Now that staff has compiled a list of potential projects for possible inclusion in a planned 2023 general obligation bond request – the first in 16 years – Phoenix City Council is turning to appointed advisory groups to help it pare the possibilities down to a price tag of $500M, which is how much the City could request without risking an increase in property taxes.
In addition to the staff suggestions, committees are also free to make their own recommendations, preferably focusing on one-time expenditures.
Council is also requesting citizen input on the various proposals.
There are currently eight subcommittees made of various community leaders and representatives. A list of the committees and a partial breakdown of prioritized projects include:
- Arts and Culture: $56M in five projects, including a Latino cultural center, a new Valley Youth Theatre and City-owned facilities improvements;
- Economic Development and Education: $23.5M to acquire land for development along the Rio Salado;
- Environment and Stability: $25M for updated technology, replacing fuel infrastructure and replacing HVAC systems;
- Housing, Human Services and Homelessness: $62M for renovating 610 affordable housing units, design and construction of a senior center, building 364 new mixed-income rental units;
- Neighborhood and City Services: $52M for improved Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and library building and expansion, Orpheum Theatre renovation;
- Parks and Recreation: $109M for community center/park/museum improvements, swimming pool replacements, Washington Activity Center renovations;
- Public Safety: $158M for police and fire station renovations, new fire station construction, police driver training track enhancements; and
- Streets and Storm Drainage: $161M for equity-focused transit improvements, funding a road safety plan, improved drainage and flooding mitigation.
The full 2023 General Obligation Bond Program Capital Needs Study is available here. (Source)