Council OKs downtown EMSD assessment, extends contract with Downtown Chandler Community Partnership

The Chandler City Council approved Resolution 5899 on May 22 to set the fiscal year 2025–26 assessment for the Downtown Chandler Enhanced Municipal Services District and to extend the annual contract with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) to administer those funds.

Lauren Cole, development manager for the city, told the council the EMSD was created in 2005 and covers 61.4 acres and more than 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space. Cole said the district funds services “up and beyond typical public services” such as safety, beautification, marketing and professional management, and that the assessment uses the same formula adopted across the district’s 20-year history. She said the DCCP requested a 5% increase allowed under the EMSD bylaws and that no property-owner objections had been filed after the required public notice period.

Rebecca, speaking for the nonprofit DCCP, outlined the group’s work in downtown Chandler and said it provides event management, marketing, placemaking and a “clean team” in support of businesses. Rebecca said DCCP-managed events drew more than 43,000 attendees in the past year and that the organization worked with the city on safety and beautification projects such as alley lighting and additional turf and sprinklers along Boston Street.

Councilmember Orlando moved approval of Resolution 5899; Vice Mayor Ellis seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to adopt the assessment and approve the contract.

The action formalizes the DCCP’s role in delivering enhanced services in downtown Chandler and authorizes the assessment rate for property owners in the EMSD for the coming fiscal year. City staff said the assessment process followed statutory notice requirements and that property owners had the opportunity to file objections before the hearing.