by Ethan Faverino | Nov 23, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers stood on the grounds of the Arizona State Capitol and watched the final hoisting of a remarkable American flag. This same flag, over the past seven years, has been proudly flown above every state capitol in the United States, along with the nation’s capital, and U.S. territory Puerto Rico.
With the Arizona raising, Mayor Weiers officially completed “The Great American Flag Tour”, a personal mission to fly one locally made flag at all 50 state capitols as the nation approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
“What a journey,” said Mayor Weiers. “The patriotism across our great nation is still alive in every state. This flag is a symbol of unity – recognizing we are 50 States, 1 Nation!”
The flag was hand-sewn in Arizona by Joe Cicero and his team at a Phoenix-based flag manufacturer that produces approximately 10,000 flags annually. Cicero called this particular flag “pretty special because it has touched every capitol in the entire country.”
“Although we live in different places, come from different backgrounds, sometimes speak different languages, and worship in different ways, we are all Americans,” said Mayor Weiers. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, let us not just mark a date, but instead let us renew our commitment to liberty, to justice, to equality, and to being one nation under God.”
The seven-year journey saw Mayor Weiers personally carry the flag to 49 states before returning home to Arizona for the ceremonial finale. Along the way, the flag was raised in honor of America’s history, its promising future, and especially its veterans.
With the tour now complete, Mayor Weiers plans to create an exhibit featuring the flag and its story. Arizona cities and organizations will be able to request the display for patriotic events.
He also hopes the flag will be considered for temporary exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., during the national 250-year celebration in 2026, with a potential permanent home afterward at the Arizona Capitol Museum.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 7, 2025 | Economy, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A new campaign, Yes for Glendale, has been launched in support of Propositions 401 and 402, two measures set to appear on the May 20 mail-in ballot. The propositions concern land use and zoning changes necessary for the completion of VAI Resort, a large-scale hospitality and entertainment project expected to generate over 2,000 jobs and contribute more than $2 billion in tax revenues.
Proposition 401 involves reclassifying a 10-acre parcel of land designated for VAI Resort’s corporate office to a “Corporate Commerce Center.” Proposition 402 amends the resort’s zoning plan to integrate this corporate office space within the broader project. Both measures were previously approved twice by the Glendale City Council.
Supporters argue that these changes will provide significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenues for local services. The campaign, chaired by VAI Resort President and CEO Grant Fisher, emphasizes the project’s potential to transform Glendale’s economy and entertainment landscape.
Despite receiving unanimous approval from the City Council, the measures were referred to the ballot by Worker Power, the political arm of UniteHere Local 11, a California-based labor organization. The group has raised concerns about labor conditions and worker representation within the project.
Proponents of the propositions contend that out-of-state activists are attempting to derail a beneficial project for Glendale. Fisher framed the opposition as a broader effort to impose policies that could negatively impact Arizona’s business environment.
The campaign has garnered support from numerous local leaders, including Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko, and Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro, along with law enforcement and business organizations.
With Glendale voters set to decide the future of these land use changes, the debate is expected to continue over the coming weeks. More information on the Yes for Glendale campaign is available at yesforglendale.com.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Apr 4, 2025 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers is enthusiastically supporting two upcoming ballot propositions for the city, which are set to be voted on in the May 20th special election.
The two propositions, Props 401 and 402, would reportedly affirm the Glendale City Council’s approval of a phase in the development of the VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium off the Loop 101.
Weiers, who with the unanimous support of the council has long been a proponent of the resort, said in a statement, “The VAI Resort project represents our city’s next step forward. This development will strengthen our economy, provide thousands of jobs, and increase city revenues to improve police, fire, infrastructure, and more.” He added, “The zoning amendments are necessary for the project’s success, and I encourage you to vote yes on Propositions 401 and 402. It is inappropriate to have an out-of-state union parachuting into our city to try to determine our future and attempt to cap our productivity.”
As previously reported by AZ Free News, the VAI Resort, along with other high profile developments in Glendale’s hospitality industry, have been challenged by a California special interest group that suffered a severe setback in the November election with the defeat of Proposition 499. The proposed ballot measure would have mandated “hotel and event center workers receive a $20.00 per hour minimum wage (increases annually), service charge payments and premium pay to be enforced by a newly created city department of labor responsible for investigating employer violations involving payment of wages, reporting, recordkeeping, and overtime requirements.”
According to Weiers, the same organization that brought Prop 499, the California-based group Worker Power, known to be affiliated with the labor union UniteHere, has unleashed activists to oppose the new propositions.
Worker Power has also led opposition to pro-immigration enforcement legislation in Arizona as recently as February. During the 2024 Presidential election, the group canvassed in Glendale to support Democrats Kamala Harris and Senator Ruben Gallego.
Proposition 401 and 402 Campaign Chairman Grant Fisher lauded the support from Weiers and the City Council saying, “Throughout the process to make the dream of VAI Resort a reality, there has been no greater champion for Glendale’s economic health than Mayor Weiers. We are proud to have Mayor Weiers as part of our coalition to bring thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars in new economic activity to Glendale, and we look forward to celebrating a win with him in May.”
