City News

THE CITY OF PHOENIX TO BEGIN TURNING PLASTICS INTO FUEL THE CITY OF PHOENIX PUBLIC The need to find a way to re-use these of this movement to prevent more ma- “Renewlogy is excited about bringing WORKS DEPARTMENT IS EXCITED materials comes on the heels of China terials being simply thrown away.” our technology to Phoenix and creating TO ANNOUNCE A NEW PART- no longer accepting certain recycled a more circular economy around plastic NERSHIP WITH RENEW PHOENIX materials from the United States. This The plan is for Renew Phoenix, a joint waste locally,” said Priyanka Bakaya, THAT AIMS TO TURN PLASTICS forced city leadership to think creative- venture between Generated Materi- Founder and CEO of Renewlogy. DESTINED FOR THE LANDFILL ly to find new solutions for its recycled als Recovery and Renewlogy, to work “Phoenix will serve as a model for citINTO FUEL. This innovative repur- materials. Thanks to the foresight of the together to build a facility to process ies around the country looking for local posing of what’s known as “Plastics Phoenix City Council, this new project the materials on the city’s Resource In- solutions for plastic waste.” 3-7,” or low-value plas- is now ready to take shape. novation Campus. tics, is the latest venture in the city’s “Reimagine Phoenix” initiative to increase its diversion rate to 40 percent by the end of 2020, and ultimately reach zero waste by 2050. “I believe in taking bold chances to make big change. The idea of making fuel with the plastics we are throwing away is certainly an ‘out of the box’ idea that I am thrilled to say will also bring jobs and revenue “The future is all about recycling, sustainability and doing our part to ensure future generations have a healthy ” “ Once at full production, the project is expected to divert ten tons per day of mixed plastic waste, which equates to 60 barrels of liquid fuel. “I am excited for what this partnership brings to Phoenix,” said Councilman Michael Nowakowski, whose district is home to the city’s Resource Innovation Campus. “This new, innovative venture will encourage other businesses to bring-next generation technology to Phoenix to help us reach our diversion goal of 40 percent by 2020.” Renew Phoenix was selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Their plan is to use a proprietary chemical recycling process to reverse the plastic back into its basic Once at full production, the project is expected to divert ten tons per day of mixed plastic waste, which equates to 60 barrels of liquid fuel. This partnership will not only help Phoenix, but the Valley altogether. Renew Phoenix will be able to scale their production to allow regional remanufacturing of Plastics 3-7 to be processed as well. “We are proud to continue bucking the trend and pushing forward with innovation, economic development and repurposing our waste,” said Ginger Spencer, city of Phoenix Public Works Director. “We are committed to buildto our city,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate planet,” said Councilwoman Thelda molecular structure, which will allow ing a circular economy and achieving Gallego. “During a time when cities Williams, who serves as the chair of the them to convert the plastic waste into our Reimagine Phoenix goals. This new are giving up on recycling, Phoenix Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and fuel. Renew Phoenix will also bring as venture to turn plastics into fuel is eyeis again leading the way in setting Sustainability (WWIS) Subcommittee. many as 15 full-time jobs to the valley, opening and we hope it will serve as a the gold standard for innovation and “I am certain that once others see what after investing more than five million model for other cities to reimagine their creativity.” we are doing, they will want to be part dollars in capital to the project. own recycling programs.”

LOCAL RESTAURANT HOSTS PAJAMA DRIVE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

U.S. EGG IS TEAMING UP WITH ARIZONA HELPING HANDS (AHH) TO HOST A NEW TOY AND PAJAMA DRIVE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN FOSTER CARE. AHH is the largest organization in Arizona that provides beds, cribs, clothing, toiletries, “Partnering with AHH and hosting this pajama drives

birthday gifts, holiday toys, backpacks with school supplies, licensing safety items, and more to more than 14,000 children in foster care.

“It may come as a surprise to many, but many children in foster care have never had their birthday celebrated and often do not have any personal belongings when they go into a foster home,” said Sherie Siegel, Vice President of Arizona Helping Hands. “Providing a new pair of pajamas or piece of clothing that is theirs makes a huge impact. Every child should feel special for their birthday. Providing new birthday gifts shows them that people truly care and take community’s support with this drive.”

For the entire month of May, all six Valley U.S. Egg locations will be collecting new toys and pajamas that will be donated to Arizona Helping Hands. The greatest need are new toys for boys and girls ages 6-12 to support the Birthday Dreams program, where every child in foster care receives new gifts and a new book.

“As a family-oriented business, we prioritize giving back and supporting our community, especially those in need,” said George Gebran owner of U.S. Egg. the time to think about them. We are thankful for the

is one of the most important things we do all year.”

