Phoenix vows to press on housing, homelessness and bond projects; cites eviction legal services plan

Mayor Kate Gallego said expanding access to affordable housing and ending homelessness remain top priorities for her administration as she began her second term.

"We passed the 2023 general obligation bond, a historic down payment on Phoenix's infrastructure with our community's kids in mind," Mayor Kate Gallego said, describing the bond as funding for public safety, sustainability and affordable housing projects.

Gallego told the audience the bond includes investments in climate resilience, shade trees, electrification of city fleets and programs to expand access to affordable housing and services to end homelessness. She said a key item in her agenda is creating a permanent eviction legal services program, an initiative she described as in collaboration with Councilwoman Keisha Hodge Washington.

The mayor also described results from her homeless-solutions plan, saying 1 of 52 proposals had been advanced and that "more than 60% of those proposals have already been completed or are actively underway."

District-level detail: Councilwoman Betty Guardado described a string of investments in District 5 she credited with drawing major public and private funds. Guardado listed more than $33,100,000 secured to fight crime and make communities safer, $21,400,000 for a new fire station, $3,000,000 for renovations to the Maryvale Police Precinct and more than $100,000,000 in community infrastructure dollars. She also cited $31,000,000 for Helen Drake Village Senior Living Center, $12,000,000 for The Haven and $14,100,000 for affordable senior housing at a converted hotel.

Why it matters: Officials said these measures address housing affordability, public safety and services for residents at risk of homelessness. The mayor framed investments as part of a holistic approach tying early childhood supports, workforce training and infrastructure improvements to long-term stability for families.

Context and limits: Statements were made in inaugural remarks and did not represent new votes or ordinances enacted at the ceremony. Dollar figures and program completion percentages were reported by elected officials during their speeches and were not accompanied by ordinance citations at the event.

Looking forward: Mayor Gallego and council members said programs funded by the 2023 bond and ongoing homelessness initiatives will continue to roll out through the council’s regular agenda and city implementation processes.