Mesa updates bag policy for City Hall meetings

By Connor Van Ligten
Mail

The city of Mesa has updated its policy for what types of bags are allowed and not allowed at city meetings.

Since Nov. 3, the updated policy allows clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags up to 12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches as well as mall bags/clutches approximately the size of a folded 8.5-inch-by-11-inch sheet (max 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches), according to information on the city’s website.

Not allowed are backpacks, large purses/totes, laptop or camera bags and other non-clear bags exceeding 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches.

“This year, Mesa has seen an increase in attendance at City Council meetings. Checking everyone’s bags as they came in started to impede people’s prompt access to City Hall. Clear bag policies have become the norm at large gatherings across the country – we already have them in place at the Mesa Arts Center and the Mesa Amp – so it made sense for Mesa to adopt a limited clear bag policy to enhance security at City Hall while keeping lines moving quickly,” Kevin Christopher, communications specialist for Mesa, said in a statement.

“The policy went into effect on Nov. 3, 2025. In preparation for the change, we began notifying the public in October through our newsletter, website and signage at City Hall,” he said.

The city website notes that Mesa does not use X-ray machines. Medically necessary items, infant supplies and assistive devices are also permitted, although they may be visually inspected. There is no on-site bag storage at city hall.

This policy applies to all meetings with the city council at city hall, although the rules may be adjusted based on attendance or safety needs.

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Connor Van Ligten
Reporter | Fountain Hills/Scottsdale

cvanligten@iniusa.org

After graduating from Arizona State University's Cronkite School in spring 2022, Connor Van Ligten spent a little over year as a reporter for WWL-TV in New Orleans before finding themselves back in Phoenix in October of 2023. Now back in the Valley and writing for the Mesa Independent and the Daily Independent, Connor is ready to tell meaningful stories and report on important civic issues facing Mesa. Connor is a big fan of the 49ers, Warriors, pro wrestling, anime, dogs and fighting video games.