Election day approaches, and Tempe residents have the opportunity to cast their vote in the Nov. 5 special bond election, which if approved, would allow for the city to issue and sell bonds that would support a series of community-focused initiatives.
In April, Tempe City Council voted to call for the special bond election to be held in conjunction with the general election.
The bonds will support projects that enhance community safety through public safety and roadway improvements, improve quality of life in Tempe neighborhoods and increase the supply of Tempe’s affordable housing. The principal amount will not exceed $581.5 million, according to the city’s website.
There will be three bond questions that voters will decide on — one for each of the areas outlined in the council-approved resolution.
For the first question, the city is seeking voter authorization for bonds totalling a principal amount of up to $301 million to “provide funding for fire, police, roadway, pedestrian infrastructure and storm drain projects.”
One of the notable projects within this category proposes a complete replacement of all streets in poor condition and the preservation of other surface streets. This is expected to take place over four years and will cost $134.6 million.
The second bond question seeks a principal amount of $248 million in bonds to support projects for parks, historic preservation and municipal infrastructure projects.
This includes enhancing existing city parks, constructing and renovating playgrounds and recreational facilities and increasing accessibility and improving ADA compliance in public spaces.
And the final question residents will be voting on has the lowest principal amount, totaling $32 million. The bonds for this question will solely be focused on affordable housing within Tempe.
Projects in this category will redevelop and repurpose city-owned housing for additional affordable rental units, repurpose existing available buildings into rentals and acquire land and enhance properties to develop into affordable housing.
For personalized election information, visit BeBallotReady.Vote.
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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