Mayor: Infrastructure one of Mesa’s largest pressing issues

PHOENIX — One the largest problems facing a Phoenix suburb in the next five years is its infrastructure, the city’s mayor said Monday ahead of a global conference.

Speaking to the Huffington Post ahead of CityLab London 2015 — a gathering of mayors from around the world to discuss inequality, mobility and other issues standing in the way of more livable cities — Mesa Mayor John Giles said his city’s infrastructure is a cause for concern.

“Many of our nation’s roads, bridges and utilities are in disrepair, and congestion is a fact of daily life,” he told the publication.

Giles said infrastructure plays a larger part than simply moving citizens around: It also encourages businesses to set up shop and families to move into an area.

While his city is taking steps to improve its infrastructure — including opening the city’s light rail extension months ahead of schedule — he said there is still a lot of work to be done, especially with the state transportation department facing a $62.7 billion shortfall.

“Changing this reality will take hard work and committed partnership with local, state and federal agencies,” he told the Huffington Post.

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