Maricopa County
Recent News About Maricopa County
-
Grand Opening Celebrates New East Valley Animal Care Center in Maricopa County
Dozens of local leaders, animal welfare advocates, and VIPs gathered at the ribbon-cutting event for the new East Valley Animal Care Center in Mesa, which officially opens to the public on May 2. Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a great day for our community, particularly people passionate about animal welfare.”During the ceremony, Chairman Sellers highlighted the significance of the new facility in serving homeless animals, noting the Board's commitment to their wellbeing. Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin...
-
Maricopa County Launches 2024 Heat Relief Efforts Following Record Heat Deaths
In response to the increasing number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has announced plans to enhance its heat relief efforts for 2024. Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for MCDPH, highlighted the importance of providing extended access to cooling centers and resources for residents in need.Dr. Sunenshine emphasized the need for longer operating hours and increased accessibility to cooling centers, stating, "people need cooling centers to be open longer and on weekends." The MCDPH has collaborated...
-
Maricopa County Public Health Ramps Up 2024 Heat Relief Efforts
Maricopa County Public Health is investing in community support to prevent another record-breaking year of heat deaths by expanding the Maricopa County Heat Relief Network. Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for MCDPH, emphasized the importance of providing accessible cooling centers for residents, stating, “people need cooling centers to be open longer and on weekends...people need help finding cooling centers and other heat relief resources.”To support the community, MCDPH has developed a comprehensive plan, including partnering with major cities like Phoenix,...
-
Adoption Fees Waived at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s "Empty the Shelters" Event
The BISSELL Pet Foundation is once again spearheading a national effort to promote pet adoption with its "Empty the Shelters" reduced-fee adoption event from May 1 to May 15. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) in Arizona will be joining over 410 shelters in 43 states in this initiative, with adoption fees being waived for dogs six months and older."Our nation’s animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now," stated Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, emphasizing the importance of finding loving homes for shelter pets. She...
-
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Issues Ozone High Pollution Advisory for Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Maricopa County, effective Wednesday, April 17. According to the ADEQ, ground-level ozone forms when volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and nitrous oxides (NOx) react in sunlight, with the highest levels typically occurring in the afternoon."People most affected by ozone include children, senior citizens, people who work or exercise outdoors, and people with pre-existing respiratory disease," said the ADEQ. The health effects of ozone exposure can include...
-
Maricopa County Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Project in Wickenburg
On April 9, Maricopa County celebrated the groundbreaking of Casa Del Sol, a new affordable housing project in Wickenburg. This initiative aims to address the growing need for affordable housing in the small town located in the northwest corner of the county."We are seeing more families get priced out of the housing market and fall into homelessness and that is just unacceptable," expressed Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. He further added, "Maricopa County is proud to partner with the Town of Wickenburg to support households in need by building affordable...
-
Maricopa County Partners with El Mirage to Increase Affordable Housing Opportunities
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a partnership agreement with the City of El Mirage aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities through a Community Land Trust (CLT) initiative.Expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative, Maricopa County Chairman Jack Sellers highlighted, "Maricopa County is creating pathways to ensure more residents have the opportunity to become homeowners." Sellers emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers to homeownership, enabling more families to achieve the dream of owning a home and building family wealth....
-
Maricopa County Supervisors Propose New Rules for Public Meetings Amid Rising Disorderly Behavior
Maricopa County is taking further steps to ensure orderly conduct during public board meetings by considering a resolution to establish formal rules of decorum. The resolution, set to be discussed on April 10, aims to provide clear guidelines for public participation and expression of opinions during meetings. Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1, expressed concern over the recent increase in disorderly behavior, stating, “We encourage and appreciate public comment when it is respectful and on topic. But we are not going to allow distractions from real discussions on policies,...
-
Maricopa County Board Appoints Deborah Nardozzi as New District 8 Legislator
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently appointed Deborah Nardozzi to fill the vacancy in the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 8. Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin expressed his support for Nardozzi, stating, "I wish Deborah Nardozzi well in her endeavor to represent Legislative District 8 at the State Capitol."Nardozzi brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously worked as a campaign advisor and manager. She has also owned her own political consulting agency for 15 years and served as the Chair for Legislative District 24....
-
Chairman Jack Sellers Recognized for Empowering Women in Transportation
Chairman Jack Sellers of Maricopa County has been awarded the 2024 WTS Honorable Ray LaHood or “Man of the Year” Award for his dedication to advancing women in the transportation sector. Sellers expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am very honored to have even been considered for this award.” He emphasized his commitment to infrastructure and transportation, noting, “I have made infrastructure and transportation a cornerstone of my career and this work has led me to engage with countless inspirational women who are some of the best and brightest in the transportation...
