Phoenix is preparing to elect its next mayor in a special election on Nov. 6 after former Mayor Greg Stanton stepped down to run for Congressional office. Two former city council members, Kate Gallego (District 8) and Daniel Valenzuela (District 5), and two self-proclaimed political outsiders, Nicholas Sarwark and Moses Sanchez, are all vying for the city’s top office.
But where do the candidates stand on key downtown issues?
We at Downtown Devil asked what issues matter most to our readers in the upcoming mayoral election. We sent each candidate questions based on the most frequently-asked topics you picked.
All answers are published in completion and unedited. To view the full answers, click the candidate’s name.
For more information on contenders, check out our guide to the Phoenix mayoral race.
What are plans you have to create affordable housing in downtown Phoenix and to aid people displaced by rising rents?
Click each candidates name to expand their answer.
[expand title=”Valenzuela: I would continue to work with the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority…“]
I would continue to work with the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority. The IDA manages a homebuyer assistance program which offers to pay 3% toward the down payment or closing costs for a first-time homebuyer. The IDA will pay 4% if the homebuyer is a K-12 teacher or Veteran. As Mayor, I would seek to extend these sorts of initiatives. You can read more about it in my PhoeNEXT plan.
I support the development of vacant city-owned parcels sold to developers specifically for affordable housing to assure a mix of housing opportunities, particularly workforce housing, which experts are telling us is a growing need for our evolving economy.
As Mayor, I will lobby the legislature to reinstate funding for the Arizona Housing Trust Fund. It needs to be replenished to pre-recession levels to incentivize affordable housing development. [/expand]
[expand title=”Gallego: To build a city that works for everyone, we need to create more affordable housing options in the downtown Phoenix area — this is a priority of mine…“]
To build a city that works for everyone, we need to create more affordable housing options in the downtown Phoenix area — this is a priority of mine. The cost of rent continues to be one of the most prominent barriers for the ever-growing number of people from students to artists who choose downtown as home.
I have worked to cut red tape and decrease the time it takes to get a building permit in Phoenix. I support incentivizing affordable housing in downtown. As chair of the city’s Finance Subcommittee, I worked to sell city-owned land or to make it available for affordable housing. For example, the city is now working with the non-profit Trellis to build affordable housing in Garfield. I have also worked to bring new money into our community including partnering with the federal government to obtain an $30 million grant that was leveraged into millions more for affordable housing near downtown. I will continue to pursue these commonsense partnerships as your next Phoenix Mayor.
I’m open to other approaches, such as allowing greater density in exchange for dedicated affordable units. My platform on KateGallego.com/Issuesprovides greater detail on specific policies and programs.[/expand]
[expand title=” Sanchez: The Phoenix area currently has one of the highest eviction rates in the country for any metropolitan area, which is not acceptable…“]The Phoenix area currently has one of the highest eviction rates in the country for any metropolitan area, which is not acceptable. City Hall has failed to lead on this issue, with more and more Phoenicians forced to move out of the downtown area as rates rise. As Mayor, I would work hand-in-hand with non-profits that provide affordable housing options in Phoenix and lower the regulatory barriers on their projects. Additionally, I would emphasize the use of Community Benefits Agreements between neighborhood groups and developers to make sure a percentage of units are kept at an affordable rate.[/expand]
[expand title=”Sarwark: Neighborhoods go through a life cycle…“]
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How will you implement a Complete Streets Policy? How will you address rising rates of injuries and fatalities of pedestrians?
Click each candidates name to expand their answer.
[expand title=”Valenzuela: I support the development and implementation of Complete Streets…“]
I support the development and implementation of Complete Streets. Complete Streets will be a city-wide policy as it should, and not just be limited to the downtown area. What works in one region of the city may not work in another region. As a result, all affected stakeholders need to be heard as part of the process that will ultimately yield a plan that has the broadest public support. While I recognize Complete Streets is a complex issue with details that need to be addressed, it is an integral part of a more walkable community and one that provides added safety for pedestrians, those utilizing alternative means of transportation as well as motorists. Complete Streets will also encourage the right kind of development across our city for the Phoenix of the future.
