Phoenix City Council mandates oversight in Keys to Change funding amid financial concerns

The Phoenix City Council held a formal meeting on July 2, 2025, addressing several key agenda items, including funding for law enforcement equipment and a significant discussion regarding the Keys to Change organization, which provides services for the unhoused population.

The meeting began with a correction to the record regarding previous agenda items, confirming that item 46 passed unanimously with a 9-0 vote. Following this, the council moved to item 47, which also received unanimous approval.

A notable discussion arose around item 57, concerning a grant from the Tohono O'odham Nation for law enforcement equipment, specifically fingerprint readers for the Phoenix Police Department. Councilwoman Hernandez raised constitutional concerns about the legality of scanning fingerprints before an arrest, prompting a request for further legal clarification before the grant is accepted. The item ultimately passed with an 8-0 vote, with one council member abstaining.

The council then addressed item 58, which involved amending the contract with Keys to Change to increase funding and extend the term of their services. Vice Mayor O'Brien expressed concerns about the organization's financial management, citing a multi-year deficit and issues with vendor payments. He emphasized the need for oversight and accountability, proposing that the city have a non-voting seat on the Keys to Change board to ensure transparency.

During the discussion, representatives from Keys to Change argued against the necessity of a board seat, suggesting that it could compromise their governance. They proposed an alternative of having a non-voting seat on their finance committee instead. The council debated the implications of this arrangement, with some members expressing concerns about the potential for service interruptions if the relationship deteriorated.

Ultimately, a motion was made to approve the contract amendment with specific contingencies, including the establishment of a non-voting seat on the finance committee and regular meetings between city representatives and Keys to Change leadership. The motion aimed to ensure that the city maintains oversight while fostering a collaborative relationship. The council agreed to review the effectiveness of these measures in six months, ensuring that services for the unhoused population remain uninterrupted.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and partnership between the city and Keys to Change, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds for essential services.