SE Valley Times

The City of Tempe is set to celebrate Independence Day with various events and updates on city initiatives. On July 1, 2024, Mayor Corey Woods, Councilmembers Doreen Garlid, Randy Keating, and Councilmember-elect Nikki Amberg will be sworn in for four-year terms on the Tempe City Council. Councilmembers Jennifer Adams, Arlene Chin, and Berdetta Hodge will continue their terms. The city's vice mayor will be named during the meeting.

Rep. Greg Stanton announced that Valley Metro would receive a $15.9 million federal RAISE grant to advance the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension (REDE). This project aims to expand the existing 3-mile Valley Metro Streetcar by an additional 4.35 miles from Tempe into Mesa.

“The extension of the streetcar from Tempe to Mesa is critical to our local economy, residents, and our environment,” said Tempe Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams.

In another development, Tempe has approved a new fiber license and right-of-way use agreement to provide access to low-cost, high-speed internet throughout the community.

The City of Tempe and Tempe Sister Cities are collaborating on a Request for Proposals to build housing, a boutique hotel, and a new event space in downtown Tempe while preserving the historic Hackett House.

For Independence Day celebrations, administrative offices will close on July 4. The Kiwanis Club of Tempe presents fireworks at Tempe Beach Park with tickets ranging from $5 to $100 depending on age and VIP options.

Tempe's Real Time Operations Center (RTOC) opens this month. It integrates traffic cameras and 9-1-1 calls for enhanced public safety.

Keith Holmes has transitioned from homelessness to housing through city programs like Tempe Works. “With my experiences with housing and the income from working for Tempe Solid Waste, I've been able to help others on their journey out of homelessness," Holmes said.

Vitalant is hosting the Saving Arizona Blood Drive on July 7 at the Tempe Center for the Arts aiming for at least 600 donors due to low donations around Fourth of July week.

Tempe Center for the Arts introduced its Resident Company partners for 2024–27 seasons including Cultural Coalition and Phoenix Children’s Chorus among others.

Tempe teenager Paige Heyn qualified for skateboarding in the Paris Olympic Games after medaling at the Pan American Games in 2023.

Paul Weigel released his memoir “Iron Dad” detailing his journey through cancer while maintaining a bond with his daughter.

The ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy received the Diversity Impact Award at the recent Diversity in Leadership Conference hosted by The Tempe Chamber of Commerce where Lisa Rehurek was named Business Woman of the Year.

Upcoming events include Hamilton performances at ASU Gammage throughout July, an Indepen-DANCE Party at Skysill Rooftop Lounge on July 5th, among other community activities listed in detail above.