David Luna
If you have ever wondered how the City Council determines the direction on what’s important to Mesa and our future, you’re not alone.
Occasionally, I get asked this question and want to share with you how we do so. We accomplish this through an annual strategic planning session during which we are asked to revisit/amend our current strategic priority statements. These statements are important because they become the basis for how the city staff make budget recommendations, organize resources, and bring forward new programs or initiatives for further council and community review.
Below are key priorities based on my discussions with you and the needs of District 5 and Mesa.
We deliver innovative services and solutions for our residents, visitors and businesses large and small through:
COMMUNITY SAFETY—Building communities that are safe, healthy and welcoming.
Improve emergency response times in Northeast Mesa. For example, through new technology and/or adding police and fire stations.
SKILLED AND TALENTED WORKFORCE—Leveraging partnerships to create an enriching environment where the job skills required to succeed in today’s economy are made readily available and easily accessible.
Support school readiness, with the City of Mesa as a partner, along with community organizations.
PLACEMAKING—Cultivating vibrant unique spaces, ranging from a city block to entire economic centers, which attract and benefit residents, businesses and visitors.
Make Mesa a destination city by creating walkable trails on canals, adding pickle ball courts and other such amenities.
TRANSFORM NEIGHBORHOODS— Mesa’s neighborhoods are clean, safe, diverse and economically vibrant places where residents and businesses are engaged and informed while taking pride in their properties and community.
Maintain neighborhood characteristics, i.e., desert uplands and citrus groves.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY—Striving for continued economic growth and increased prosperity for all Mesa residents.
Complete the Falcon Tech Center to bring new technology-based jobs to Mesa. Seek new spec building opportunities in and around the Falcon Field District.
Create a strategic plan to expand international/foreign investments and partnerships with Mexico and Canada.
The next steps for these and other items mentioned will be for city staff to bring various items and initiatives discussed to a council subcommittee for further clarification and discussion. Upon additional review, the subcommittee members will forward items they believe should receive full council review and direction.
For more information, call (480) 644-3771, or email District5@mesaaz.gov.