Another family operated company, Hickman’s Family Farms is also supporting the drive this year as one of the primary sponsors.

The restaurant will host foster families throughout the month of May so they can enjoy a complimentary breakfast or lunch on U.S. Egg.

NEARBY U.S. EGG LOCATIONS: 7119 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale 3238 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale 402 E. Greenway Parkway in Phoenix 2957 W. Bell Rd. in Phoenix

PHOENIX RAISES MINIMUM PAY FOR EMPLOYEES TO PROVIDE LIVABLE WAGE NEW $15 MINIMUM WAGE WILL TAKE EFFECT FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN MAY TO PROVIDE A LIVABLE WAGE The recommendation, passed by a tions. Applied to all employees, the TO ALL THE CITY’S FULL-TIME unanimous vote of the City Council, increase would also affect positions EMPLOYEES THE PHOENIX positions the City to better compete represented by Unit 2 (trades workCITY COUNCIL, UNDER THE for talent in a competitive job market ers) and Unit 3 (clerical workers) LEADERSHIP OF NEWLY-ELECTED and ensures that people who provide across the organization. MAYOR KATE GALLEGO, RAISED frontline customer support in a variety EMPLOYEE MINIMUM WAGE TO of roles in the organization are com- “Raising the minimum wage to $15 $15 AN HOUR AT ITS APRIL 3 pensated fairly. an hour for the men and women who FORMAL MEETING. work at the City of Phoenix is life “Phoenix City Council’s unanimous changing. These employees work tire“I am proud that in my first City Coun- action yesterday to guarantee a $15 lessly each day for the community and cil meeting as Mayor, my colleagues minimum wage for our employees deserve to be paid a livable wage,” and I took concrete action to show was a huge win for working families,” said Jennifer Grondahl, Secretary, our support for employees by provid- said District 5 Councilwoman Vania LiUNA Local 777. ing them a true living wage that will Guevara. “It’s exciting to see our City make a real difference in their day-to- leading by example, making sure our “We are thrilled with the Mayor and day lives,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. employees are paid a wage that allows Council’s unanimous vote for a $15 “The City of Phoenix is proud to have them to provide for their families, an hour minimum wage at the city. It incredible employees who work hard save for the future, and invest in them- truly shows the dedication of Mayor cilman Michael Nowakowski. “To be to improve our community every day, selves and their community.” Gallego and the City Council in mak- the best city we can, we must not only and we must take the necessary steps ing sure Phoenix is a leader among provide the best services for our comto ensure that they are paid what they The change in the minimum wage cities to establish a living wage for munity but also pay our employees fair deserve. This will benefit our working grew out of a collaborative discus- all,” said Frank Piccioli, President living wages for the work they do.” families, young employees just begin- sion between city leadership and one AFSCME Local 2960 ning their careers who have dedicated of the City’s employee labor groups, The state minimum wage in Arizona themselves to public service, and for LiUNA Local 777. LiUNA represents “This is a step in the right direction in is currently set at $11 per hour and apevery employee who works hard and city employees in Unit 1, holding ensuring we offer our employees proper plied to Phoenix employees before the deserves a livable wage.” unskilled and semi-skilled posi- livable wages,” said District 7 Coun- new Council action took effect.

ARIZONA RANKS IN TOP 5 STATES FOR PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH ARIZONA RANKED FIFTH IN THE UNITED rate in the nation. Construction, health care and social work of job creators, entrepreneurs and employees. STATES FOR PERSONAL INCOME GROWTH IN assistance; finance and insurance; professional, sci- Arizona will continue to focus on setting the best 2018, ACCORDING TO A REPORT RELEASED BY entific, and technical services; and administrative and economic environment to continue bringing more jobs THE U.S. BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS. waste management services were the largest contribu- and opportunity to our state.” Personal income grew 5.5 percent in Arizona, beating tors to earnings growth from 2017 to 2018. “Arizona’s the national average of 4.5 percent. booming economy is delivering larger paychecks for Arizona’s median household incomes recently reached workers and families,” said Governor Doug Ducey. a record high of $61,125. Over 290,400 new jobs have Earnings were the leading contributor to personal in- “Over the last year, personal income in Arizona in- been added since 2015, and a recent report by the Aricome growth in 2018. Arizona’s net earnings increased creased at one of the fastest rates in the nation — and zona Office of Economic Opportunity projected Ariby 5.8 percent from 2017 to 2018, the fourth fastest well above the national average — thanks to the hard zona will add more than 165,000 new jobs by 2020.

