Gallego cites large street repaving push and imminent South Central light rail opening

Mayor Kate Gallego described what she called the city’s largest street repair program in history and previewed a light rail extension that will connect the South Side to downtown.

“We have undertaken the biggest, most comprehensive street repair program in our history,” Gallego said, adding that in five years the city has resurfaced, repaved or sealed more than 2,100 miles of Phoenix streets. She framed that maintenance strategy as preventive, aimed at reducing vehicle damage and traffic disruptions.

Gallego also noted the South Central Light Rail Extension will open in about two weeks, expanding walking and biking infrastructure along the Rio Salado and improving multimodal access for residents south of downtown. She described the project as personally meaningful because she represented the South Side on the city council.

The mayor credited cooperation between government and business — citing a recent Maricopa effort described as “Maricopa 79” in the speech — and thanked local leaders who advanced the work. She did not provide specific new appropriations or a council vote in the address.