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City News
CITY NEWS
ARIZONA IN REVIEW: 2019, A YEAR TO REMEMBER
By Governor Doug Ducey INVESTING IN STUDENTS AND
2019 WAS A BANNER YEAR FOR added $660 million new dollars to K-12 ARIZONA. From breaking through public schools, bringing the total new 300,000 new jobs added since 2015, to dollars added to public education since earning the state’s highest-ever credit 2015 to $4.5 billion. rating; coming together to sign historic water legislation; recognizing 60 years GROWING CAREER AND of partnership with Sonora, Mexico; TECHNICAL EDUCATION: Goverblazing the trail as the first state in the nor Ducey’s FY 2020 budget invested nation to provide universal recognition $10 million to expand Career and Techof out-of-state occupational licenses; nical Education (CTE) offerings across passing historic tax reform that benefits Arizona. Through a grant program, high middle class families; boosting Arizo- schools with CTE programs will rena’s Rainy Day Fund to $1 billion while ceive up to $1,000 for each student who investing in teachers, students, infra- graduates with a certification in specific structure, public safety and more. industries. The budget also invested $20 KEY HIGHLIGHTS College’s Aviation Technology Program SECURING ARIZONA’S and $5.8 million to expand MaricoWATER FUTURE: Governor Ducey pa Community College’s healthcare in January signed legislation ratifying offerings. Arizona’s Drought Contingency Plan TEACHERS: The FY 2020 budget million to expand Pima Community (DCP), allowing Arizona to sign onto JOBS ON THE RISE: Arizona this an inter-state water agreement that year surpassed 300,000 new prioutlines ways the state will contribute vate-sector jobs added since 2015, with to conserving more water from the Col- companies such as Infosys, Offerpad, orado River. Arizona joined six other Raytheon, Microsoft, Benchmark Elecstates and Mexico in the signing. In tronics, Lucid Motors and more making April, President Trump signed legis- major jobs announcements this year. lation formalizing the DCP, Arizona’s included State most significant water reforms in four EXPANDING I-17, INVESTING IN Troopers, personnel decades. INFRASTRUCTURE: Governor at the Department of CorDucey announced that investments rections, the Department of Juvenile A FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE, topping $300 million will widen I-17 to Corrections and the Arizona State HosBALANCED BUDGET: Arizona’s three lanes along 15 miles between An- pital and caseworkers at the Department principals and other school personnel balanced budget added $542 million to them and Black Canyon City and build of Child Safety. who work with students in grades 6 Arizona’s Rainy Day Fund, bringing it an 8-mile system of flex lanes on the through 12. to a record $1 billion and helping better grade between Black Canyon City and SAFER SCHOOLS: Governor protect Arizona’s investments during Sunset Point. The project is set to begin Ducey’s executive budget included the NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR the next economic downturn. by spring 2021, with completion of all first-ever dedicated funding for school CYBERSECURITY: Recognizing improvements expected by 2023. counselors. With $20 million added to Arizona’s bipartisan leadership in PASSING REVENUE-NEUTRAL Arizona’s school safety grant program, cybersecurity, the National Governors TAX REFORM: Arizona’s Fiscal Year INVESTING IN HEALTHY in total, 383 school resource officers, Association (NGA) selected Arizona (FY) 2020 budget built on the tax relief FAMILIES: Arizona kicked off the counselors and social workers were along with five other states to particpassed as part of President Trump’s Tax year with a plan to invest $56 million funded through the program, with more ipate in the NGA’s policy academy Cuts and Jobs Act to make Arizona’s to expand Arizona’s childcare subsidy on the way. on election cybersecurity operations. code simpler, flatter and more fair. The programs, increasing access to child- Through the program, Arizona receives revenue neutral tax reforms—the most care for low-income working families EXPANDING SUICIDE technical assistance from NGA staff to significant of the past 30 years—prior- and foster parents. AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS: develop, implement and scale training itized middle and low-income earners, Governor Ducey in September signed and best practices throughout the state increasing Arizona’s standard deduc- SUPPORTING THOSE WHO the Mitch Warnock Act, expanding to improve coordination between elections to $12,000 for individual filers KEEP ARIZONA SAFE: This year, suicide prevention and awareness tion officials and reduce cyber-related and $24,000 for married filers. For the Arizona added $74 million dollars to training throughout Arizona schools. risks ahead of the 2020 election. first time in Arizona, the state standard provide raises for over 14,400 public The bill requires school districts and deduction matches the federal standard safety personnel employed by the state, charter schools to provide training in All in all, 2019 was a year to rememdeduction, representing a significant totaling roughly 40 percent of the state suicide awareness and prevention to ber – and we are looking forward to an simplification of the tax code. workforce. Those receiving pay raises school guidance counselors, teachers, equally successful 2020.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM THE MVD IN 2020
2020 WILL USHER IN A NEW WAY FOR THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION CUSTOMERS TO GET LICENSE PLATES, REGISTRATION TABS AND MANY DOCUMENTS SUCH AS VEHICLE TITLES. Beginning in January, customers will receive these items through the U.S. Mail LOOP 101 PIMA FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOR- • Adding an auxiliary lane in each direction between TATION HAS INITIATED A PROJECT TO WIDEN 7th Street and Cave Creek Road AND IMPROVE THE LOOP 101 (PIMA FREEWAY) • Constructing a new overpass structure at the future FROM INTERSTATE 17 IN PHOENIX EAST TO Miller Road alignment PIMA ROAD IN SCOTTSDALE. Improvements are • Modifying freeway ramps and frontage road needed to address growing traffic demands in the connections at 11 interchanges northeast Valley and relieve traffic congestion on the Loop 101 during the morning and evening peak travel Additional components include construction periods. of noise or retaining walls where warranted, improvements to drainage and new rubberized MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THIS PROJECT asphalt resurfacing and pavement markings.
