Message from the City Manager
Last month, we lost a long-time colleague at the City of Phoenix. Neighborhood Specialist Roberto Frietz of the Neighborhood Services Department ended his long battle with cancer on July 19.
For over 30 years, Roberto exhibited the best of what makes City of Phoenix employees so important to our residents He built community, improved quality of life in our neighborhoods, treated all people with dignity, and simply was a good co-worker I worked with Roberto from the time he joined the City in 1995, and he was one of the first employees I interviewed in my On The Job segments (over 12 years ago)
I’m writing about Roberto this month because his life is a reminder of what makes Phoenix a great place to work Thousands of city employees like Roberto do their best every day to serve the community, show up for our residents and support teams that make a difference With his passing, there is a hole left in the family, the community and in the work team. Our thoughts are with his wife, Maria, and their extended family.
One of the important messages of On The Job was that what we do as City employees matters –making a difference to the people of Phoenix every day. Roberto Frietz did work that matters. I know there are many more stories of good friends, colleagues, co-workers and supervisors waiting to be told. I encourage you to take a moment this month to recognize someone in your life, your team or your department who makes a difference.
-Ed
Back-to-School Resources for Every Learner
Whether you’re preparing a preschooler for their first classroom experience or supporting a student throughout the school year, Phoenix Public Library has free resources to help.
Families can explore programs like Tools for Schooland Kindergarten Bootcamp, while library cardholders can access ScholasticTeachables, an online collection of printable worksheets, lesson plans, and educational activities for students and educators, on our eResources webpage
Learn more atphoenixpubliclibrary.org
Heading Outside?
Borrow an Umbrella!
During the extreme heat, employees are invited to grab umbrellas at the staff entrance of City Hall or by the elevators in the Calvin Goode Building Take one with you on your walk outside to stay shaded from the brutal sun
Because the umbrellas are a shared employee resource, please always return umbrellas to one of the cases inside either building
Thank you for making sure others can enjoy the shade, too!
Internal Career Development
INFO:
Join Talent Acquisition for an informative internal Career Development Lunch & Learn designed to give you a competitive edge as you look to take your career to the next level.
Choose from one of three sessions where we will dive into resume boosting strategies, interview winning techniques, and even decode City job announcements, so you know exactly how to stand out All employees are invited bring your lunch, your curiosity, and your ambition!
Aug. 11, Aug. 21, or Aug 28
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Calvin Goode Building, 10th Floor, Coronado Room Register today!
Celebrating A Silver Milestone
We’re thrilled to recognize the start of the 25th cohort, our silver anniversary, of the Engaging Leader Program. This milestone reflects the commitment of colleagues who continue to grow their leadership capabilities through experiences such as Myers-Briggs insights, SLII coaching, team development practices, and personal branding work
If you're looking to deepen your leadership skills, collaborate more effectively, and expand your professional influence, we encourage you to apply for a future cohort through our Phoenix Leadership Program Application. The Engaging Leader Program remains one of the most impactful investments you can make in your leadership journey at the City.
Clean Air Campaign Awards
Are you a Clean Air Commuter Champion? Celebrate commuting using alternative modes and nominate yourself or a coworker!
If you commute using bus, light rail, carpool, biking or walking, a combination of more than one mode you could win an award and be named a Champion for Clean Air!
Nominate yourself online before Aug. 21 at Valley Metro Clean Air Awards
For any questions contact:
Katrina.Gerster@phoenix.gov
Vote Phoenix as a Best Host
Phoenix is shining in the national spotlight yet again earning a finalist spot for the 2026 SportsTravel Award for Best Sports Host City!
This recognition highlights the exceptional teamwork, coordination, and dedication of city staff who bring major sporting events to life throughout the year. From large-scale championships to community celebrations, Phoenix continues to shine as a premier destination for athletes, fans, and organizers.
City
Voting is open through August 28. The Best Sports Host City category appears at the end of the ballot, and the entire voting process takes only a few minutes
With Phoenix’s long history of hosting world-class athletics and unforgettable sporting experiences, securing this award would underscore the city’s continued leadership in sports tourism Let’s keep the momentum strong and rally support for Phoenix!
