Phoenix’s General Obligation Bond Program is putting the “GO” in the revitalization of downtown Phoenix and beyond.
The GO Bond Program could fund major city projects and improvements, from the revitalization of parks to the construction of new libraries. This program is still in its early stages, and its progression depends on the participation of Phoenix citizens.
Adam Waltz, a public information officer for the city of Phoenix, provided a thorough description of how the GO Bond Program will work. That is, if it passes several levels of legislation first – from the city council all the way to the 2023 ballot.
Simplified, the GO Bond Program went from City Manager Jeff Barton’s office to subcommittees that are responsible for creating projects in tandem with public interests. As the subcommittee process wraps up, the executive committee for the GO Bond Program will review recommendations from the subcommittees, according to Waltz.
One project that could see approval from the Executive Committee in the coming months would be renovations to downtown’s Margaret T. Hance Park, a hub for local outdoor events.
Cyndy Gaughan, senior director of Phoenix Community Alliance, expressed her support for the restoration of the park during a Parks and Recreation subcommittee meeting on Aug. 29.
A central meeting point in downtown Phoenix, Gaughan called Hance Park a “flagship park” for the city.
“When renovations are complete, the park will reinvigorate the economic, cultural and social life of what happens in Phoenix…as it becomes a thriving world-class city,” said Gaughan.
Cyndy Gaughan said Hance Park renovations could bring life back to downtown Phoenix and Phoenix as a whole.
“Hance Park promotes health and wellness, open community gatherings and equitable access to Phoenicians from all walks of life,” said Gaughan.
There is a vision for what this GO Bond Program could look like, but achieving these feats is not so simple.
Following the subcommittee and executive committee proceedings, the Phoenix City Council will vote in the coming months on whether or not to approve the $500 million plan that they have been presented with, consisting of various endeavors from all eight subcommittees, said Waltz.
If approved, the program will move forward to the November 2023 Special Election ballot where it will ultimately be up to Phoenix citizens to decide whether or not they approve the plan.
Waltz reinforced the importance of public participation during the process.
“Phoenix residents ultimately decide whether or not this passes. So the city council, executive committee, the subcommittees; they are just proposing this plan to Phoenix residents,” Waltz said.
The heart of the program can be found in members of the public, such as Joe Chandler representing Valley Youth Theater (VYT) and its endeavor to acquire a new permanent home.
“I look at VYT as more than just a children’s youth theater organization. I think it’s a valuable social service agency here in our community,” said Chandler at the Arts and Culture subcommittee meeting on Friday morning.
For Chandler and other Phoenix citizens, fervent support of local endeavors comes from a love of community.
Contact the reporter at agbeck1@asu.edu.