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[expand title=”Gallego: Before I ran for office, I chaired the Environmental Quality Commission and asked the city to develop a complete streets policy…“]
Before I ran for office, I chaired the Environmental Quality Commission and asked the city to develop a complete streets policy. Our downtown streets should be designed for safety and efficiency for pedestrians, bicyclists, commuters and transit riders. Vision Zero–an international effort that sets the goal of no traffic fatalities–is a guiding principle of transportation planning that many cities (including Tempe locally) are adopting; Phoenix should consider this as well.
Enhancing safe, efficient, and equitable mobility relies on complementary strategies in education, enforcement, and engineering. We need better education so all users understand and heed the rules of the road; we all need to do better about ignoring our phones as we walk or drive. Those lessons may be more closely heeded with increased enforcement, which should be targeted to areas of highest risk and incidence. These “soft” strategies need to inform and support the longer-term redesign and re-engineering of the street and transportation network. For that, we need policies and service standards that reflect the huge variation across Phoenix’s diverse neighborhoods, and a commitment to build consensus across the many users and uses of our streets.
As the chair of the Prop 104 campaign, Phoenix’s transportation plan through 2050, I worked to expand our transportation options and make sure street repairs and the Mobility Improvements Program is a major component of that plan. The collaborative approach I employed for the process shows that I know how to keep Phoenix moving forward to a better tomorrow.
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[expand title=”Sanchez: The mass resignation of the Complete Streets advisory board earlier this year showed a failure of leadership from the politicians at City Hall…“]
The mass resignation of the Complete Streets advisory board earlier this year showed a failure of leadership from the politicians at City Hall. No matter what you may think of the policy, a process like this shouldn’t end without substantive results. By working with neighborhood leaders and the private sector, we should be able to find solutions that make our city more pedestrian-friendly without hurting businesses. This will lead to a healthier Phoenix, which in turn benefits everyone. [/expand]
[expand title=”Sarwark: The city needs to prioritize fixing our streets so that they are safe and usable by people using all forms of transportation. ..“]
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What policies do you support to make Phoenix more environmentally friendly? How will those policies be effective?
Click each candidates name to expand their answer.
[expand title=” Valenzuela: Access to safe and affordable transportation… “]
TRANSPORTATION
Access to safe and affordable transportation. A great city is shaped not by how the affluent get around but by how all people can. Invest in transportation technologies that reduce carbon emissions and air pollution like electric, hybrid and zero emission vehicles.
PARKS AND GREEN SPACE
Quality parks and green open space. A commitment to preserving and intelligently expanding our green/open space not only reduces our carbon footprint but favorably impact public health and increases property values.
Not just the development of new parks, but an equal emphasis on ensuring our existing parks are safe and well maintained. The GCU/Maryvale Golf Course partnership is an example of how the City can work with the private sector to achieve this goal.
WATER MANAGEMENT
Continued protection of the fossil aquifers that underlie the Valley of the Sun which some experts say we will need tap into this water reserves by 2026.
Prioritize stormwater management and green infrastructure across all City departments and work with experts to identify best practices for incentivizing stormwater retrofits at homes and businesses.
HEAT ISLAND
It cannot be denied – climate change is real. Phoenix is enduring its hottest year on record. And we’ve experienced a record number of heat-related deaths this year.
I will be committed to ensuring that best-practice science is utilized in local decision making. We can start combatting the urban heat island effect now by focusing on planting shade trees, using reflective surfaces that trap less heat for roads and buildings, and more.
Convene public, private and institutions to study carbon emission reduction strategies and create an action plan that identifies the steps needed to be carbon neutral for city operations by 2050 and citywide by 2060.
