City News

CITY NEWS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVES TENTATIVE FY 2020 BUDGET TAX RATE REMAINS FLAT; COUNTY INVESTS IN PEOPLE, PETS, AND PARKS

WITH A NEW DECADE ON THE HORIZON, THE NATION’S FASTEST-GROWING COUNTY IS MAKING SMART INVESTMENTS TO FURTHER POSITION ITSELF AS AN ATTRACTIVE, LONGTERM HOME FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES. The Board of Supervisors approved a tentative $2.57 billion budget for fiscal year 2020.

“This fiscally responsible and sustainable budget keeps the tax rate steady for our residents while investing in the kinds of technology and infrastructure that works to serve citizens better,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “These investments include strengthening public safety, improving the voter experience, preserving and enhancing our open space, and utilizing technology and process improvement to save money and make our county government more efficient while providing better service. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Board and to all departments for budgeting in a way that plans for, and protects, the future.”

With the 2020 elections fast approaching, the budget reserves funding for updated elections equipment that is expected to increase the speed with which votes can be counted. Improved technology is one piece of a larger discussion about the future of elections in Maricopa County. “Making our elections the best they can be is a priority of every person on this Board,” said Vice Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “Modern, reliable equipment is essential for a county of our size so we can efficiently handle the potential record number of voters participating in our democracy in the 2020 elections and beyond.”

Recent numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show Maricopa County added 81,244 people between July 2017 and July 2018, the most of any county in the nation. The FY 2020 budget allocates $296.9 million for capital improvement projects which will modernize the infrastructure needed to support that growing population. Those projects include multi-milliondollar investments in county parks; a new East Valley animal shelter; and a new substation for the Sheriff’s Office in Avondale. The budget also provides continued funding for the new jail intake facility, Southeast Regional Justice Center, Central Court building, and 225 Madison renovation project, which will turn an old jail into modern, usable office space.

“I am proud to be part of the team that continues to pass budgets that protect our taxpayers while serving the needs of our ever-growing county population,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1. “This budget will assure the protection and well-being of our citizens. I’m pleased the tax rate won’t change nor is the county required to take on debt to fund operations.” At • $100,000 to update unincorporated a time when many other counties are area plans for the next generation. taxing as much as they are allowed by • Three new positions for the state law, Maricopa County’s tax levy County’s Innovation Studio, focused is $140.5 million below the maximum. on process improvement that in 2018 saved an estimated $1.5 million “We live in the most dynamic county dollars. in the United States where people tend • Full-time, permanent homeless to have a lower cost of living and pay coordinator to support regional less for government services than they solutions to homelessness through do in other large metropolitan areas, Human Services Department.

“Recent numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show Maricopa County added 81,244 people between July 2017 and July 2018, the most of any county in the nation. The FY 2020 budget allocates $296.9 million for capital improvement projects which will modernize the infrastructure needed to support that while also having access to diverse job and recreational opportunities,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri, District growing population. “Investments in county staff directly benefit the people of Maricopa County by ensuring the best and ” 2. “This budget supports the Maricopa brightest work here, and not County of the future by building somewhere else,” said Supervisor on a great foundation of innovative Steve Gallardo, District 5. “Having planning and fiscal intelligence to a permanent homeless coordinator at move us forward.” a time when the region’s homeless population continues to grow at an OTHER BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS alarming rate is one example of how INCLUDE: the county is prioritizing spending to • $1.5 million to continue the current make a real difference on issues that model of animal shelter operations matter.” that has resulted in a 95% save rate. • $1.5 million for process and The public will be able to comment on technology improvements that support the tentative budget between now and the strategic goal of becoming an all- the final vote which is scheduled for digital county by 2022. June 24.

