Tempe honors Indigenous Peoples' Day

The City of Tempe’s 40 square miles are the historic homelands of the O’Odham, Piipaash and their ancestors. Today is Indigenous Peoples' Day and a good time to recognize the important historic, cultural and current contributions that are made in our community by Native Americans. Here are some suggestions to commemorate the day but there are so many more things you can choose: 1. Read Tempe’s Land Acknowledgement Statement, shown here. 2. Visit the Tempe Center for the Arts and see Native artwork in the Gallery at TCA. 3. Visit Tempe History Museum later this week to see its exhibitions. 4. Read a book or watch a movie by or about Native Americans - we have a list on our website along with more information.

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Tempe launches new micro-manufacturing grant

Tempe-based micro-manufacturers may qualify for up to $25,000 in grant funds that can be used to help them grow their businesses. The $800,000 program includes $500,000 from the Congressional Community Project Funding and $300,000 from City of Tempe budget. Congressman Greg Stanton and Mayor Corey Woods launched the program with its non-profit partners last week.

The purpose for this grant is to lift local entrepreneurs – with a focus on minority entrepreneurs - and help them overcome the most significant obstacles. Grants may be used to cover the cost of space, raw materials and equipment necessary for micromanufacturing.

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Statement from Mayor Corey Woods regarding

The City of Phoenix/PHX Sky Harbor mailed thousands of flyers to residents last week regarding the housing component of the proposed Tempe Entertainment District. Mayor Corey Woods issued this statement:
"This week, thousands of households in Tempe and across the Valley received a mailer from the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport regarding the proposed Tempe Entertainment District development at Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway.

"In the mailer, Phoenix alleges that multifamily housing in the proposed development would violate a 1994 agreement our cities signed. The mailer is significantly inaccurate. People interested in living at the proposed site would be well informed before making decisions – just like the thousands of other Tempe Town Lake-adjacent residents who already have chosen to live in an area with aircraft noise. Moreover, they do so in developments that saw no opposition from the airport when they were proposed and built.

“As Mayor of Tempe, I reject this alarmist tactic. Our region is known for collaboration and responsible action. It is unprecedented for a neighboring city to stuff mailboxes with its opinion about an unapproved development project.

“As Tempe said more than a year ago when issuing the Request for Proposals on this site, we take seriously our duty to act responsibly and maintain the livability of our community and we did so when issuing this Request for Proposals. While there is not yet a development agreement with the proposer, negotiations are underway and the parties properly will be addressing the issue of aircraft noise in any agreements that result. The time for public decisions is yet to come and, when it arrives, the Tempe City Council will conduct an open and transparent process with the interests of our community front and center.

"This is not a game, and Tempe residents should not be used as pawns. No one should try to manipulate our community’s basic feelings of safety and security. As Mayor, I am calling out this outrageous tactic in hopes that it is not repeated – and that all interested parties can consider this important matter calmly and responsibly.

"Please review Tempe’s detailed response to the Sky Harbor Aviation Director. In short, it is Tempe’s opinion that multi-family residential development is permitted within the area proposed for the project subject to certain noise mitigation measures and land use requirements imposed by Tempe City Code."

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Read with a child – change a life!

Looking for a great volunteer opportunity? Consider tutoring young school children who struggle with reading through the city’s AARP Foundation Experience Corps program. Upcoming in-person information sessions are planned Oct. 18 and 27 and Nov. 9 and 17, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Cypress Room (formally lower level program room B) of the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. Interested volunteers only need to attend one session.

Experience Corps volunteers don't need special skills, just a willingness to share their experience, time and patience.

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The CARE & HOPE Line provides help 24/7

Call our 24/7 CARE & HOPE Line at 480-350-8004 to help a person in Tempe who is in crisis or experiencing homelessness, or to get help yourself. If our line is busy, please leave a message - our specialists are assisting another caller, but your call is important to us.

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Voter registration ends tomorrow

Have your voice heard. Get ready to vote in the November general election! The voter registration deadline is tomorrow, Oct. 11. Ballots begin mailing to voters on the Active Early Voter List on Oct. 12. Text "Join" to 628-683 to receive text notifications about your ballot.

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Click Here To View The The City of Tempe This Week - October 10, 2022