-
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Approves $4 Million for New North Valley Library Renovations
A new library facility opening soon in the North Valley will have a larger renovation budget courtesy of the $4 million approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on March 27.“It’s no secret that Anthem, New River, and other unincorporated areas in North Phoenix have grown dramatically in recent years,” said Supervisor Bill Gates of District 3. “The Board’s investment is a step towards ensuring that the North Valley Regional Library is better prepared to offer top-of-the-line community services for the 45,000 people who call this area home.”The new property,...
-
Maricopa County Invests in Avondale Affordable Housing Initiative
In a unanimous vote on March 27, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement to provide an additional $796,326 to enhance homeownership opportunities in Avondale using a Community Land Trust (CLT), bringing the total investment in the Avondale project to more than $3 million.“As living expenses increase and households are forced to juggle more financial responsibilities, I have seen some families lose hope that they’ll ever be able to become homeowners,” said Supervisor Clint Hickman of District 4. “I am proud of this Board’s commitment to investing in...
-
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Approves Recommendations for Regulatory Departments
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has given the green light to over 50 recommendations proposed by citizen task forces focused on enhancing customer service in the Department of Transportation and Flood Control District. The approval, following extensive stakeholder engagement, aims at improving service and process efficiencies within these regulatory departments.Chairman Jack Sellers emphasized the importance of external input in governmental operations, stating, "Balancing safety and efficiency in government work can be a challenge, and that’s why we wanted...
-
Maricopa County Approves $1.8 Million in Grants for Community Improvements
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has allocated over $1.8 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund community improvements in El Mirage, Gila Bend, and Guadalupe. These grants, benefiting over 2,000 residents, aim to revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for the communities involved.Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers expressed the county's commitment to improving residents' quality of life by stating, “These grants will create a safer and healthier environment for our neighbors in these communities that...
-
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Seeks Applicants for Highland Justice Precinct Constable Position
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants to fill the vacancy left by Luke Palmer, who resigned from the position of Highland Justice Precinct Constable on February 27th, 2024.According to the article, the Highland Justice Precinct covers the Gilbert area in Supervisorial District 1 and part of Supervisorial District 2. The responsibilities of the constable include executing, serving, and returning processes, warrants, and notices, as well as attending justice courts when required.As stated by the article, the appointee to the position must be a...
-
Maricopa County to Provide Heat Relief Centers with Dog Shoes and Water Bowls for Summer Months
On March 13, the Board of Supervisors approved funding for equipping heat relief centers across Maricopa County with new dog shoes and water bowls for the upcoming summer months. Supervisor Thomas Galvin, District 2, expressed his satisfaction with this decision, stating, "I am proud of the Board’s commitment to provide heat relief services for Maricopa County residents during the hot summer months." He emphasized the importance of these supplies, mentioning that "Offering dog shoes and water bowls at these centers will be a tremendous help for people trying to keep their...
-
Maricopa County Reports Record Heat-Related Deaths in 2023
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has released two critical reports regarding heat-related deaths in 2023 and the evaluation of cooling centers to enhance heat relief efforts in the future.According to the reports, a total of 645 heat-associated deaths were confirmed in 2023, surpassing the previous year's record by over 50%. Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the medical director for MCDPH, expressed concern over the tragic number, stating, "This tragic number shows us how much work we still have to do. With a coordinated county-wide strategy, nearly every one of...
-
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Implements New Security Measures at Meetings
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is implementing new procedures at its regular public meetings starting tomorrow. The new procedures are among several recommendations from a recently completed Threat Assessment conducted jointly by multiple security agencies in response to an increase in disruptive behavior at board meetings."Board members and county leadership take the safety of all staff and guests extremely seriously," stated Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1. Sellers also expressed concern over recent incidents of disruptive behavior, stating, “What happened...
-
Improper Weed Removal in Maricopa County Poses Threat to Air Quality
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has highlighted the impact of improper weed removal on air quality in Maricopa County as residents gear up for the warmer months. According to MCAQD, the improper removal of weeds releases significant amounts of dust into the air, contributing to higher dust levels during spring and summer. MCAQD Director, Philip McNeely, stressed the importance of proper weed removal to reduce dust pollution and promote cleaner air for all residents.In a statement, Philip McNeely emphasized, "The distinct climate and topography of the...
-
Maricopa County Shows Strong Economic Standing and Fiscal Responsibility in FY 2023
Phoenix, Ariz. (March 6, 2024) – A new report has highlighted the robust economic health and prudent financial management of Maricopa County, Arizona."Maricopa County continues to lead the country in growth and financial responsibility," stated Chairman Jack Sellers of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 1. "I am proud that we are able to make prudent financial decisions and govern with foresight and integrity."According to the report, in June 2023, Maricopa County demonstrated a lower unemployment rate of 3.9% compared to the state average of 4.4%,...