Gallego outlines water conservation plans, Rio Salado redevelopment and new coalition with CAP

Mayor Kate Gallego said Phoenix reduced per‑person water use by more than 30% over the last 30 years and announced that the State Department of Water Resources confirmed the city met its goal to reduce per capita use to 55 gallons a day five years early.

Gallego announced the city will work with the Central Arizona Project (CAP) to create the Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline, which she described as a network of business, agricultural and community leaders to support Arizona’s water security and economy. She said she will work with CAP leadership and other mayors, including Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, on that initiative.

Large‑scale water projects cited in the address include the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, which Gallego said will, by 2027, augment supply with enough purified water to serve 25,000 households. She also said a regional facility at 90 First Avenue will deliver an additional 60,000,000 gallons per day to help cities throughout the valley.

On redevelopment, Gallego discussed turning parts of the Rio Salado corridor into a multimodal gateway with walking and biking infrastructure and acquiring a site at Seventh Street east of the Audubon Center for conversion from industrial use to community amenity. She cited tribal partnerships with the Gila River and Salt River Maricopa communities and cooperation with neighboring cities.

The mayor credited voters for approving funds to acquire and redevelop sites in the corridor and said the city is coordinating with Arizona State University, the McCain Institute and Greater Phoenix Leadership on the initiative.