Cash Handling Procedures in Effect
With the discontinuation of pennies under Arizona HB 2938, the City of Phoenix has already implemented several changes to ensure consistent and accurate cash handling across all departments and vendors
These steps ensure smooth transactions for customers and maintain Citywide consistency as we transition away from penny use. More details can be found on Phoenix.gov/Newsroom
CHANGES:
Point of sale systems and cash workflows have been updated to support rounding to the nearest five cent increment
Departments have trained frontline staff on the new rounding rules and when they apply
Required signage has been posted at all points of sale to notify customers of the rounding practice
Municipal vendors and concessionaires have been formally notified of the new standards
Finance is conducting periodic compliance checks
The City is coordinating with the State’s Weights & Measures Division for any enforcement needs
Fresh Local Produce at City Hall!
Sign up for the Sun Produce Co-op Farm Bag Program. Don’t wait – spots are limited and fill up fast! Learn more at Office of Environmental Programs Farm Bag Program.
$20 for a Standard Bag with ~5 produce types with options to purchase additional seasonal produce, dry goods and value-added food products such as bread, dry beans, and salsa!
New! HR Wellness
Sponsored Gift Card
Drawing: Farm Bag
Subscribers can be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $25 Sprouts Gift Card!
Pickup is monthly on the third Thursday at City Hall
Sign up for the Aug. 20 bag by Aug. 12 at noon
Congratulations Emerging Leaders
Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of the most recent Emerging Leader Experience. This skills-based leadership program is designed to assist in the development of leadership skills for individual contributors who may want to become team leaders or want to
GRADUATES:
Elizabeth Gomez, Aviation
Leticia Browne, Aviation
Deborah Romero, Finance
Justin Lisonbee, Fire
Benjamin Sanders, Fire
Melynda Cabrera, Human Resources
Malik Tsosie, Human Resources
Martha Godoy, Human Services
Yuriko Nava, Human Services
Luis De La Cruz Cardenas, Human Services
David Uriarte, Information Technology Services
Yolanda Juniel, Library
Liliana Gomez, Library
Daunivan Cox, Municipal Court
Alexandrea Farren, Municipal Court
Cody Kellogg, Office of Council: Staff
Troy Salewske, Office of Council: Staff
Christopher Balderrama, Office of City Engineer
Alicia Arauz-Orozco, Office of Sustainability
Andrew Smith, Planning & Development
Michael Bailey Jr., Planning & Development
Stephanie Bacosa, Police
Jolynn Coleman, Public Transit
Selena Munoz, Public Transit
Jamie Yagodnik, Retirement Office
Tracie Armstead-Payton, Street Transportation
Saul Epstein, Water Services
Virtual Fitness Friday
Take a quick wellness break and join us for virtual Seated Yoga & Stretch! This short, guided session will help you stretch, reset, and boost your focus no special equipment needed
Aug 14 | 10-10:30 a m Register here
Employee Leave Request
The following employees are accepting leave donations. If you would like to help, use eCHRIS.
Jose Escarcega | Street Transportation
Gabriel Hanks | Municipal Court
Christelle Laurence | Police
Complete list of eligible employees: Leave Donation website
Featured Job of the Week
Emergency Management Director Phoenix Fire Department
Close Date: Aug. 17, 2026
The Emergency Management Director provides executive leadership for the City of Phoenix Office of Emergency Management, overseeing all facets of preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response, recovery, and resilience for the fifth-largest city in the nation
This role leads citywide emergency preparedness and operational response, directs the Emergency Operations Center, manages key homeland security grants, ensures compliance with national emergency standards, and represents Phoenix in regional and national preparedness initiatives
Ideal candidates are strategic leaders with strong resilience planning skills, effective collaborators across agencies and community partners, and broad expertise in natural, technological, and public safety threats. They are strong communicators, decisive problem solvers, and adaptable, analytical, forward-thinking professionals in an ever-evolving risk environment.
Pay Range Explanation:
Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification
Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity Learn about role responsibilities and more information at phoenix.gov/jobs or log into eCHRIS
The Phoenix Fire Department has nearly 1,900 firefighters who provide lifesaving emergency medical care, fire suppression, and all hazards response The EMS Section supports this mission through medical direction, training, quality improvement, and coordination with hospitals and public health partners.
Click here to learn more about how the EMS Section is advancing the fire department’s mission to protect life, property, and community well-being.