The two propositions are largely administrative in nature, with 401 approving the unanimous City Council approval of a general plan amendment to allow the development of the VAI Resort and 402 confirming the unanimous zoning approval.
“Supporting this initiative means supporting a brighter, more prosperous future for Glendale. Let’s make the right choice. Please join me in voting YES on Propositions 401 and 402 on your mail-in ballot and send it in by May 13. Together, let’s say YES for Glendale!” Weiers told voters.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Jan 29, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The City of Glendale is moving forward with its Veteran’s Transitional Housing Project. Through the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Maricopa County Human Services Department (MCHSD), it will jointly develop a transitional housing project to assist homeless or at-risk veterans on land near 63rd Avenue and Grand Ave. The city will be working in partnership with the Veterans Community Project (VCP) to see the project through.
According to a city press release, Mayor Weiers hailed the City Council’s approval saying, “I am grateful that my fellow councilmembers recognize the severe needs of our veterans. This project is just one of many that the city is working on to improve the lives of the people we serve daily.”
He added, “As most folks know, military personnel and veterans have always been a top priority to me; combined with veteran homelessness, this project is something all our councilmembers support. By partnering with Veterans Community Project, we are able to take on these top priorities while working with a nationally renowned veteran-serving organization.”
“I look forward to seeing veterans going through this program to become self-reliant again, and more importantly be able to hold their chest out and feel good about themselves.”
As reported by ABC15, the VCP has already partnered with multiple cities across the country to construct veterans’ villages comprised of mini-homes and community spaces to accommodate the veterans in need.
The organization announced in a post to X.com that it expects to break ground on February 1st at the site adjacent to VFW Post 1433 on 63rd Ave. in Glendale. The development will include housing for single veterans and families with fifty units ranging in size from 240 to 360 square feet.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers said in an article published by KTAR, “After bravely serving our country, it is a shame that our veterans often exit service only to face challenges like not being able to afford housing.”
“By offering support and transitional housing options, we can help these selfless men and women more easily reintegrate into civilian life and provide stability for their families.”
As reported by the outlet, the board approved $3 million in funding to help defray the costs of the project. The City of Glendale has allocated $3.8 million and the State of Arizona has set aside another $3.2 million in funds. Overall the Intergovernmental Agreement earmarked a sum of $14.2 million from all stakeholders.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Staff Reporter | Apr 20, 2024 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Jamie Aldama, the Democratic Glendale mayoral candidate and former councilman, is now battling a lawsuit accusing his campaign of submitting fraudulent signatures to qualify for the ballot.
The lawsuit filed on Monday by local Republican Party chairman Timothy Schwartz alleged that Aldama submitted at least 670 signatures that were either faked, duplicates, from individuals residing outside of Glendale, or from individuals not registered to vote. The lawsuit further alleged that some voters named on Aldama’s signature sheets reported that they hadn’t signed the sheets.
Aldama submitted nearly 2,400 signatures, more than the nearly 1,900 required to qualify for the ballot. A finding of at least 670 invalid signatures would drop Aldama below the qualifying limit.
Members of the media remarked that the contested signature sheets depicted names spelled in block lettering on lines where a voter’s signature belonged.
Aldama hasn’t issued any public statements addressing the lawsuit or its allegations.
The case is scheduled to go before the Maricopa County Superior Court next Tuesday, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for Friday.
Aldama is vying to oust incumbent Mayor Jerry Weiers, a Republican and the mayor since 2013. The former councilman resigned his seat on April 1, after a decade on the council. That same day, Aldama submitted his nomination for the mayorship.
Longtime resident Leandro Baldenegro took over Aldama’s vacant seat last week; Baldenegro works for the Glendale Elementary School District.
Aldama announced his candidacy last May, and began fundraising and canvassing almost immediately thereafter. In a press conference announcing his run, Aldama emphasized that he would focus on inclusivity if elected.
Aldama also explained that he first ran for office in 2014 because the city council and city hall needed accountability. He said that the leaders, including the mayor, were guilty of “sowing division.” Aldama declared that the mayor’s office needed its public image improved.
Aldama said that his main focus would be on bringing more businesses into the city, and building up the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
“Unification of our city will be a cornerstone of my candidacy,” said Aldama.
During his time with the council, Aldama focused on issues like securing federal funds for addressing homelessness and housing improvements. The city of Glendale broke ground on its first affordable housing complex last March — over 300 apartments — secured through a state low-income housing tax credit. Those apartments are scheduled to be completed this fall.
As a Democrat, Aldama also supported ideologies such as LGBTQ+ allyship and Pride Month. Aldama serves on the Glendale Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, formed in April 2022. The umbrella entity over the committee, the Diversity Task Force, was formed with the purpose of adopting an LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. The city passed one in 2021.
Aldama has been present for visits from various Biden administration officials, such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Phoenix visit in 2021.
Per his latest campaign finance report filed earlier this week, Aldama has raised over $94,700.
Weiers has raised over $212,100.
The only other contender for the mayor’s seat, Republican lawmaker Paul Boyer, dropped out of the race several weeks ago.
The city of Glendale’s primary election is scheduled for July 30.
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