By Jeff Caldwell |

The City of Phoenix posted on X today asking the public to come to their council meeting tomorrow.

On Wednesday, October 4 at 2:30pm, the City is going to vote on Agenda Item 37, which states that the City has the ability to tax its citizens $180 million if it doesn’t have the money elsewhere.

Now, it’s up to the public to put a stop to this.

Earlier this year, the City passed a $6 billion budget that includes a $137 million surplus. Also, in November, the City is asking Phoenicians to approve 4 different Bond Propositions that equate to half a billion dollars.

Now, the City wants to have the ability to go into $180 million in debt “to fund or refinance the costs of acquiring, constructing, expanding and improving real and personal property for technology upgrades, solid waste facilities and equipment, public safety property, systems and equipment, and other municipal facilities for the City of Phoenix. The debt will be supported by a pledge of excise taxes or other available funds for such purposes, and to pay financing costs granting an exemption to Phoenix City Code section 42-18 to include indemnification and legal remedy limitations. Further this request authorizes the City Controller to receive and expend all necessary funds related to this item.”

The City is leveraging its ability to implement a $180 million tax to move forward without a vote by the public. Phoenicians have the ability to let the City know whether or not to pass it through public comment.

To review the history of excessive spending in Phoenix, what has the City of Phoenix done when they get extra money?

• Implemented a city-wide COVID lockdown without consulting with the Medical Director for Disease Control of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health who recommended to not lock down at that time and to only wear a mask if you are sick and absolutely must go out. – SOURCE
• The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department closed playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and fitness areas because of COVID. – SOURCE
• Implemented mask mandates – SOURCE
• Implementing the 15-minute city framework
  • “Our goal by 2050 is to make walking, cycling, and transit commonly used and enjoyed in every Phoenix neighborhood. This goal will result in 90% of the population living within one-half mile of transit and 40% of the population choosing to commute by walking, biking, or transit. Currently, 86% of the population lives within one-half mile of transit, while less than 10% of the population currently commutes by walking, biking or transit.” To do this one action, the City is planning is to “[Develop] 15 vibrant compact complete centers throughout the city to provide the majority of services residents need within their local community.” – SOURCE – SOURCE
• Implementing road diets – reducing the amount of traffic to slow traffic, altering driving experiences, implementing bike lanes, bus rapid transit, and/or light rail. – SOURCE
• Implementing Meat Consumption Mitigation – Policies that will lead to future reduction of meat consumption – SOURCE
• Sold $60 million of water rights to the federal government and stated that it will have no impact on City water customers. – SOURCE
• Increased water rates – SOURCE
• Implementing housing first homeless policies – SOURCE – SOURCE
• Teamed up with ASU to implement global policies to obtain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – SOURCE
• Dedicated the Office of Arts & Culture to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. – SOURCE
  • Equity teaches people and has policies based on the belief that there is systemic racism, and that they are entitled to reparations and more because of the color of their skin. – SOURCE
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teaches students and people that white people are oppressors. – SOURCE
• Phoenix has its highest rate of inflation dating back to at least 2002. – SOURCE
• The unemployment rate in Phoenix has skyrocketed nearly 38% in 4 months. – SOURCE
• Phoenix air ranks among the most polluted. – SOURCE
• Homelessness has increased every year since 2017 and is the highest it’s been since at least 2016. – SOURCE
• Tried to house homeless people on a site the City knew was previously used for illegal dumping. – SOURCE
• History of failed homeless shelter programs. – SOURCE
• The City has spent $12 million to install cool pavement over the last four years. It actually makes people hotter. – SOURCE
• Created the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The office is meant to ensure equitable distribution of City services. – SOURCE – SOURCE
• Created the Equal Opportunity Department. It can give people money if they believe they are a victim of housing discrimination because of gender expression or gender identity. – SOURCE
• The Office of Arts and Culture hosted the Racial Equity Learning Cohort Program. – SOURCE

It’s critical for the people of Phoenix to stand up, speak up, give public comments, or submit written public comments. You can find out more about how to make your voice heard here. But don’t wait. The meeting is tomorrow, and it’s up to the public to put a stop to this radical tax.

Jeff Caldwell currently helps with operations at EZAZ.org. He is also a Precinct Captain, State Committeeman, and Precinct Committeeman in Legislative District 2. Jeff is a huge baseball fan who enjoys camping and exploring new, tasty restaurants! You can follow him on X here.