Jack Hastings: District 5 Newsletter — July 2024

Summer is here, and temperatures are breaking records! Remember to hydrate while you visit our community pools, parks and Independence Day Celebration. This Fourth of July, I urge everyone to celebrate not only the power of our nation but also the power of the human spirit, which created and defended the values of democracy. Have a safe and happy holiday!

CURRENT EVENTS

Summer Reading Program

It’s not too late to get signed up for the Summer Reading Program! Surprise Public Library System is excited to join more than 60 libraries across the county for Summer Reading. The theme of this year’s program is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” reminding us that an adventure is just a library card away. The journey to read and earn prizes runs through August 1.

Library cardholders of all ages can register now for Summer Reading!

Searching for more? See details and prize tiers.

City Council Meetings

City Council does not hold City Council Work Sessions or Regular Meetings in July. Councilmember Community Meetings are also canceled for the month of July. Meetings will resume in August.

The next City Council Meetings are August 6 and 20 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the City of Surprise Facebook page or Cox channel 11.

Surprise Day of Service

Join us to assist with sorting bulk food items, creating food baskets and loading food into vehicles; helping in the process of providing food for families in need. Registration is required. For questions, please call 623.222.1647.

Wednesday, July 17, at 7:15 a.m.

St. Mary’s Food Bank

13050 W. Elm St.

City Hall Art Gallery

The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. One of these is by visiting rotating art exhibits at City Hall.

Chuck Kyle Photography Exhibit | Runs through July 26

16000 N. Civic Center Plz. • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

More arts and culture events and programs in Surprise can be found at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsCulture.

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

Monsoon Season

Monsoon season is typically observed from June 15 - September 30, and Monsoon Awareness Week was proclaimed during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 18. Residents are encouraged to be prepared in the event of an emergency, as monsoon season typically brings thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, dust storms and flash floods. Check out our safety tips at surpriseaz.gov/Monsoon.

FY2025 Budget

Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Budget, maintaining its commitment to public safety, quality community services and transportation. For details, visit surpriseaz.gov/Budget.

2024 Library Card Design Winners

This year’s Library Card Design winners were announced during the last City Council meeting. The new cards will be available at all three Surprise Public Library System locations beginning this summer!

Community Meeting with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell

Thank you to all of you who joined me in my Community Meeting with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. It was an honor to spend some time with her!

NEWS & UPDATES

Voting Information

Find important voting information, like where to vote and important dates to remember for the upcoming election! Ballots for the Primary Election will be mailed beginning Wednesday, July 3. In-person early voting will begin July 3 in the City Hall Community Room and will continue through Election Day, July 30.

Surprise 2040 General Plan

Residents will vote to ratify the Surprise 2040 General Plan during the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, July 30. If approved, the 2040 General Plan will serve as a roadmap for the City in the coming years. Overall, the plan acknowledges which places are experiencing growth pressure, which areas best support future growth and which areas need thoughtful reinvestment; each helping Surprise continually improve for residents now and in the future. Learn more and read the whole document at surpriseaz.gov/GeneralPlan2040.

Safe Speeds Saves Lives

Creating safer streets starts with addressing speed, which is the largest cause of injury and death in traffic collisions. The “Safe Speeds Save Lives” campaign is delivering high-visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and aggressive driving on West Valley roadways. The enforcement mobilization is in effect through July 31, 2024.

SAVE THE DATE

My next community meeting will be on Saturday, August 3, at 9 a.m. at Total Wine & More, 13440 N. Prasada Pkwy. See you there!

The goal of my newsletter is to enhance community engagement and communication by providing important City updates, local events and initiatives. I aim to keep residents well-informed about district-specific matters and encourage active participation in community activities. You can reach me at jack.hastings@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1325.