Phoenix council unanimously approves budget boosting housing, public safety

The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a budget Tuesday that boosts spending on affordable housing, childcare, homelessness services and youth programs while cutting the city’s property tax rate.

The 9-0 vote followed months of public input, including 12 community budget hearings.

What did the city prioritize?

Key investments include $18.4 million to replace expiring federal pandemic-era funds supporting homelessness services; nearly doubling funds for the city’s Housing Trust Fund, bringing its total to $15 million; and $8.9 million for the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.

The plan also dedicates $5 million for childcare affordability and $3.15 million in flexible emergency financial assistance for residents facing housing or food insecurity.

Phoenix Police and Fire departments account for 63% of the General Fund budget, while the council set aside $50 million for employee compensation and approved nearly 70 new or converted full-time positions across departments.

“Today’s budget takes meaningful steps to help families afford the basics,” said Mayor Kate Gallego in a statement. “It invests millions in affordable housing and to shelter the homeless, offers help for families who need food assistance. And it does it all while cutting the property tax rate.”

‘We are grieving’: Community groups criticize budget

Organized Power in Numbers and Poder in Action pushed for $6.5 million in flexible financial assistance, more than double what was approved.

“We’re not done pushing, but today we took a step toward a city that actually works for the people who live here,” said Organized Power in Numbers community organizer Andrea Luna Cervantes in a statement.

Poder in Action interim director Ben Laughlin lauded the funding for housing and community support while lamenting the budget’s perceived shortcomings.

“We are grieving the council’s choice to put new police cars over the $3 million in additional funds needed for families in crisis,” said Laughlin.

Tuesday’s vote finalizes the budget, which will go into effect on July 1.

Maricopa County approved their tentative budget Monday night.

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