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NEW ONLINE ADOT LITTER HOTLINE WEBSITE MAKES REPORTING EVEN EASIER THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT which also is available by calling the ADOT issued more than 1,200 letters OF TRANSPORTATION’S LITTER toll-free phone number 877.3LITTER in the past year based on Litter Hotline HOTLINE HAS A NEW ONLINE (877.354.8837), is public awareness reports. HOME THAT MAKES IT EVEN rather than law enforcement. EASIER FOR THE PUBLIC TO The Litter Hotline’s new online REPORT DRIVERS WHO THROW With information reported by reporting tool has another benefit: Its TRASH OUT OF VEHICLES ON witnesses, ADOT sends a letter to database will allow ADOT to better STATE HIGHWAYS. the vehicle’s registered owner with a understand littering trends by tracking reminder that littering is illegal and can the location and time of each report. Litter.AZ.gov allows witnesses to result in a $500 fine when spotted by ADOT welcomes litter reports even if quickly share what they’ve seen law enforcement. The letter notes that witnesses miss a license plate number. through an automated chat feature. it costs more than $4 million a year to While a letter can’t go out in those The site asks for just a few details, remove litter from Arizona’s highways cases, knowing where and when the including license plate number, and that roadside trash makes a poor littering occurred is helpful. location, time and type of litter. impression on visitors and residents. The recipient also receives a litter bag To learn more about ADOT’s Litter The mission of ADOT’s Litter Hotline, suitable for an automobile. Hotline, please visit Litter.AZ.gov.

MARICOPA IS FASTEST-GROWING U.S. COUNTY IN 2018 FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR MARICOPA COUNTY REMAINED THE FASTEST- in areas with much larger populations. This trend is The Valley’s population spurt means on average 263 GROWING U.S. COUNTY FOR THE THIRD YEAR consistent with the overall growth we are seeing in the people choose to live among the 22 Valley cities IN A ROW, ADDING 81,244 NEW RESIDENTS south and the west.” every day. Individual city population estimates are IN 2018, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. CENSUS due in early May. BUREAU POPULATION ESTIMATES. The county The metro area population gain, equal to almost population tops 4,410,824 million. Maricopa is the twice the population increase for entire states Santa Cruz and Cochise were the only Arizona fourth most populous U.S. County. of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, was not counties to lose population, and Apache, Gila, quite enough for the Valley to move past Boston- Graham and Greenlee showed no population The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area was Cambridge-Newton Massachusetts-New Hampshire change. second in population growth over 2017 adding 96,000 metro area. Boston metro’s population grew nearly new residents to bring the Valley’s population to 4.86 31,000 to 4,875,390, just 17,400 people more than Among counties, Maricopa County was second million in 2018. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas, Phoenix’s 4,857,962 in 2018. in population growth between 2010 and 2018. was the fastest-growing metro, adding nearly 132,000 new residents in year-over-year data. In the 2020 Census, Phoenix is likely to pass Boston Harris County (Houston), Texas, added 604,431 and become the 10th largest U.S. metro area. In 2017, new residents over the eight-year span, compared “One interesting trend we are seeing this year is the Valley passed the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, to Maricopa County’s 593,465 new residents in the that metro areas not among the most populous are CA, metro area to become the 11th largest U.S. metro. same period. Harris County has a population of 4.7 ranked in the top 10 for population growth,” said million compared to Maricopa’s 4.4 million. Sandra Johnson, a demographer in the Census According to the Census, eight of the ten fastestBureau’s Population Division. “Though no new metro growing counties were in the west. The other two Population estimates are generated annually by the areas moved into the top 10 largest areas, Phoenix, were in Florida. The population estimates found that Census Bureau based on a variety of sources. The Seattle, Austin, and Orlando all experienced numeric 45 percent of U.S. counties experienced no population numbers represent net population changes based on increases in population since 2010, rivaling growth change or population declined. births, deaths, in- and out-migration.

