[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6179665,"mediaKeyId","5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6","parentId",5125088,"title","Council adopts general‑plan policy and zoning rules for data centers after extensive public comment on power, water and fire risks","audioSeconds",7566,"startMs",3447000,"endMs",11013000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6&start=3447&end=11013","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6/thumbnail_3447000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179665/Arizona/Council-adopts-generalplan-policy-and-zoning-rules-for-data-centers-after-extensive-public-comment-on-power-water-and-fire-risks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179665-713c49eab1c652aad447a0a4ff9b97ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016313&Signature=SlUC2Nqda5L4cfg6YD0Uk5J5Jd8ODUNS5mnkPkYZkR~rKL34idKI6DFOvmfuQNpfKOicMHrM6dZzPF70TNIn-u4DHOVKzX4sEQaqqOECfYtslyzrGaE5cilJw~fEN8eDh6Ht-G4popYWFXbloIH5iWl9EVoARG4dzRBMhUkHZisgoNu25R1Pi3Byyli98sH~IwpQzQz5IH61yKiyEFIh3GPpG0tNKCdhQI5rN8~y01~1~7qSMFfSAqfA3NpxRQrXCOs7C4ZsyX09VRWMKemnp2q2NFZOGgBt3Q2vsisxevUQPANOOqKW6Gx0XUOMxWDi6e2ER7HkSfuyCipCHRC7ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Phoenix, AZ","date","2025-07-02T22:32:48Z","article","Phoenix City Council on July 2 adopted a general‑plan amendment and a zoning text amendment establishing location criteria, definitions and performance standards for data centers, after broad public comment and a unanimous council vote.

City staff and outside counsel told council that the scale and operational characteristics of modern data centers — very large electric loads, onsite backup generation, battery energy‑storage systems, and cooling systems — require a distinct regulatory framework that the current zoning ordinance does not address. Planning staff noted electric utilities APS and SRP reported interconnection requests from data centers that far exceed current system capacity, raising the prospect that some centers will need on‑site power and long‑duration energy resources.

The council approved a two‑part framework: a general‑plan policy to guide where data centers may be appropriate, and a text amendment that adds data centers as a listed use, defines the term, requires a special‑permit process and sets performance and siting standards. The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended the measures with modifications; staff proposed additional refinements in memos on June 26 and July 1 that the council accepted.

Key policy elements include a requirement for detailed technical analyses as part of future data‑center special‑permit applications — including grid interconnection plans, water usage assessments, fire‑safety plans and community impact studies — and a Prop‑207 waiver application process for property owners seeking relief from the new standards. Planning staff added noise limits and clarified exemption language for projects with existing final site plan approval. During debate the council emphasized transparency and public safety as central goals.

Fire and public‑safety witnesses urged stricter review. Chris Green, an energy specialist working with firefighters, described the difficulty of responding to a data‑center fire: “When those batteries have problems, those fires are extremely difficult to suppress even with water,” he said. Local firefighter representatives warned that large battery installations can produce intense heat and hazardous combustion products and urged explicit fire‑safety and notification requirements in the permitting process.

Industry and economic development representatives said the rules provide necessary clarity for investment but asked staff to preserve reasonable grandfathering for projects with binding utility agreements and preliminary site plan approvals. City staff and outside counsel said the July 1 memo addressed those concerns by clarifying exemptions and by setting a process for binding waivers of enforcement under Prop 207.

Both the general plan amendment and the text amendment were adopted by unanimous votes. Staff said the rules are designed as a pre‑application framework that will be applied to future special permits and major PUD amendments and that more technical review will occur at the special‑permit stage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Phoenix City Council Formal Meeting - July 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Phoenix City Council on July 2 adopted a new general‑plan policy and zoning text amendment to regulate data centers, requiring detailed technical studies and a special‑permit process after extensive testimony on fire, energy and water risks.","taxTitle","Events, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",80566,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179671,"Council approves data‑driven photo enforcement program; debate centers on equity and surveillance",3693,3197000,6890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6&start=3197&end=6890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6/thumbnail_3197000.jpg","/articles/6179671/Arizona/Council-approves-datadriven-photo-enforcement-program-debate-centers-on-equity-and-surveillance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179671-ea286ca2fc133cf10b82ca7251a55aaa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016313&Signature=ZPSo8EDJfdGPnlf6CyNU0HvtDCRLE~nueZabi2rqyij7YJMXEXd-03Icx5~6JNGbbcUsmb7Yb4h7xKCFh7XYuvBi3g3MODajPOtDMm38wPGVviPe4ivJBLi-9dXgcu0R1oyNBAekyiPD~EpRxMd9X7yQpgaiWCEDcawCQ2sTGX-1s0Myve18Avrtn0c-jrT8oXS~UaGp4D6dU39uJ47OOnHutUYmjmlfxU4iWYJa9pH18N6gzcCzNxvGEpQJMzZzxyOKR~FCO78Iqb-b9-kme8vG4vHN4iEtQcN2asinfWmt-4iuHwIc7EiQNuuDqJEtOuXuPjiVZFtguwrBRq5qbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phoenix City Council on July 2 approved a citywide automated photo enforcement program that staff said will place cameras where crash and speed data identify the greatest risks, subject to six‑month reviews and an educational rollout. The measure carried after a contentious debate by a 7‑1 vote.

