Tempe will feature three bond questions in the November election, seeking approval from voters for more than $500 million to fund projects related to public safety, roadway improvements, quality of life and affordable housing.
During its April 25 meeting, Tempe City Council adopted a resolution on consent that orders and calls for a special bond election held in conjunction with the Nov. 5 general election. The general obligation bonds to be voted upon total $581.5 million.
A city staff report by Financial Services Director Lisette Camacho explained the bond questions will provide funding for projects intended to enhance community safety through public safety and roadway improvements, improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and increase the affordable housing supply.
“G.O. bonds are one of the most common tools utilized by local governments to fund capital projects and one of the largest (capital improvements program) funding sources in Tempe for projects in police, fire, parks, general governmental, streets and water and wastewater programs,” Camacho wrote.
The cost breakdown for each question is:
Q1 - Enhance community through public safety and roadway improvements: $301 million
Q2 - Improve quality of life in Tempe neighborhoods: $248.5 million
Q3 - Increase supply of affordable housing: $32 million
For the first question, the bonds will be used for fire, police, roads, pedestrian infrastructure and storm drain projects. Notably, the Pavement Quality Index acceleration program falls within this question, which plans to remove and replace the pavement of all streets in poor condition and preserve other surface streets.
This investment is expected to improve pavement quality within four years and will cost $134.6 million, according to the report.
As for the remaining questions, the second will provide funding for parks, historic preservation and municipal infrastructure projects, and the third will create funding to increase the supply of affordable housing in Tempe.
Camacho stated in the report that during the Feb. 8 council issue review session, staff was directed to include an affordable housing bond program totaling $32 million in the coming bond authorization election.
“The overarching objective is to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can find secure and affordable housing options in Tempe,” she stated.
The report noted that this investment is consistent with Hometown for All, as it focuses on fostering a safe, livable and accessible community for residents of all ages.
Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Caroline Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
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