PHOENIX POLICE SHOOTINGS REPORT RELEASED THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT RE- The report made nine recommendations, including situations such as mental health issues, suicides, LEASED A HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL INDE- taking steps to track how often police point their road rage and more. PENDENT STUDY REPORT ON LAST YEAR’S guns at suspects, regardless of shots being fired, and DRAMATIC SPIKE IN OFFICER INVOLVED taking a stronger role in sharing data with the com- What does this mean to our city? The study showed SHOOTINGS. munity. an increase in police interactions with armed subjects, which leads to yet another question as to why? The 66-page report by the National Police Foun- The study, which was requested by Chief Jeri Wil- Is this a sign of a change in community? Family? dation was created through statistics as well as liams, was approved and funded ($150,000.00) by Immigration? Over population? Or is it just a mixinterviews with the community and officers alike. the Phoenix City Council in July of 2018. By the ture of all of the above? Give us your opinion. Go to Fortunately, the study did not find any major issues end of that same year, Phoenix officer involved facebook.com/NorthTatumTimes and comment on with the department’s training and policies. shootings had reached a record 44. From 2009 to this story’s post. 2017, the department averaged 21 officer-involved “We found no evidence in our review that policy or shootings. See the full study online at: https://www.scribd.com/ training is flawed or misguided and in fact found document/406830432/Npf-Ois-Study#from_embed that PPD executive staff have taken many reasonable The 23 fatalities from last year’s shootings were steps to strengthen both policy and training,” it said the highest across the nation. Los Angeles Police in the Key Findings and Recommendations section. Department was second with 14. Philadelphia, San Antonio and San Diego (all similarly populated citWhere the study did find fault was in a disconnect ies) combined only reached 30. between police and the public. Phoenix Police have already taken steps to make “Our discussions with the community and review of changes. These include more body cameras to help PPD actions revealed a lack of transparency on the make officers and hopefully the public more cogpart of PPD and a lack of trust between PPD and the nizant of the interaction as a whole. New types of community that may be inhibiting transparency,” it training have also been adopted to help officers not said. to react in a military style, but to handle real world

ALWAYS ON THE MOVE AT THE DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE WHETHER SHOPPING, DINING will be quick, and time closed will into an atmosphere filled with comic behind in libations, Tikka Shack also OR JUST ENJOYING A WALK only be a few days at the most. book memorabilia and life-sized repli- offers a full beer wall! WITH THE FAMILY, DESERT RIDGE cas of superhero and villain characters MARKETPLACE IS OUR COMMU- Victoria Secrets PINK will be join- and you assured a recipe of fun for Many of you are already aware of the NITY’S “TOWN HALL.” Recently ing our family right next to the new adults and kids alike. addition of CB Live. The event venue you may have seen the notice that H&M. Focusing on a slightly younger offers some of the best comedy and Office Max will be leaving. Not to audience, this is the college-age girl’s Some new experiences that are open music acts from around the country. worry, there are already whispers must-shop destination for everything now, waiting to wow include Pigtails What you may not have known is that of what’s next. An ongoing bevy of from undergarments to swim and Cocktail Bar, Tikka Shack and CB Live. right on the other side of their retractconstruction is already bringing new loungewear. able, soundproof Skyfold wall is the restaurants and stores or updating Pigtails Cocktail Bar is a speakeasy amazing restaurant and bar Rock Pub some of our favorites with new looks. A first to Arizona is the retailer Five style bar hidden in the back of the and Kitchen. With room for small or But do you know everything new and Below. Slated to open by Summer already popular Whining Pig Beer and large parties, the menu features deleccoming soon? 2019 in the space between Old Navy Wine Bar (located in the old Scorch tables that include small bites (that are and Marshalls, this unique retailer Bar across from The District stage). anything but small, so bring a friend One of the largest ‘construction sites’ brings you the coolest stuff and best Pigtails is decked out in a relaxing or two), sandwiches and burgers, poke at the moment is at the former PacSun brands of tech gear, toys, games, fit- atmosphere and even has a “secret” bowls, chicken and fish entrees, salads location. Our fun-in-the-sun clothing ness products and room décor all for bookshelf exit. They feature a long list and even vegetarian options. And center isn’t leaving us, just moving $5 or less. of specialty cocktails, including local don’t forget to leave room for dessert! around the corner. Taking its place distilled spirits and tequilas mixed and expanding to make an even larger Also opening by this Fall is Comicx, with fresh fruit. All these changes and more to come! store is H&M, global leader in fash- a Mexico based comic book themed Our favorite place to join our family ion, sustainability, design and quality restaurant and bar. Building upon their One of our newest additions is located and neighbors is always expanding. featuring men’s, women’s and chil- success throughout Mexico, Comicx next to As You Wish in the old Para- Desert Ridge Marketplace has always dren’s fashion and accessories. blends a variety of appetizers and dise Bakery spot. With a total remod- been a focal point in our community entrees, including pizza, salads, na- el, Tikka Shack brings you the best so make sure to continue to support Journeys will soon be relocating to the chos and burgers with a neighborhood of Indian cuisine in a friendly, bright, those who help to make our neighborold Industrial Ride shop. The move friendly bar for the adults. Drop that fast, casual atmosphere. Not to be left hood something special.