In all these issues, I see ASU playing a vital role. Not just in sustainability policy development, but all city operations
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[expand title=”Gallego: I put the sun on my campaign logo to celebrate that the very first policy I passed at the city, which was our solar energy program…“]
I put the sun on my campaign logo to celebrate that the very first policy I passed at the city, which was our solar energy program. I hold an Environmental Studies Degree and served as chair of the City of Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission, so I have the background to help Phoenix become the most sustainable desert city.
On the council, I chaired the Sustainability, Housing, Efficiency and Neighborhoods Subcommittee and am proud to say Phoenix surpassed its 2015 goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 15 percent. We have set ambitious sustainability goals moving forward, and I will work to keep us on track on those goals, which cover areas from parks to water.
My dedication to being environmentally responsible has earned me the endorsement of the Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce, which promotes sustainable businesses. Phoenix has a large number of sustainable businesses, and I committed to helping them grow and telling their stories.
We need to continue to increase our solar capacity and invest in trees. We need to support transportation options. Phoenix’s natural resources are limited in some areas and vast in other areas, such as solar energy. I am confident that with strategic planning and ambitious targets, our city can be a national model for sustainability.
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[expand title=” Sanchez: I believe our city needs to do a better job of promoting social-impact partnerships, which can be used to make our city more environmentally friendly… “]
I believe our city needs to do a better job of promoting social-impact partnerships, which can be used to make our city more environmentally friendly. These partnerships would be similar to public-private partnerships used for infrastructure projects, but they would focus on results that improve our city’s quality of life. It’s time for the public sector to get on the same page as the private sector in our City.
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[expand title=”Sarwark: The city needs to prioritize fixing our streets so that they are safe and usable by people using all forms of transportation… “]
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What are your plans to address the homeless crisis in downtown Phoenix. How will you reduce the number of unsheltered people especially in central and downtown areas?
Click each candidates name to expand their answer.
[expand title=”Valenzuela: We must understand homelessness is not a neighborhood problem, it’s a county problem, it’s a state problem, it’s a national problem… “]
We must understand homelessness is not a neighborhood problem, it’s a county problem, it’s a state problem, it’s a national problem. Tonight, there will be more than 5,000 people in Maricopa County living on the street. There are just 600 shelter beds in Maricopa County and they are all located in Phoenix.
We need to attack the Issue through Behavioral Health – half of the homeless struggle with behavioral health issues.
- Maricopa County special health care district bond measure. I supported and campaigned on behalf of Prop 480, under the condition the measure would fund behavioral health programs including the conversion of Maryvale Hospital into a behavioral health hospital.
- A new program to embed behavioral health professionals on the streets to supplement our police patrols.
We also need a regional approach. Before I left the Council, I convened regional leaders to explore regional solutions. The burden of homelessness can’t be left to Phoenix. We need resources in the west and east valley as well.
Homelessness is a statewide challenge, so the state government needs to meet that challenge.
- The Arizona Housing Trust Fund needs to be replenished to pre-recession levels.
- The opioid crisis needs to be addressed on a statewide basis.
- The Legislature has a history of abandonment. Abandoned our schools…. abandoned our communities. Homelessness requires a statewide comprehensive approach …public health, public safety, and housing affordability.
One last point:
The State of Massachusetts appropriated $191-million dollars last year to fund homeless related projects. Arizona $2.5 million dollars. That included money from a federal grant. The Legislature must do more to help with homelessness. Working together with other cities increases our chances to get something done.[/expand]
[expand title=”Gallego: Addressing homelessness is my top social services priority…“]
Addressing homelessness is my top social services priority. We need to understand this as a regional challenge, and surrounding cities need to work with us to address it. We need progress on the underlying issues of housing affordability, mental health, and substance abuse that impact some of those experiencing chronic homelessness. We need more housing with wrap-around social services. PHX C.A.R.E.S., which focuses on sending trained outreach teams to areas with a high homeless population, was a solid first step and relieved some our police officers from having to be social workers, but there is more work to do.