Vice Mayor Wells, who led the presentation, said the program is designed to change driver behavior where data show the most serious crashes. “The data shows that red‑light cameras significantly reduce deadly T‑bone collisions,” he said, pointing to studies and to successful reductions in other cities. Wells said the program will be revenue neutral and that any net proceeds would be reinvested in traffic‑safety programs.

Councilwoman Deborah Stark and others said the city’s shortage of motor‑officer resources makes cameras a practical tool. “There was a time when we had a full force of motors and people really respected the rules of the road. It's just not happening anymore,” Stark said. Supporters described the cameras as an engineering and enforcement tool to protect pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

Opponents warned about equity and surveillance risks. Councilmember Ricardo (last name given in roll) urged caution, saying automated enforcement can disproportionately affect low‑income communities and that Phoenix should invest in infrastructure — sidewalks, crosswalks and transit — before expanding camera enforcement. A council member also noted a pending state legislative effort to preempt local camera programs and warned that a multi‑million‑dollar equipment investment could be rendered obsolete by state action.

Under the program described at the meeting, locations will be chosen by three years of crash and speed data; staff will review deployments every six months and an outreach and education campaign will precede enforcement. A City memo discussed safeguards including minimum speed thresholds and clearly marked advance signage in camera zones.

The council approved the item by a 7‑1 vote; record shows one opposing vote, several councilmembers emphasizing the need for equity mitigation and data transparency in how the city selects camera locations.

Staff said they will publish location criteria, begin an education campaign and review crash and speed metrics on a half‑yearly cadence to ensure the program targets high‑injury network locations.","Phoenix City Council approved a photo‑enforcement program intended to reduce speeding and red‑light crashes by deploying cameras to data‑identified high‑injury locations, with six‑month reviews. The vote was 7‑1; opponents cited equity, surveillance and potential state preemption.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179674,"Council denies liquor license for membership cannabis 'grow room' after police recommend refusal",1378,4554000,5932000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6&start=4554&end=5932","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6/thumbnail_4554000.jpg","/articles/6179674/Arizona/Council-denies-liquor-license-for-membership-cannabis-grow-room-after-police-recommend-refusal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179674-1714727f653209543c48872801e6f65a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016313&Signature=lPoJ0Y9uPGflgSN4U-aQbPB62B70sGZw9MkmZATiudGHUvguoqJSSf1q8S9XfQ3PDCh0xvTTJet72flOUAw22ZcyUIJvzh1AgT8ab02Lr3KqAGePJSK9SB6W1XTUsS5LLSC6b2aJBKSM2OegF3iJYWkOXtdYc1sGxgeIaYWW~gXHYR48fNwgKQmkZtjnV0XmCMyVifeWcfgteW2CHxKN~XGMGwKRGkT8Y8F2wMyrrKobR2sm8OPNdH6lDebXtsST-CE9imbmAfxLxp1yVKv~jKGKAH8YYVt1NUaHOjuSPJvvSXTOIsCbscdycXJlFSSF5FcL5kbR2KK6VCbDxszo5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phoenix City Council on July 2 voted unanimously to disapprove a new liquor license application for a proposed club in District 4 that the applicant described as a private membership organization focused on supporting people to grow cannabis at home.

City police testified they recommended denial because the application did not meet licensing requirements: signatures submitted lacked dates within the required 180‑day window and there were discrepancies in the number of members required to meet the club threshold. Police also raised a broader law‑enforcement concern: the applicant requested a license that would allow public alcohol sales while the proposed club model anticipates private cannabis use.

Commander Shane Disotel of the Phoenix Police Department described the specific problems staff identified: missing signature dates, inconsistent membership counts and concern that the club’s bylaws would permit private cannabis consumption while the license would allow for public alcohol sales. “When we looked at this application we had three reasons that we decided that we would recommend this approval,” Disotel said, noting the documentation and public‑use concerns were the basis of the recommendation for denial.

