work with as well.” stores and event venues that landfills, a total value of more than Waste Not. “MealConnect users don’t consistently donate excess perishable $2.2 million. need to donate a lot of food to be part The app has significant benefits for the food that would otherwise go to of the effort because every donation, community and for donors: waste,” Bryant says. “Expanding our For more information about MealConno matter how big or small, has an • Nonprofit agencies, including base means that we can provide food nect, to donate food, or to become a impact. And, with the intensifying homeless shelters, transitional to more people in more communities volunteer driver, contact Community impact of the pandemic, the need for housing, senior facilities, preschools across the Valley.” Engagement Manager Hillary Bryant food items also is growing.” and after-school programs, at Hillary@wastenotaz.org or 602rehabilitation centers and food Nationally, more than $218 billion 361-9162. For more information about Users of the app are immediately pantries receive food with no cost is spent on food every year that is Waste Not, visit wastenotaz.org.
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