[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6744428,"mediaKeyId","5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f","parentId",5329793,"title","Residents, veterans urge Goodyear council to exempt Stepping Stones housing from new classifications","audioSeconds",192,"startMs",587000,"endMs",779000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f&start=587&end=779","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f/thumbnail_587000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6744428/Goodyear/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Residents-veterans-urge-Goodyear-council-to-exempt-Stepping-Stones-housing-from-new-classifications","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744428-74105929c5eab6ac22107c4338a3510b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052039&Signature=XEU4azxG46IZPSJjvTte-HHOcjY4SGVDRDszikQ85eVGMVH9TZaoV8JB4xkL3r38mynV3J0iP9tKdlEx~W5x86KPKApx2MuwUWHAjqSQGicTzFWnHy5DOcJY2BG1ucrtsULEJ5BIMGyt8LP6BEp5McRa57Zk8PkDvnQ78KDvS~qKskLILcCrGtlq3hSA-TR0sl1J8j1sNkkQ1TRCVwqH4KTEfylGBjI2-aqypeJpcy~J961nVz01N7QfNR30wAXvjTmqQyORb2qq65tQC9nNVGx0s75x22qBTYhGm0EJRauzAiBLgty9by4ZUyQA9J8R82QjSxg-QISuIJ-WXaRv9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Goodyear, AZ","date","2025-07-08T13:42:43Z","article","Delshea Williams, owner of Stepping Stones LLC, told the Goodyear City Council on July 7 that new city regulations risk misclassifying her program and could jeopardize housing for veterans the nonprofit serves.

\"We do not meet the definition of an assisted living facility ... a behavioral health group home ... [or] sober living,\" Williams said, urging council to \"recognize Stepping Stones as what it truly is today.\" She described the program as \"a safe, stable place where veterans can live independently and a supportive community,\" and said staff do not provide medical care, daily living assistance, or medication management.

The testimony came during the public-comment portion of the meeting and was followed by several veterans and residents who credited the program with helping them avoid homelessness. Resident Dane Alley described finding community through the program; Janet Fraser, a U.S. Army veteran, said, \"If it wasn't for Stepping Stones, I'd be living on the streets.\" Retiree Gregory Smalls said the program had provided him a room and care during a period of illness.

Williams told council that the city’s new registration requirements would force Stepping Stones to register as one of several regulated facility types that, she said, do not match the program’s services. She cited protections in the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and warned that misclassification could \"directly jeopardize our resident housing by violating the spirit of these laws.\"

Mayor and council members responded by asking staff to follow up. The mayor asked the city manager to \"reach out to see if there's something we can do to deal with that issue,\" and City Manager Wenette said staff were already looking into it.

Councilwoman Vicki Gillis later requested that staff provide the information gathered back to her and to the full council. The council did not take formal action on the issue during the meeting; staff indicated they will investigate and report back to the council.

Why it matters: The dispute concerns how local regulations categorize residential programs that serve vulnerable populations. A change in classification could trigger licensing or operational requirements that, according to Williams and several veterans, would threaten the program’s ability to provide low-barrier housing to people exiting homelessness.

What’s next: City staff committed to follow up and provide information to council. Councilwoman Gillis requested that staff share findings with all council members.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting - 07/07/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Delshea Williams, owner of Stepping Stones LLC, told the Goodyear City Council on July 7 that new city regulations risk misclassifying her program and could jeopardize housing for veterans the nonprofit serves.","taxTitle","Goodyear, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2568,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744413,"Council approves consent agenda, ASU IGA and other items; votes at a glance",1294,1214000,2508000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f&start=1214&end=2508","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f/thumbnail_1214000.jpg","/articles/6744413/Goodyear/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-approves-consent-agenda-ASU-IGA-and-other-items-votes-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744413-e670770102acb84f4c386c1ec82db802/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052039&Signature=Z5SnFlByCAkqUISO9j0l7KUEpUIfG6HJk-gfsGY9BEalN1dQSoRDXtOHftcG9-cR4wtlSuSHB5g0uWx91HmNWPWJ0LW4I1530koFEoMYfr6hBoqJ4W1yprafKsJr4ZOoguDrvGdaZ4ZAJngVih-pcyWsBDD0L9RppPLeZ~wzs~jpTunxmlFMqoswQylZVODYtFP9d0gVnxrw4Pe~JfO~1T6D1KWryeWvN1I6BzsWZSn6KrYpMkNdmWMdURCJgGllmm1pvZuk8FwV0xlLHKUJyrTUIbHwYANa-q3KTDy0b-ZU7BlUHdWcCVL2YUm8iPwNWK0wwyZeHzgeeA-aMaGF8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Goodyear City Council on July 7 approved multiple routine and action items, including the consent agenda and an intergovernmental agreement with Arizona State University.