We need partners from all surrounding cities to be able to tackle this issue on a more substantive level than accomplished so far. This is not a Phoenix problem specifically, it’s a countywide issue that I take very seriously and one where the city can and should lead.
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[expand title=” Sanchez: Since 2014, homelessness has spiked by 150% in Phoenix…“]Since 2014, homelessness has spiked by 150% in Phoenix. The status quo politicians at City Hall have failed to take any meaningful steps to reduce homelessness, which has left Phoenix in a state of crisis. As Mayor, I would work to raise the capacity at homeless shelters at Phoenix, many of which have the ability to house more people in need. When we get people off the streets and into caring shelters where they can get the help they need, we can create positive results. In the long-term, I would bring public safety, health care and community experts together to create the First Step PHX initiative that would use a holistic approach to get they need to turn their lives around.
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[expand title=”Sarwark: The Human Services Campus turns away roughly half of the homeless people who come to them seeking shelter every month.“]The Human Services Campus turns away roughly half of the homeless people who come to them seeking shelter every month. Not because of lack of funding or desire to help, but because the city of Phoenix will not allow them to expand their bed space. The city needs to get out of the way of charitable organizations who are working to help our homeless population.
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As Mayor, how will you ensure the voices of Phoenix community members are heard during the planning of infrastructure, housing, and other proposals?
Click each candidates name to expand their answer.
[expand title=”Valenzuela: What I have said and laid out in my PhoeNEXT plan is I will bring all the stakeholders to the table at the outset…“]
What I have said and laid out in my PhoeNEXT plan is I will bring all the stakeholders to the table at the outset. That includes but is not limited to the city, business and academic leaders, the arts community, and residents. Matters of infrastructure, housing, and economic development have a lasting impact, those who will be impacted need to be heard and considered.
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[expand title=”Gallego: I think there are two important components to this: making it a priority to show up to community meetings and making the feedback process at city more accessible to all…“]
I think there are two important components to this: making it a priority to show up to community meetings and making the feedback process at city more accessible to all. We need the experts at the table, but also need to assure every Phoenician feels included in the decision-making process. This was a practice of Mayor Stanton that I want to build on. I am also proud that former Mayor Terry Goddard is chairing my campaign. There is no one who has done more to empower residents to have their voices heard in the city, and he will be my role model.
One way to increase participation is by digitizing customer service channels. This will help us reach residents who may not have the time and capability to attend a 2-5 hour city council meeting or sit on a 10-minute call to reach a council member/department. Not only does this open more doors for communication, but enables commentary to be efficiently tracked.
I served a number of years on the Central City Village Planning Committee; we can better utilize our citizen boards and commissions to vet policy, projects and investments. I think it is critical that we appoint diverse and passionate voices for our community on these boards and commissions.
As Mayor, I will work to provide a fair platform to elevate all voices within the city and then derive best policy.
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[expand title=” Sanchez: Right now, special interests and those who can write a $5,000 campaign contribution are the only people who are listened to at City Hall.“]
Right now, special interests and those who can write a $5,000 campaign contribution are the only people who are listened to at City Hall. We don’t have enough accessibility or transparency from our leaders, which leads to communities feeling disconnected. Phoenix families deserve better than the status quo.
To fix this, I’ve suggested an approach that other large cities have used successfully. I am a big proponent of using Community Benefits Agreements to make sure that neighborhood and community groups have their voices heard and their goals accomplished during the planning process. These signed agreements would hold developers accountable to the community to make sure they actually provide value to the community, not just their bottom line.
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[expand title=”Sarwark: Having community meetings early on in the planning process and holding those meetings at hours that working people can attend is the first step…“]
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What is your vision for the future of downtown Phoenix?
Click each candidates name to expand their answer.
