In case you haven’t heard, the city of Glendale is having a Special Bond Election this November. You may have seen the billboards popping up around town or perhaps saw some information in the latest city newsletter. Over the next few months, we will be sharing information regarding what is on the ballot and how people can vote in the upcoming election.
Voting is important because it gives you a voice and a choice about these important issues. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen of Glendale has an opportunity to learn more and get their questions answered before they cast their vote this fall.
In May 2023, the Glendale City Council placed two issues on the ballot. The 2023 bond program asks the voters to invest in the essential needs of our city – proposing capital projects such as streets as well as fire and police facilities to reduce congestion and improve public safety. These two issues are placed on the ballot as “questions” which ask the voters to approve or not approve the sale of general obligation bonds to fund certain capital projects throughout the city. Bonds are a secure and fiscally responsible way for cities to finance large capital projects like streets, intersections, and public safety facilities. Here is a little bit more about the two questions:
Question 1 asks voters if they are willing to invest $82 million in street and intersection improvements. Adequate transportation is necessary to move people, goods, and services throughout Glendale. The goal of these bonds is to improve our streets and traffic signals in order to reduce congestion, save time, and enhance safety for roadway users and pedestrians.
Question 2 asks voters if they are willing to invest $78 million in public safety projects. This proposal invests in fire and emergency support throughout the city by modernizing and updating current fire stations and building new ones. The goal of these bonds would be to expand the capabilities of our police and fire department to address important safety issues including crime and homelessness through investing in training, modern facilities, and forensics.
Additional information as well as frequently asked questions can be found on the city of Glendale’s website at www.glendaleaz.com/Bond2023. If you would prefer to learn more about the bonds and ask questions in person, the city will be hosting a series of informational meetings next month. The “open houses” will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Drive
Thursday, Sept. 21 at Heroes Regional Park Library Community Room, 6075 N. 83rd Ave.
Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.
All three of these open houses are excellent opportunities to learn more about Question 1 and Question 2 and have your questions answered.
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 10. Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters starting on Oct. 11.