Two neighborhood residents testified in opposition, raising public‑safety and traffic concerns and arguing combined on‑site access to alcohol and cannabis could increase impaired driving and neighborhood disruption.

Applicant Matthew Davidson said the club is an educational membership group that helps adults legally grow cannabis for their own use and that his bylaws prohibit consumption beyond a private lounge for members. “We are an education group. We are members who work in the cannabis industry… We help people to set up their own ability to be able to grow cannabis rather than having to pay dispensaries money,” Davidson told council.

After hearing testimony, Councilwoman Pastor moved to disapprove the liquor license; the motion carried 9‑0.

Action on the license will prevent a public alcohol license for the proposed venue; staff noted applicants may reapply if they address the documentation and operational concerns the police raised.","The council voted 9‑0 to disapprove a liquor license for a proposed club described by the applicant as a private membership organization where members grow cannabis; the police recommended denial, citing incomplete signature documentation and concerns about mixing public alcohol use with on‑site cannabis consumption.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179679,"Council renews Keys to Change contract with oversight conditions after finance concerns",2137,6830000,8967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6&start=6830&end=8967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6/thumbnail_6830000.jpg","/articles/6179679/Arizona/Council-renews-Keys-to-Change-contract-with-oversight-conditions-after-finance-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179679-fbc0546c5b79ec5fbb8d999339c18b16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016313&Signature=fV~BQ9G-lMS-HkxsbXNqM4zjPUuyJ64t8Jp5RdhJx6uK9tVW7vaWcDWZpo3XpjIEKjCR0xbXTnZhmfmQE1JDgSO3rcOpxIcU~0lLKturhHQLLxdV6MM7wDAY6C3uBXLF317lF-rXLnT2Uo8TRa29stolGQHlthd0~F6xdXmF14g5cV8ZPzFIUJmQrWJ~b53YuVMbjKi49ph0hZt~Un6FgHMMBDqy-jzBXVhYTNWA12FyuWZV9~tsqLTxImOrdojwgQt9DAX6NoeeIUSjCoYKjaVSgjJLKYC5m~jzFkCddVjw50Y7jJ3uDqbzUhs7TjvsyPK5OukjToW2yy9fEa3auw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phoenix City Council on July 2 voted unanimously to extend the city’s contract with Keys to Change, a nonprofit that runs a large homeless services campus, while imposing specific oversight measures after staff raised concerns about the organization’s recent financial management.

Vice Mayor O’Brien placed the item and described vendor payment issues staff had documented, including late vendor payments and operating deficits. He said the city needed “oversight and accountability” because Keys to Change receives a sizable share of taxpayer support. “The City of Phoenix is responsible for funding a quarter of this year's $24,000,000 Keys to Change budget. That's roughly $6,000,000 a year,” O’Brien said during debate.

Keys to Change leaders — CEO Amy Schwabender and board chair Myron Hammis — told council they preferred not to have a city representative on the full board but offered a compromise: a non‑voting seat on the nonprofit’s finance committee and monthly, formal meetings between the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions and Keys leadership. City staff said a finance‑committee seat would provide more frequent financial visibility because the committee meets monthly.

Council approved a motion that formalized that compromise. The conditions require that the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) be given a non‑voting seat on the Keys to Change finance committee; that OHS and a council representative meet monthly with the Keys CEO and board chair to review board packets and financial information; and that OHS be invited as a guest to board meetings when issues of mutual interest arise. The motion also sets a scheduled review of the working relationship at the end of calendar 2025 to determine whether the measures are sufficient and to discuss next steps. Council preserved a contractual right — if the city concludes the measures do not improve transparency and accountability — to initiate a bylaw amendment process to secure a non‑voting board seat or to forfeit the remainder of the contract after a notice period.

Councilmembers said the city could not allow service interruptions at a campus that supplies shelter and services, but several voiced frustration that the city required the stronger oversight because the relationship and operating problems had arisen. District 7 Councilmember K. H. Hernandez, whose district contains the campus, and others said the contract extension must be paired with specific performance metrics and the option for an audit. Staff said the city retains audit rights under its existing contracting rules and committed to ongoing monitoring.