INCLUDE:
• Adding one general purpose lane in each direction This project is utilizing the “design-build” (D/B) between I-17 and Pima Road method of delivery to help reduce the overall project timeline. This delivery method differs from the more traditional “design-bid-build” approach in which the project is completed in two phases (designed and then constructed). The D/B method involves pairing civil engineering firms with construction contractors to create “design builders” who work synergistically from beginning to end. This creates more opportunities for innovation and can reduce costs. The D/B method of delivery is most advantageous when transportation improvements are needed immediately to reduce high traffic volume or chronic congestion. To learn more about the D/B project delivery method, visit https://azdot.gov/node/7485 and will no longer be able to obtain them at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. Customers should make sure their address is current and complete with the U.S. Postal Service and MVD.
“The MVD needs to be well-positioned for the growth of e-commerce,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards. “Distributing items such as license plates, tabs, title work and other documents allows us to prepare for the growing demand for fulfilling customer orders through the mail as the MVD continues to increase the number of services available online, anytime.”
All registration documents and license plate tabs, including those issued at MVD self-service kiosks will be mailed. When customers renew, their record is updated instantly and a receipt is proof of registration.
For customers getting a license plate, this change will also mean the plate number will be entered into the customer’s service file and the temporary plate issued at the office will have the same number as the permanent plate being mailed.
Customers who purchase Off-Highway Vehicle decals the same day they plan to use them at a recreational area will not receive the decal at the office, but will get a receipt that should be kept with them to prove the decals have been purchased. In the future, more vehicle titles will transition to an electronic process. Currently, a limited number of title transfers such as one-owner to oneowner transfers of Arizona-registered vehicles can already be done entirely online through AZ MVD Now, which is available through ServiceArizona. com.
Another important reminder from the MVD: There are less than 200 business days left until October 1, 2020, and the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division reminds customers to get the AZ Travel ID to make it through TSA airport checkpoints starting on that date.
MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards said, “We don’t want to see travel plans ruined because flyers don’t have an ID that the TSA will accept.” In order to get the AZ Travel ID, customers need to bring in a document such as a birth certificate or valid U.S. Passport to prove identity and a second document with their Social Security number.
Finally, two pieces of documentation proving Arizona residency such as a utility bill, bank statement or something similar with a current name and physical address (not a P.O. Box) are also needed.
The AZ Travel ID replaces the current license or ID and re-sets the expiration date. The cost is $25, and under federal law, it is valid for eight years.
Customers should begin the application process at aztravelid.com. They can make an appointment at servicearizona.com to visit an MVD office, or visit an Authorized Third Party office
that provides license and ID services.
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CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY, PRINCIPAL NAMED FOR NEW DVUSD SCHOOL A PRINCIPAL HAS BEEN NAMED AND and shape our school community into a family CONSTRUCTION IS WELL UNDERWAY ON where students, parents, and staff alike love to DEER VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’S teach, learn, and work in partnership towards an NEWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED extraordinary education for our students,” said NORTH OF HAPPY VALLEY AT 21ST AVENUE Graham. IN THE NEW UNION PARK DEVELOPMENT. In addition to hiring teachers and staff in the Masonry walls are going vertical on the first coming months, Graham will coordinate the classroom building. Stem walls have been set selection process to determine a name, colors, and and grouted on three other buildings. Work is mascot for the school. progressing towards the opening day in August 2020. The school will feature a Spanish Immersion curriculum for students. “I look forward to Tricia Graham, current DVUSD Principal at building an amazing Spanish Immersion school Canyon Springs STEM Academy, was recently from the ground up, literally and figuratively, named the principal of the new school, temporarily together with Union Park and the surrounding being called Elementary #31. community,” Graham added.
“I am honored to be the very first principal at DVUSD Elementary #31. I am also excited to hire amazing staff who will nurture, cultivate, The District provides updates about the school and links to construction photos at www.dvusd.org/ elementary31
PHOENIX POLITICIANS APPROVE AIRPORT GROUND TRANSPORTATION CHANGES — WILL RIDESHARE COMPANIES UBER AND LYFT TAKE OFF?
ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019, THE PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CODE WHICH WILL ALLOW PHOENIX SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO ADJUST FEES FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport does not receive any tax revenue and is supported only by rent and fees paid by those who use its facilities. Commercial ground transportation businesses have been paying only a fraction of what it costs to operate the ground transportation program at Sky Harbor that supports their operation and are currently being subsidized by other Airport businesses. With the changes approved by City Council, the commercial ground transportation providers will be treated similarly to the other companies doing business at Sky Harbor.
Beginning February 1, 2020, new ground transportation fees will offer two options for rideshare providers: A $2.80 drop-off and pick-up fee at the PHX Sky Train Station or a $4.00 drop-off and pick-up fee for service at the terminal curb. When rideshare operators began in June of 2016, they represented only 9.3 percent of the commercial business. Today they represent 70 percent of the commercial traffic. While certain regulated providers, like taxis, are not allowed to pass fees onto the drivers or to their customers, other unregulated providers such as rideshare operators can choose whether to pass the fees to their customers or drivers.
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have made their stance known if this amendment passed. Last month, they sent letters expressing that if Phoenix imposes this tax increase, they will leave the airport. If they put their pedal to the metal, this would make Phoenix the first airport in the nation to literally drive out ridesharing companies.
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio has been very vocal about his disapproval of this tax increase, and after the approval he released a statement reading, “Despite learning that it is in direct violation of the Arizona constitution, the politicians at City Hall voted once again to pass this horrible new tax on rideshare. This will absolutely be overturned by the courts, and what the politicians did today is just take more money out of your pocket to pay for a futile lawsuit and screw over everyone who uses Uber and Lyft to get to the airport.”
Uber has reiterated their “willingness to work with you and your staff to identify a better solution that does not unfairly target those who rely on ridesharing.” But also stands firm on their ultimatum: “If the Phoenix City Council approves the ground transportation fee structure currently recommended by PHX, Uber will be forced to cease operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor effective January 2020,” Chris Garcia, Global Airport Partnerships Manager for Uber wrote in a letter addressing City of Phoenix Aviation Department Director Jim Bennett. The letter also calls out the “millions of Arizonans and visitors” that Uber has helped move around the valley since their launch in Phoenix in 2012, during “a period of remarkable economic growth and expansion” and points to the company’s heavy investment in the Phoenix community. The new fee structure will also encourage the use of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station, reducing the number of vehicles in the Airport core. The PHX Sky Train was built for and continues to dramatically reduce congestion on airport roadways, allowing for ground transportation businesses to utilize curb space. Incentivizing PHX Sky Train pick-up and drop-off will help ease traffic congestion and improve air quality by reducing the number of idling vehicles at Airport curbs. While many other major airports are forcing rideshare providers off their curbs to remote locations, Phoenix Sky Harbor is continuing to allow premium curbside service while offering a green incentive to use a remote location. The Council also provided for a 40 percent green discount for all commercial ground transportation providers using zero emission vehicles.
Now the keys are in the hands of Uber and Lyft — will they rev the engine on their threats to leave Sky Harbor? At time of press, there had been no statement from either rideshare company on their next move.
RUSSO AND STEELE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR CELEBRATING ITS 20TH YEAR AS question the very best example of THE MOST EXCITING COLLECTOR this variant to ever be presented at CAR AUCTION IN THE WORLD, public auction anywhere. It is 100 RUSSO AND STEELE RETURNS percent fully restored by CaliforniaHOME TO SCOTTSDALE ON JANU- based marque specialists at a cost ARY 15 AT THE EPICENTER OF of almost $300,000 to exact original ARIZONA CAR WEEK JUST SOUTH specifications down to brand new OF THE NORTH 101 FREEWAY AND Pirelli P7s and Ansa Sports Exhaust, SCOTTSDALE ROAD. which are all period-correct. It even One of the nation’s premier collec- tools complete. tor-car auction houses, Russo and Steele will provide hundreds of top- Built in February 1985 in Iconic quality collector cars for a variety of Bianco Polo Park with Rosso livery, buyers at their new site. Featuring this Countach Downdraft was the the equivalent of five football fields very first to be imported into the of tents with easy access off the United States by Al Copeland, car Scottsdale Road exit, acres of con- enthusiast and multi-race winning tiguous and close proximity parking offshore boat racer, and owner will greet attendees along with valet of Popeyes Chicken nationwide parking directly at the main entrance. restaurants. It was kept in Copeland’s Russo and Steele Collector years resulting in just 9,750 miles on Automobile Auctions is thrilled to the odometer. offer an ultra-rare 1985 Lamborghini Countach QV Downdraft at its 2020 “This is probably the most beautiful auction. Known as the most powerful example of a Countach Downdraft Countach variant ever built, this you will see anywhere,” said Drew particular model offers 455 bhp Alcazar, President and CEO of and was used as a factory press car Russo and Steele. “Even by today’s and was the photo subject of the standards the car is quite powerful Downdraft brochure distributed at and even though it’s almost 35 years the 1985 Geneva Salon. old, it’s design is timeless and the Fewer than 1/3 of all Countach comes with original books and all New Orleans car museum for 15 stuff of supercar fantasy.” models built were Downdraft For more information about Russo and variants and this model is without Steele, visit www.russoandsteele.com.
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