Phoenix budget hearing spotlights South and West investments, homelessness and fire-response needs

Councilwoman Hodge opened a May 6 public budget hearing in Phoenix where residents and city staff discussed the proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget, focusing on investments in South and West Phoenix, homelessness services and public-safety staffing.

The hearing matters because the city manager’s proposed “trial” budget includes a proposed tax-rate change, specific allocations for homelessness and capital projects, and sets the timetable for council consideration ahead of a May 21 council vote and legal adoption scheduled in June. The property tax levy ordinance is slated for early July, staff said during the presentation.

City staff opened the hearing with an overview of the budget process and the draft proposals. Mario Barajas, an interpreter for the meeting, read from the presentation and told Spanish-speaking attendees that interpreters were available and reviewed participation guidelines. The presentation described the budget structure — a general fund for core services, enterprise funds (including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and water services) and restricted funds for capital and voter-approved purposes — and warned of possible structural deficits caused in part by recent state revenue changes.

The draft budget includes a proposed increase…