The council vote carried 9‑0. City staff and Keys to Change leaders said they will begin the monthly finance‑committee participation and the regular information exchanges immediately. The council also directed staff to return with a status update after the scheduled review.","Phoenix City Council approved a contract extension for Keys to Change, the city-funded homeless services campus, with conditions including a non‑voting city seat on Keys’ finance committee, monthly meetings between city and board leaders and a scheduled review of the relationship at the end of 2025.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6179683,"Phoenix council approves targeted fixes to heat‑safety ordinance after airport workers describe ongoing dangers",2174,2626000,4800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6&start=2626&end=4800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5125088-35996ced9106d92e36a6d62ad1306ef6/thumbnail_2626000.jpg","/articles/6179683/Arizona/Phoenix-council-approves-targeted-fixes-to-heatsafety-ordinance-after-airport-workers-describe-ongoing-dangers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179683-6ae5e195237a3a3a157edcabfe0c07e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771016313&Signature=cGhf0tFbhGshRalzp23zplRgO9vHJ8grCV72vDdcl08NHCywXOSGhnqR2gvU7MCOERBC4N5CxXpZ89ONygti2IM~WJrAx7-U1~omzNT55jApeJCs8WRiFuir7STLr-UaQZT1bqD7~Ug5ZigdOdk90AoNVz1g72BuP0RCdvjA6N023YSmS~-WOlUeBdwRFVbyUXosu2WGWgF4gPWiP5LrmzlQYSRTbHIqv-NCdmwk3Xm2lAHVDxLC17HWEGqqB7w6prUZxwZmcnTiO7yLEhiWameIBDqWgmu4nGc-ti07jb9coUqcwTbNI0lEpNDPig9m4yuApeBsJkBb0ihqXI7-wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Phoenix City Council on July 2 unanimously approved amendments to the city’s heat‑safety ordinance to add clearer posting requirements, an employee complaints hotline and steps to enforce air‑conditioning in enclosed cabs for vehicles used at Sky Harbor Airport.

The vote followed more than two hours of public testimony from airport workers, labor representatives and union and community advocates who described continuing heat hazards at Sky Harbor and asked the council to strengthen enforcement and protections against retaliation. Councilmember Betty Guardado led the push for today’s changes and said the council would return later this year to consider additional reforms staff and workers raise.

The ordinance changes require contractors to post heat‑safety plans in employee work areas, make a heat‑safety complaint phone number available to employees and give city staff authority to investigate reports of noncompliance. Airport managers also committed to immediate checks at airport vehicle security gates for functioning air conditioning and to issue directives to contract guards to verify cold air is blowing in enclosed cabs. City staff said they will open investigations based on testimony heard at the meeting.

Multiple Sky Harbor workers told council they still face hours without cold water and trucks with air conditioners that fail after short use. “We have about 22 trucks. Out of those 22 trucks, there is only 4 trucks that has working AC units,” SkyChefs driver Filiberto Lares said during public comment, adding that battery‑powered coolers often run out after roughly two hours. Another worker said some shifts run 16 hours and that water deliveries can be delayed for hours.

Unite Here Local 11 and AFSCME representatives endorsed the staff changes but recommended additional steps including formal whistleblower protections, requirements to collect contractor heat safety plans proactively (rather than waiting for complaints) and clearer enforcement for subcontractors. The council incorporated several staff proposals and Guardado asked staff to return in the fall with responses to worker recommendations that remain outstanding.

City staff said the airport has created a new staff position dedicated to heat ordinance compliance and will post a dedicated safety phone number on employee security badges next week. Staff also told council they will seek immediate answers from the employer that testified workers are being prevented from carrying bottled water; the airport’s public‑safety app remains available for anonymous reporting.

Mayor Gallego and multiple councilmembers praised the ordinance’s original passage last year while acknowledging gaps in implementation. Guardado said the city would pursue “stronger measures” to keep workers safe and urged continued monitoring of compliance at the airport.

The council approved the ordinance amendments 9‑0. Officials said the changes take immediate effect where specified and staff will report back on implementation and additional reforms later this year.","After months of rollout, Phoenix City Council voted to adopt amendments to the city’s heat‑safety ordinance, adding posting requirements, an employee complaints phone line and new enforcement steps for contractors at Sky Harbor Airport following worker testimony that some trucks remain dangerously hot and water access is inconsistent.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts general‑plan policy and zoning rules for data centers after extensive public comment on power, water and fire risks

Council approves data‑driven photo enforcement program; debate centers on equity and surveillance

Council denies liquor license for membership cannabis 'grow room' after police recommend refusal

Council renews Keys to Change contract with oversight conditions after finance concerns

Phoenix council approves targeted fixes to heat‑safety ordinance after airport workers describe ongoing dangers