The City of Phoenix and nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Phoenix Metro Solar Co-op to help residents in the valley go solar. Several successful rounds have helped more than 127 homeowners install rooftop solar. With new federal tax incentives and a financial assistance program for low- to-moderate income homeowners, the program expects to … [More]
Their Take: Congress Shouldn’t Hurt Small Business by Destroying Digital Advertising
Today in Arizona, the state is home to more than a half million small businesses — including my own company, based in Glendale. Statewide, small businesses account for more than four out of 10 workers. Small businesses help rev up the state’s economy, we create jobs and we help make the Valley’s neighborhoods more vibrant. This is not easy work, but in running a small business, … [More]
New Tempe Sports and Entertainment District Project Gets NHL, Business Leader Support
As ballots are expected to be mailed out April 16th, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman attended a press conference to show his support for Propositions 301, 302, and 303 to build a new Tempe Sports and Entertainment District. The project would create more than $690 million in economic benefits to the City of Tempe. It includes new restaurants and retail, a theater, multi-family … [More]
Funding Assistance for Small Businesses on Light Rail Still Available
After two successful years, the Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) will continue supporting businesses impacted by light rail construction in Phoenix. Businesses located along the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub and Northwest Extension Phase II light rail projects can apply for this grant funding. Last year, the SBFAP granted $ 390,000 to nearly 70 … [More]
Arizona Awarded Funding to Digitize Roadways, Improve Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation named the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) one of the first recipients of funding under the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. The federal program provides resources to state, local, and tribal governments to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city or community … [More]
Tax Credits and Incentives for Arizona Businesses in 2023 from the Inflation Reduction Act
In her State of the State Address, Governor Katie Hobbs announced she hopes to further increase profitability and success of businesses and families by relaunching the energy office, renamed as the Office of Resiliency. Governor Hobbs likely did this in response to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) signed into law last August. The White House says the Act will lower … [More]
Region Receives $36.3M to Help Those Experiencing Homelessness
As the region sees continued increases in the number of people experiencing homelessness, more than $36 million in newly announced federal funding is on the way to help fund dozens of local homelessness programs. The money will be distributed to 32 programs that help provide housing and services to people experiencing homelessness in the Maricopa region. “Helping people … [More]
Public-Private Coalition Announces New Initiatives to Accelerate Water Innovation in Cities, Phoenix Leading Charge
In celebration of World Water Day, the 50 Liter Home Coalition (50L Home), convened by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced new efforts to accelerate water innovations in water-stressed cities. Sponsored by private sector leaders, these commitments include funding for a pilot program in Los Angeles, … [More]
Mayor Gallego Launches Legacy Small Business Program
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced the launch of her "Legacy Small Business Program" -- a new Mayor's Office initiative to honor Phoenix businesses that have provided services to the community for 25 years or more. "Our Phoenix small businesses not only contribute to the local economy, but they also enrich our city's history and culture. With over 90% of businesses in … [More]
Voluntary Recall of Certain Marijuana Products Due to Possible Aspergillus Contamination Alerts Arizona Establishments
Several Arizona marijuana establishments are voluntarily recalling specific products due to possible contamination with Aspergillus, a fungus that can cause allergic reactions or infection, usually in people already sick with something else. The products being voluntarily recalled are all plant/trim and names include Blood Oath cultivated by Potent Planet, Mango Sunrise … [More]
New Regents’ Community Grant Addresses Police, Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Challenges
Through a new Arizona Board of Regents’ Community Grant, Arizona police and firefighting agencies will be better equipped in the future to address recruitment and retention of officers and firefighters – a challenge that has prompted statewide workforce shortages for these essential public safety jobs. This is the first Regents’ Community Grant launched by the board; the grants … [More]
Phoenix Hosts Successful Owner Open House for Housing Choice Voucher Program
On Wednesday, the City of Phoenix welcomed 80 property owners at an Owner Open House for the City’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. During the event, current and prospective landlords had the opportunity to get questions answered one-on-one by staff to learn about Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts and the $2,000 bonus for landlords who sign new HAP contracts … [More]
City of Phoenix Working to Restore Service after System Outage
The City of Phoenix is working to restore service after a system outage impacted some connectivity and network services including access to phoenix.gov. The technology outage began late Tuesday evening caused by a network equipment failure. The City worked with the hardware manufacturer to resolve the issue, and network service was largely restored before the start of business … [More]
Arizona License and I.D. Cards Are Getting an Updated Look
The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will be releasing brand new driver license and ID cards this March. The new design will include several new security features that help prevent counterfeit reproductions or fraudulent use. Attempted counterfeits of driver license and ID cards continue to be a concern for law enforcement, as well as … [More]
City of Phoenix Accepting Applications for Free All-Spanish-Speaking Food Business Training Program
The City of Phoenix and Thrive Consultancy, Inc. are partnering to launch an all-Spanish-speaking Sustainable Cooperative Food Business Training Program for Phoenix residents interested in collaborating to start a sustainable cooperative food business. During the program, participants will work … [More]
Phoenix City Council Approves Ordinance to Ban Source of Income Discrimination in Housing
Phoenix City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 18 of the Phoenix City Code to prohibit housing discrimination based on a renter or buyer's source of income. This decision solidifies the City’s position on the right to fair housing and affirms that there is no place for discrimination in Phoenix. Chapter 18 outlines the City’s commitment to undertake … [More]
Phoenix Achieves Zero Waste Goal for Downtown Super Bowl Events
The City of Phoenix Public Works Department reached its goal of diverting at least 92% of waste from Super Bowl events away from the landfill. After final sorting and weighing, the 2023 Super Bowl events hosted in downtown Phoenix surpassed a previous Super Bowl’s diversion rate of 91% to become the … [More]
City of Phoenix Names New Planning and Development Department Director
Planning and Development Department Assistant Director Joshua Bednarek will now lead the department as its new Director. Bednarek has been with the City for more than 20 years, 15 of those years with the Planning and Development Department. “I am honored to serve as Director of the Planning and Development Department for the City of Phoenix," said Bednarek. “I am excited to … [More]
