Council adopts ordinance creating Commission on Disability Issues to centralize local neurodiversity and disability coordination

The Nogales City Council voted on April 2 to adopt an ordinance establishing a Commission on Disability Issues (CODY), an unpaid advisory body intended to coordinate local providers, city staff and community members on disability‑related needs including neurodiversity services.

The ordinance (cited in the meeting as Ordinance 02025‑04‑003) adds new sections to the city code creating a commission that the ordinance describes as advisory only. The commission’s proposed membership includes designated agency seats: a representative from the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, a representative from the Office of Individual and Family Affairs (OIFA), a representative from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), three seats for Mariposa Community Health Center and one community member. The ordinance also requires a city staff member to serve as the commission secretary to post notices and maintain minutes in compliance with Arizona open‑meeting law.

Advocates who spoke at the meeting described current local services and the commission’s role as a coordinating and informational hub rather than a funding body. Michelle Ramirez, an autism advocate recognized earlier in the meeting with a Good Samaritan award, and Dr. Verano (a community health representative) described collaboration among Mariposa Community Health Center, school districts, county agencies and first‑responders. Dr. Verano said the commission will “gather information and provide recommendations to the council,” and Ramirez described goals such as better community education, parent trainings, school IEP support and improved access to mental‑health and developmental services.

Council members said they wanted time to review written details before a vote; staff provided the ordinance packet during the meeting and presenters explained it was intended to be advisory and not to create a city funding obligation. After discussion the council adopted the ordinance; the council will later appoint members and staff will support the commission’s public‑meeting requirements.

Councilmembers and speakers emphasized the local nature of the effort and noted partnerships already in place with county agencies, Mariposa Community Health Center and other local providers. The council did not allocate a dedicated budget for the commission; it is structured as advisory with city staff providing secretarial and meeting‑posting support. The council called for outreach to fill the designated seats and to return with member appointments in a later agenda item.