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Phoenix City Council

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Phoenix City Council
NamePhoenix City Council
House typeUnicameral
BodyCity Council of Phoenix, Arizona
Leader1 typeMayor
Leader1Kate Gallego
Election12019
Leader2 typeVice Mayor
Leader2Yassamin Ansari
Election22024
Members9 (Mayor and 8 Council members)
Political groups1Officially nonpartisan, Majority (8):, Democratic (8), Minority (1):, Republican (1)
Meeting placePhoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona
Websitehttps://www.phoenix.gov/citygovernment/city-council

Phoenix City Council is the legislative body governing Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth-most populous city in the United States. It operates under a Council–manager government system, where the council sets policy and appoints a professional City manager to oversee daily municipal operations. The council is responsible for enacting local laws, approving the city budget, and representing the diverse interests of Phoenix's eight geographical districts.

History

The council's modern structure was established with the adoption of the Phoenix City Charter in 1913, which created the council-manager form of government. Early governance was centered in the original Phoenix City Hall located at Washington and Central Avenue. Significant growth following World War II and the advent of air conditioning spurred expansion, leading to the council's move to the current Phoenix City Hall building in 1994. Key historical actions include the annexation of large areas like Maryvale and the establishment of major infrastructure projects such as Sky Harbor International Airport and the Central Arizona Project.

Composition and elections

The council consists of nine members: the Mayor, elected at-large, and eight council members elected from single-member districts. Elections are officially nonpartisan and are held in November of odd-numbered years, with a runoff if no candidate receives a majority. Terms are four years, with a limit of two consecutive terms. Recent elections have seen increasing voter turnout and significant campaign involvement from organizations like the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the AFL–CIO.

Powers and responsibilities

The council holds primary legislative authority, including the power to enact ordinances, adopt the annual city budget, and set property tax rates. It confirms mayoral appointments to key boards and commissions, such as the Police Department oversight board and the Phoenix Planning and Development Department. The council also approves major contracts, zoning changes, and has oversight of the City Manager, who administers departments like the Phoenix Fire Department.

Committees

Much of the council's detailed work occurs in standing committees, which review legislation and policy before full council votes. Key committees include the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee, which oversees projects like the Valley Metro Rail expansion, and the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee, which reviews matters pertaining to the Phoenix Police Department and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Other important bodies are the Finance, Efficiency and Innovation Subcommittee and the Parks, Arts and Equality Subcommittee.

Recent initiatives and controversies

Recent council initiatives have focused on the Phoenix Climate Action Plan, affordable housing policies, and managing the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona. The council has been involved in controversies surrounding audits of the 2020 presidential election by the Arizona Senate and debates over funding for the Phoenix Police Department. Other significant issues include homelessness strategies, water conservation due to Colorado River shortages, and development agreements for major projects like TSMC and the Phoenix Mercury.

Notable members

Notable former council members include Margaret T. Hance, the first female mayor of Phoenix; Terry Goddard, who later served as Attorney General of Arizona; Calvin C. Goode, a longtime advocate for South Phoenix; and Phil Gordon, who served as mayor during the Great Recession. Current notable members include Mayor Kate Gallego, a former member of the Valley Metro board, and Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, who previously served on the Deer Valley Unified School District board.

Category:Government of Phoenix, Arizona Category:Arizona city councils Category:1913 establishments in Arizona