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Nogales establishes Commission on Disability Issues to coordinate neurodiversity and mental‑health efforts
Summary
The City Council adopted an ordinance creating a Commission on Disability Issues (CODY) to advise the city on services for people with disabilities and neurodivergent residents; the advisory body will include representatives from state agencies, Mariposa Community Health Center and a community member.
The Nogales City Council voted on April 2 to establish a Commission on Disability Issues (CODY) to advise city government and coordinate with local providers on neurodiversity, mental‑health access and disability services.
“Merely what this board does is...bring ideas and decisions as to how do we make neurodiversity a common word that is not a bad word, but a positive word,” Dr. Verano (presenting on behalf of local providers) said during the council discussion.
The ordinance (O2025‑04‑003) adds a new chapter to the city code that creates an unpaid advisory commission. The proposed membership described in the ordinance and discussed at the meeting includes representatives from the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA), the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), three seats for Mariposa Community Health Center and one community member. The ordinance directs that a city staff person be assigned as the commission secretary to handle public‑meeting notices and minutes.
Michelle Ramirez, a local autism advocate who has worked with city officials on prior efforts, and representatives from Mariposa Community Health Center described existing programs — including mental‑health clinics, parent training and telemedicine — and said the commission would act as a central hub for coordinating services, outreach and education. Ramirez and Mariposa staff said the group does not request city operating funds; it will function as an advisory body that can identify gaps and recommend policy or facility accessibility improvements.
Council members asked for details about membership, meeting logistics and legal exposure. City legal counsel explained the commission would be advisory and unpaid, required to follow Arizona’s open‑meeting law, and supported administratively by city staff in the same manner as other boards and commissions. Councilmember Doug Doyle said he wanted more time to review written materials; other members praised the plan and the involvement of medical and advocacy partners.
The council adopted the ordinance by voice vote. After the ordinance passed, council and Mariposa representatives discussed next steps for forming the membership and providing training and outreach to parents, schools and service providers.
The council also issued two proclamations and presented a Good Samaritan award during the meeting that acknowledged community work on autism and library services; those items passed by voice vote as well.
