ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix officials celebrate passage of $500 million General Obligation Bond program

Nov 8, 2023, 9:05 AM

phoenix city council...

The Phoenix City Council wrote to the Department of Justice, requesting they provide a Spanish version of the investigation. (City of Phoenix Photo)

(City of Phoenix Photo)

PHOENIX – City officials were celebrating Wednesday after Phoenix voters approved a $500 million General Obligation Bond program.

The funding will be used to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, spur economic development and address housing affordability.

It was the city’s first bond election since 2006.

“Thanks to our voters, Phoenix will be able to devote funding towards new libraries, new and improved fire stations, a one-of-a-kind ASU [Arizona State University] medical school, a long overdue Latino Cultural Center and so much more,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in a press release.

“This down payment on our future will help us meet the demands we’re facing as a growing city.”

What were the results of Phoenix’s bond election?

Phoenix voters showed overwhelming support for the four-question bond package. With most of the ballots counted from Tuesday’s jurisdictional elections in Maricopa County, each measure was on its way to passing with at least 60% of the vote.

The $214 million bond for public safety was the most popular with more than 70% approval.

“Without raising taxes, Phoenix voters made the right choice by approving the bond measures, paving the way for significant investments in our city, and I want to thank them,” Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said in the release.

What was included in Phoenix bond package?

Here’s a breakdown on what was included in each question:

  • Question 1: $214 million for fire, police, roadway and pedestrian infrastructure.
  • Question 2: $109 million for libraries, parks and historic preservation.
  • Question 3: $114 million for education, economic development, upgrades of city facilities for energy efficiency, and arts and culture.
  • Question 4: $63 million for affordable housing and a new senior center.

The list of projects that will be funded by the bonds includes the Cesar Chavez Senior Center, Estrella Civic Space Park and Library, Esteban Park Recreation Center, splash pads at Harmon Park, expanding the Children’s Museum and rebuilding Fire Station 7 in the Sunnyslope neighborhood.

“The voters of Phoenix have spoken, and we are thrilled that the bond has been approved,” Councilwoman Betty Guardado said in the release. “This bond represents a significant step forward in enhancing community safety, improving quality of life and creating a more efficient and modern city for all – and we could not be more excited.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Scottsdale Airport...

Danny Shapiro

Scottsdale Airport runway shut down following accident

The Scottsdale Airport runway was shut down on Monday afternoon due to an accident, authorities said.

23 minutes ago

new Surprise fire department West Valley Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Surprise completes 1 new fire station, buys land for another

Surprise Fire Station 309, the new Surprise fire department at the north side of Cactus Road at Perryville Road, became operational last week.

48 minutes ago

Republican state Rep. Matt Gress is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed...

Kevin Stone

Arizona lawmaker raises questions about legality of Isaac School District lease-purchase deal

An Arizona lawmaker is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed the Isaac School District out of its financial crisis last month.

2 hours ago

research funding...

Kevin Stone

Arizona joins lawsuit to stop Trump research funding cuts that could cost state millions

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect medical and public health research funding.

4 hours ago

The Arizona Constitution currently provides legislative immunity for traffic violations....

Kevin Stone

Arizona Republican wants lawmakers to follow same traffic laws as everyone else

An Arizona lawmaker introduced a resolution that would refer a constitutional amendment ending legislative immunity for traffic violations to the ballot.

5 hours ago

Officials: WM Phoenix Open 2025 more peaceful than last year...

Serena O'Sullivan

This year’s WM Phoenix Open upgrades made event smoother, more respectful, organizers say

Event organizers put in place a variety of changes during the WM Phoenix Open 2025 after weather conditions and crowd issues last year.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

Phoenix officials celebrate passage of $500 million General Obligation Bond program