Consent agenda: The city clerk read items 2 through 8 by title, which included approval of minutes, new liquor licenses (Trader Joe’s No. 289 — series 10 beer and wine store; a new series 12 restaurant liquor license for Azulejo Cocina/As read: \"Azulejo Kosina Mejikana\"), a recommendation of no recommendation for a series 10 license for Goodyear Food Store, budget amendments and related expenditure authority, an intergovernmental agreement with Agua Fria Union High School District for joint use of facilities (text read in the packet), and a resolution declaring public right-of-way and reserving an easement for a property described in the packet. Council approved the consent agenda 7–0.

Arizona State University IGA: The council adopted Resolution No. 2025-2482, approving an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Goodyear and the Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University. Deputy Director Dara Mann said the IGA is a one-year agreement for $75,000, paid quarterly with specific milestones and deliverables, to support expansion of the city’s Innovation Hub services. The council approved the resolution 7–0.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (items 2–8): Approved 7–0. Items included licensing, budget amendments, an IGA with the (as read) Agua Fria Union High School District, and a public right-of-way resolution (packet contains full descriptions).

- Resolution 2025-2482 (IGA with Arizona State University / Arizona Board of Regents): Approved 7–0. Agreement term: one year; amount: $75,000; funding: included in the city budget; deliverables required quarterly.

Why it matters: These approvals clear routine business, authorize small-city financial commitments and partnerships intended to support local businesses and facilities, and allow staff to proceed with contract administration and grant distribution.

What’s next: Staff will implement the approved agreements and proceed with administrative steps listed in the agenda packet.","The Goodyear City Council approved the consent agenda (items 2–8) and adopted an intergovernmental agreement with Arizona State University for Innovation Hub support; votes were unanimous where recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744418,"Goodyear holds public hearing on annexation of South Perryville Road adjacent to La Provada; no action taken",261,1348000,1609000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f&start=1348&end=1609","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f/thumbnail_1348000.jpg","/articles/6744418/Goodyear/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Goodyear-holds-public-hearing-on-annexation-of-South-Perryville-Road-adjacent-to-La-Provada-no-action-taken","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744418-4d5391bfbdbb53c5f23840e56dcd69b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052040&Signature=PTaxHKadvVbDu6ho~Ce7wtrumcshKJ7xkdXJ0XBLOP-VFUDb9mV7yhgQITPbEtS1V3sKgr-AKXIHFjBEH5tkMliNj-gGQxzUh8rQqiluuQ8E-6chvZb99pTsgJSz8Kh5~I7pOvnIKPBJtJ2uTc5aUu0MhVIM7-gRx0Fo5o9V1~nR8SvVLFNopRBR9DXBLZjA5aWg9ybjwiHDMJ2Rh~u4LBBIZafD7F8ZmOMKB61q5dnq4mWo2EcsS4PvspTPBlkzDJHC9HjXIa7HuyRV5i5Sl-IrB0m3fww8AHTA~RUWgtH7A1BDhqt-qgtsjYV8zcGK6VIbGJ8ZFDwlBca7Z3WPSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katie Wilkin, Goodyear’s Development Services Director, and Senior Planner Kyle Abbott presented a staff briefing and held a public hearing on July 7 regarding a proposed annexation of two parcels totaling approximately 0.978 acres adjacent to South Perryville Road and La Provada Parcel 5.