USAA CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE DEER VALLEY COMMUNITY IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO NOTICE ALL How are the hiring’s going so far? Greg DeBernard, area. Based out of San Antonio, USAA provides OF THE NEW OFFICE CONSTRUCTION GOING regional vice president for USAA, said the company insurance, banking, investment and retirement ON RIGHT OFF THE I-17 AND HAPPY VALLEY has already hired about 350 developers. These products and is hiring developers to work on a ROAD, AND ONE OF THE LATEST TO OPEN IS developers will be moving into the new campus and variety of digital products for its various offerings, USAA’S NEW 14,000 SQUARE FOOT CAMPUS. will be joined by another 1,000 new employees by including webpage and app development. USAA has been a staple not only across the country 2020. but here in our own community and with this addi- The company has partnered with Galvanize Inc. to tion, they will be bringing an additional 1,100 jobs For those of you who are not already aware, USAA hire people who have completed training programs focused primarily on IT developers. Not only does has been a major employer here in the community at the downtown Phoenix location as well as the this mean new opportunities for the Deer Valley area for years. The company already employs about coding school’s other sites. You may find more residents in the form of jobs but the home sales and 4,500 people at its north Phoenix campus making information by visiting https://careerconnectors. local merchants should all see benefits. it one of the largest employers in the Deer Valley org/usaa/.

K. HOVNANIAN® HOMES BEGINS CONSTRUCTION AT UNION PARK AT NORTERRA UNION PARK AT NORTERRA Located at the northwest corner of be complemented with an elegant I-17 and Loop 101 freeways, and a MASTER DEVELOPER, SUNBELT 19th Avenue and Happy Valley Road owner’s suite, a second-level loft and diverse range of shopping, dining and HOLDINGS AND LAND OWNER, in north Phoenix, the community private backyard. Several of the luxury entertainment venues. USAA REAL ESTATE, ANNOUNCE opened its first phase of development townhomes will offer select options inTHAT K. HOVNANIAN® HOMES in late 2018. cluding a rooftop deck and an elevator. The jewel of Union Park at Norterra is STARTED CONSTRUCTION The Post, the community’s recreation OF ITS PINNACLE AT UNION Pinnacle at Union Park by K. Hovna- Pinnacle at Union Park plans to center serving as a community hub PARK LUXURY TOWNHOME nian® Homes will feature 113 luxury open in fall 2019 and will feature featuring a pool with cabanas, a NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN THE townhomes with three, two-story three models for touring. For more children’s play pool, a community 400-ACRE MASTER PLANNED floorplans ranging from 1,936 to 2,371 information and to join an interest list, park, event lawns, playground, COMMUNITY. square feet. Spacious living areas will call 877-546-8669. outdoor barbecue area, and basketball fering craft beer and good times for all! Business partners Marshall Norris and Union Park at Norterra currently features an open great room, catering offers new homes from Ashton kitchen and event/conference room Woods, Cachet Homes and David accented by timber columns, trusses, Weekley Homes, ranging from 1,803 decorative steel, barn doors, outdoor to 4,115 sf and starting in the low shutters and a covered porch. $300’s to low $500’s. and pickleball courts. The Post The Union Park at Norterra mixed- plan is focused on creating a oneuse community is planned to of-a-kind community – in which to eventually include a diverse mix live, work and play – that embraces of single-family and multi-family the vibrance of in-town living homes, hotel, office and a unique mixed with a casual and charming destination retail corridor. It is culture. For more information, visit exceptionally located close to the unionparkatnorterra.com

TWO NEW BREW PUBS COMING TO THE DEER VALLEY AREA BIG NEWS FOR THOSE OF YOU to make a splash like no other, Front WHO ARE CRAFT BEER AFICIO- Pourch plans to open with five unique NADOS AND LIVE IN THE DEER recipes. Keep up with their progress VALLEY AREA. Two new brew pubs by following them on Instagram @ are soon to open in the airpark area, of- frontpourchbrewing The Union Park at Norterra master The Front Pourch will be opening Mathew Wright will open Borderlands its first location in the early part of Brewing and Public House midJuly at 1611 W Whispering Wind summer 2019 at 701 W Deer Valley Dr., #7, Phoenix. For you craft brew Rd. Borderlands Brewing Company, a fans, Front Pourch has been pushing seven-year established Tucson brand, out some amazing concoctions for inspired the two with their carefully years and is now taking those beloved crafted beer, connection to the comfamily recipes to the public. We were munity, involvement with educational fortunate enough to tour their facil- foundations, and their focus on runity recently and were amazed at the ning sustainable business. The Phoefun and friendly décor. Styled in a nix location is a separate company similar manner to an old-time western completely but will hold the same local organizations. North Phoenix the new location. What else does the bar, Front Pourch offers a spacious commitment in craft and community. has already proven to be a flourish- future hold? Soon you’ll be able to open-air concept with darts, games “The primary focus will always be on ing market for Borderlands beer and enjoy local guest beer, wine, cider, and plenty of hometown feel. An craft beer,” Norris said. “But we want the area was carefully chosen to meet and mead. Although there will not be open view of the brew tanks keeps to take what Borderlands is doing with all of the needs of the brand; a strong food served from Borderlands Public you not only entertained, but in the the community in Tucson and amplify community and a growing market House, they will be partnering with loknow on what’s new. You will never it up here.” This will include regular for craft beer. For those of you who cal restaurants, including neighboring feel overcrowded; whether a couple educational talks on varying subjects enjoy the Borderlands brand already, business Habanero Fresh, to provide a of buddies getting together for a beer from craft beer science to rain water expect your favorite flagship beers, complete experience. Keep an eye on after work or a large event, there is harvesting. Borderlands Phoenix will specialty releases, and new specialty the progress at www.borderlandspubplenty of room for seating. Wanting also offer to host as a new venue for beers produced locally in Phoenix at lichouse.com

