Residents say proposed parks and special‑events rules would curtail mutual aid; council holds first hearing

A proposed revision to Tempe’s special‑events and parks rules provoked sustained public testimony at a council hearing, with dozens of speakers—including mutual‑aid organizers, faith groups and neighborhood advocates—arguing the draft ordinance would limit the ability of volunteers to provide meals and other aid in public parks.

Speakers described lengthy permitting timelines, fees and vague criteria that they said would be applied selectively to groups serving unhoused residents. Dave Wells, a volunteer with a local meal program, urged the council to delay action: "If you go forward, you'll trample over the New Deal meal," he warned, asking for an inclusive process with affected stakeholders. Several speakers pointed to recent citations and the removal of grills from parks as evidence the city’s approach has already chilled mutual‑aid activity.

Other commenters and some neighborhood representatives said legitimate safety and maintenance concerns exist and that clearer, more collaborative processes could address them. Supporters of revisions emphasized the need to protect parks and nearby residents from nuisance and safety issues.

Council treated the measure as a first hearing; members urged additional outreach. The second and final public hearing was set for July 1 so staff, council and community members could continue to refine language and thresholds for permits and exemptions.

Next steps: City staff and council to continue stakeholder outreach and consider proposed ordinance revisions before the July 1 final hearing.