Growing economy, police funding, highlight of Phoenix state

PHOENIX — Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s State of the City speech focused on economic development, medical research and support for public safety, including a promise to never disappoint police.

Speaking to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Gallego provided an upbeat economic outlook, fueled by the growing biomedical and chip manufacturing industries.

“Phoenix is ​​now in the top 5 emerging life sciences markets in the country and is number one for job growth in life sciences markets in emerging markets,” Mayor Gallego said. Added to this was the mayor’s announcement that Sendoso, a computer software company, was moving its headquarters to Phoenix.

“With its move to Phoenix, Sendoso will bring 700 good jobs,” said Gallego.

The mayor said the city government learned to adapt and innovate in two years of COVID. In partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, approximately 10,000 laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots were distributed to students. The city mobilized delivery trucks to distribute 300,000 COVID tests and vaccines to underserved neighborhoods.

The mayor praised the police and fire brigade for their efforts to keep the city safe. Last year, the Phoenix City Council approved a 9% pay rise for police officers and offered a $7,500 bonus for new hires and officers who stay on the job.

“Today I say publicly and unreservedly: I have never and will never disappoint the police. And I suppose you’ll agree with me,” the mayor said. “I am dealing with violent attacks on police officers. We have to protect them.”

As the city grows, there are challenges that will not go away, such as homelessness. The prices of buying a house or renting have both skyrocketed so much that many people are literally being shown the door. Gallego said the city is trying to help.

“Through March 30, we have provided thousands in rent and utility relief for $78 million and eviction prevention assistance,” the mayor said.

But relief in the form of new affordable housing, the renovation of social housing and the conversion of old hotels takes time. Maricopa County’s point-in-time census showed a 30 percent increase in unprotected people in Phoenix over the past two years. Mayor Gallego says homelessness will require a regional response.