BOUTIQUE PILATES STUDIO OPENS IN NORTERRA CLUB PILATES’ STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT, EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS TO ALTER LOCAL FITNESS SCENE

CLUB PILATES, THE NATION’S LARGEST PREMIUM PILATES FRANCHISE, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS IN NORTERRA, PHOENIX ON JUNE 3, WITH A PLANNED GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION IN JULY. Located at 2450 W. Happy Valley Road, Ste. 1149, the new studio offers members full-body workouts that improves posture, balance, flexibility and strength. The bright studio welcomes members into a supportive atmosphere where they can choose from four class levels and eight signature group class formats that utilize a variety of equipment, including Reformers, EXO chairs, TRX, TriggerPoint and springboard. The Norterra location is owned by local entrepreneur Kim Pickens, who already owns one Club Pilates location in the Scottsdale area and expects to open a third in the next year. Aside from business ownership, Pickens keeps busy as a mother to three children and manages commercial and residential property throughout Arizona.

“Pilates can help meet a variety of health goals and can be beneficial for every type of person, from the old to young, and it’s gaining more popularity with men,” Pickens said. “We have been thrilled with the success of the Scottsdale location, and I’m excited to bring this transformative concept to even more

of the Phoenix community.” Club Pilates is the first Pilates organization to create a proprietary 500-hour Teacher Training Program designed to thoroughly and safely teach group Reformer Pilates classes along with TRX and Triggerpoint. Club Pilates has more than 500 active locations in 39 states.

For more information about how to become a Club Pilates member at the Norterra studio, please visit www. clubpilates.com/location/norterra/, or call 623-312-8505.

MARICOPA COUNTY GETS RID OF OVERDUE FINES AT ITS PUBLIC LIBRARIES

MARICOPA COUNTY IS WELCOMING THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMERS BACK TO ITS PUBLIC LIBRARIES. The Board of Supervisors has voted to eliminate overdue fines – and to waive existing overdue fines at the County’s 18 public libraries. This measure only applies to Maricopa County Library District libraries. While part of a growing national movement, Maricopa County is the first public library system in Arizona to take this step for all customers.

“Libraries are an important resource for children and adults to learn about and connect with their community and world,” said Bill Gates, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 3. “This is why we have decided to discontinue collecting daily overdue fines and to waive any existing fines that can build up and lead to blocked accounts for people who can least afford them, giving everyone a fresh start. We’re proud to be the first system in the state to remove this barrier between our residents and a vital community resource.”

“No one should be kept from libraries because of overdue fines,” said Cindy Kolaczynski, Director of the Maricopa County Library District. “Collecting fines isn’t a quick process. Our staff would much rather help customers explore and discover. Now is the perfect time to get or renew your library card and enjoy the library in person and online.”

MINIMAL FINANCIAL IMPACT

Maricopa County Library District receives about $300,000 from overdue fine payments each year, less than one percent of its budget. “That number has been dropping and doesn’t account for the resources it takes to collect payments,” continued Kolaczynski. “Coupled with the rise in digital items, which auto-return on the due date, it just makes sense to eliminate overdue fines.”

SUMMER READING PROGRAM STARTS JUNE 1

County officials also reminded the public to register at read20az.com for the annual Summer Reading Program, which runs through June and July. “Everyone can earn great prizes, including a free book,” Kolaczynski added. “You don’t need a library card for the program, but it definitely improves the experience.”