Staff said the property is privately owned by Melcor Development Arizona Inc., and is shown on assessor maps as a county-maintained road. The annexation would bring the parcel into the city so half-street improvements along South Perryville Road could be constructed to City of Goodyear standards as part of the La Provada residential subdivision. Staff noted the property is currently zoned Rural 43 in the county and would convert to the city's agricultural urban equivalent upon annexation.

Wilkin and Abbott told council that the annexation process requires multiple touch points; this meeting represented the second step and state statute requires a second public hearing at a future date for final action. Staff requested policy direction and said they will return to council with a decision item at a later meeting.

Why it matters: Annexation would allow the city to require and construct road improvements to support an in-city subdivision, shift maintenance responsibilities, and ensure infrastructure meets city standards.

What’s next: Staff will schedule the required second public hearing and present the annexation for council action at a future meeting.","City staff presented a public hearing on annexing approximately 0.978 acres adjacent to La Provada Parcel 5 to allow half-street improvements; council took no action tonight per state statute and will consider the annexation at a future hearing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744423,"Goodyear council approves $214,400 in community funding for FY2025–26 after review of 55 applications",566,1674000,2240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f&start=1674&end=2240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5329793-0c3ddf4eb1d9c68d2576c5efee95611f/thumbnail_1674000.jpg","/articles/6744423/Goodyear/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Goodyear-council-approves-214400-in-community-funding-for-FY202526-after-review-of-55-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744423-7d917676dc9e435cbe88ed30fbe157a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771052039&Signature=OBwCdVoVzVzctKEx7kYdsRZUqdOQ5N3g0Dm4L6G7VK2kftNNJRs5dZvbGELxGwBG25enA0fA1CJBqw6Wjy9f2yuF-L3OQbTrBB-fGh975GrdUZ72Tc5ASiY5ufm7GfLWlMvAaZq8ooH8iZaFK6ilzKnhd-ffqTn4~-gUxtmIm0s-um6lqg-aLd2NxVWdlvw0bdzMkKa808Z~upnaqIMhl87NPG6I7fE6e~wNfAgaV1WYmXR7j9RmMcrOOH81PM1SyE7TlSvzzycbheNS5j9p1Mie4a5S2v5uDcVQhQxAbheWKQgp56688cNRjDVF2sEq6iXj7IH8Hp0x4qzbHIjMTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christina Panotescu, Goodyear’s community partnerships program manager, presented the Community Funding Subcommittee’s recommended allocations for fiscal year 2025–26 at the July 7 council meeting.

Panotescu said the program had $214,400 budgeted for distribution, received 55 applications (more than 20 from first-time applicants), and that the total requests exceeded $3 million because some applicants did not account for average award limits. She thanked Vice Mayor Wally Campbell, Councilwoman Laura Cano and Councilwoman Vicki Gillis for their work on the subcommittee.

Council discussion focused on program performance and continuity of a program referenced as \"iHealth\" or \"IHOPE.\" Panotescu said Lutheran Social Services had previously administered the program but stopped delivering it due to federal budget cuts; the applicant receiving the award will sustain the service. She also described the annual reporting cycle: applicants who previously received awards report 12-month results that staff compile and share with council.

A motion and second to approve the recommended allocations passed 7–0. The council directed staff to notify awardees and proceed with distributing funds per the recommended allocations.

Why it matters: The community funding program distributes limited city funds to nonprofits that provide services Goodyear does not deliver directly. Council members said they hope to increase funding in future budgets as needs grow.

What’s next: Staff will notify applicants of awards, distribute funds, and compile awardees’ 12-month reports for council review.","The council approved recommended allocations from the Community Funding Subcommittee for FY2025–26. Staff reported $214,400 available, 55 applications received, and a recommendation packet was provided to council; the vote passed 7–0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents, veterans urge Goodyear council to exempt Stepping Stones housing from new classifications

Council approves consent agenda, ASU IGA and other items; votes at a glance

Goodyear holds public hearing on annexation of South Perryville Road adjacent to La Provada; no action taken

Goodyear council approves $214,400 in community funding for FY2025–26 after review of 55 applications