[expand title=”Valenzuela: As Chair of the Downtown, Aviation and Innovation Subcommittee of the Phoenix City Council, I have made the development and growth of our downtown core a priority and will continue to do so as Mayor. “]
As Chair of the Downtown, Aviation and Innovation Subcommittee of the Phoenix City Council, I have made the development and growth of our downtown core a priority and will continue to do so as Mayor. The transformation of downtown Phoenix over the last six years has been breathtaking. Phoenix is now a national leader overall job growth, and especially in tech job growth, with much of that concentrated in our downtown. Residential development has blossomed as well. A thriving downtown is not only one in which people work and commerce occurs, but one where people actually live. Today, we have that, with the capacity to accommodate more residential development.
Simply put, my vision for the downtown core is one that continues to build on our solid foundation and my proven leadership and the efforts I carried out while serving on the Council. The continuing attraction of high wage jobs, especially in the tech sector, creates economic opportunity for existing downtown businesses and others that will follow. Businesses that not only meet the needs of newcomers who live and/or work in the downtown area but all of us who relish a vibrant urban core. Smart residential development with owner-occupied units supplementing the explosive growth of multi-housing development. Be it rental or owner-occupied units, a development that includes street and lower level space that makes for appropriate mixed-use activity.
Collaboration is key, as varied and well-intentioned stakeholders may have shared goals but differ on just how to achieve them – Downtown Phoenix Inc., Urban Phoenix Project, Downtown Voices Coalition, and the numerous community associations that advocate for the numerous neighborhoods in and around the downtown. Above all else, the Mayor of Phoenix needs to be a coalition builder and bring people together to get things done.
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[expand title=”Gallego: My vision of a vibrant and thriving downtown, including many housing and transportation options, continues to become reality because of the work we’ve done to attract new industries and foster entrepreneurship…“]
My vision of a vibrant and thriving downtown, including many housing and transportation options, continues to become reality because of the work we’ve done to attract new industries and foster entrepreneurship. I want to continue that progress by investing in both the physical and human infrastructure we need to meet our potential as a city.
On the physical side, that means continuing to expand efficient and effective transportation by making good on the promise to extend light rail into a network with a downtown hub. It also means supporting the great art and cultural institutions downtown, and enhancing public arts and event programming. I want to invest in our public spaces. Margaret Hance Park can be Phoenix’s answer to Millennium Park in Chicago or New York City’s Central Park. Investing in high-quality, connected spaces will spur private sector investment and catalyze a more prosperous future that every Phoenician can enjoy.
On the human side, it means continuing to recruit industries of the future such as technology and the biosciences. The proximity to great universities, sustainable cost of living, quality of life, and supportive ecosystem are huge selling points. I will make it a priority to support the growth of the businesses that are in downtown. I will also work with our economic development department and partners such as GPEC to go into other markets to recruit companies looking to relocate or expand and make the case for Phoenix. Across all sectors, we need to create ladders of opportunity to place Phoenix residents in the jobs of the future through training and workforce development and enhancing partnerships between schools, employers, and training providers.
The Warehouse District is a great example of how I’ve help bring the future vision for downtown to fruition. Over the last few years we have seen a burgeoning tech and creative business set up shop in the Warehouse district — especially ones looking to bootstrap and scale up fast. We’ve found that a key ingredient for successful startups is feeling part of a tightly knit and supportive community. We can support that community with more efficient government, safe streets, a clean environment, and a world-class transportation system.
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[expand title=” Sanchez: Downtown Phoenix has seen lots of success over the past decade, but lots of change that hasn’t benefitted everyone…“]
Downtown Phoenix has seen lots of success over the past decade, but lots of change that hasn’t benefitted everyone. I want to further emphasize the importance of unique and historic neighborhoods in the Downtown area, invest more in police officers to keep us safe and address the homelessness crisis in our city. We deserve a vibrant, thriving Downtown that celebrates the best of our arts and culture scene, but it starts with keeping the character of our neighborhoods and making sure our community is safe.
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[expand title=”Sarwark: My vision is for a downtown that continues to grow and attract new businesses and residents who want the connectivity and opportunity that a thriving downtown provides.“]
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