Council approves downtown EMSD assessment and DCCP contract after no objections

The Chandler City Council voted unanimously May 22 to approve Resolution 5899, adopting the fiscal year 2025–26 annual assessment for the Downtown Chandler Enhanced Municipal Services District (EMSD) and renewing the city’s contract with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) to administer district services.

Lauren Cole, a city development manager, told the council the EMSD was created in 2005, covers about 61.4 acres and more than 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space downtown. She said the EMSD funds supplemental services—safety, beautification, marketing, professional management and communications—administered by the DCCP under an annual contract with the city. Cole said the DCCP requested a 5% assessment increase for both private and public property this year, an increase permitted by the EMSD bylaws. Notices were published and mailed to property owners as required; staff reported no objections had been received by the hearing.

Rebecca, representing the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, reviewed a year of activity and results. She said the DCCP is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit whose mission is to “advance the development of Downtown Chandler as a regional destination for shopping, dining, living, culture, and the arts.” Rebecca told council the DCCP hosted 19 events that drew roughly 43,000 attendees and generated more than $100,000 in revenue for the nonprofit; she reported the organization’s social media reached about 41,000 views and that vendor gross sales at the farmers market since the DCCP assumed management in January are about $281,000.

Council members complimented the downtown partnership’s work on events, market growth and small‑business support. Council member Orlando moved approval of Resolution 5899; Vice Mayor Ellis seconded and the motion passed unanimously.