Citizens and business owners gathered at Phoenix City Hall Friday morning to meet and greet with council members.
The event was hosted by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC). Vice Mayor and District 5 councilman Daniel Valenzuela and City Manager Ed Zuercher spoke, along with multiple other council members.
GPCC CEO Todd Sanders introduced the event before council members spoke.
“We want to answer the questions you have and give you a chance to know these people,” Sanders said.
The citizens were split into four groups focusing on economic growth, transportation, public safety and wellness.
The Chamber of Commerce hosted the event to connect the residents of Phoenix to their city officials. Curious residents had the opportunity to ask council members about economic growth and how they planned to work with the community and small business owners.
District 8 councilwoman Kate Gallego addressed how economic growth and transportation were tied together.
“We want a more diverse economy, we have the new biomedical campus and are partnering with Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University to make sure we have leading end companies,” Gallego said. “With the passing of Prop. 104 people are able to get to their jobs and the city can grow and expand.”
Zuercher laid out his goals for the city.
“The vision I have is to support the mayor and council and their goal of having Phoenix diverse, dynamic and desirable,” Zuercher said. “The city is here to support you. We don’t want you worrying about if you’re water is coming on. We want you worrying about what you do, your business.”
District 3 councilman Bill Gates said the event was a good way for City Council to connect with its constituents.
“It’s a way for us to reach out to all the babies,” Gates said as he laughed.
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