City of Mesa Government Grapples With The Ripple Effects On Fast-Growth-At-Any-Price Expansion Strategies

Looks like the overdue The Day of Reckoning has arrived sooner rather later, even though the road signs were there all along with the warning signals for unsustainable growth by-passed and ignored time-and-time again as city officials accelerated faster through were the pathways, milestones and landmarks to the promised land for a chosen few instead of the public benefit that left most people behind "in the dust."
Now they are forced to slam-on-the-brakes  - take a look at by what:
(In their own words in a press release from the City of Mesa's newsroom)

"The City began looking at the financial ramifications of COVID-19 in March when the Spring Training season was cancelled, and formal government declarations began closing businesses and operations. 
Resulting sales tax losses continue to grow as the pandemic and related physical distancing orders enter week five. 
Additional actions recommended by staff include 

• canceling all salary and market study increases
• reducing capital projects for one-time savings, and 
• using a portion of City reserves

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PRESS RELEASE http://www.mesanow.org

HEADLINE:

Mesa continues proactive measures 

in response to COVID-19 pandemic

April 9, 2020 at 2:02 pm
The City of Mesa announced today continued proactive measures targeting the community spread of COVID-19. Those steps include adjusting the availability and staffing of public facilities and modifying library, recreation and art programs. 
Projections show public health impacts from the virus could continue through the end of May with City revenue ripple effects lasting for several months. In addition, departments have been asked to develop plans for incrementally ramping up facility access and programming as health and budget restrictions allow. . . 
Hizzoner John Giles:
"Projections show public health impacts from the virus could continue through the end of May with City revenue ripple effects lasting for several months. In addition, departments have been asked to develop plans for incrementally ramping up facility access and programming as health and budget restrictions allow. . . Libraries, arts, culture and recreation have always been an important part of our community. They help build character, creativity, teamwork, physical and mental health and support local businesses. We are committed to bringing them back as soon as possible."

City Manager Chris Brady:

"Because of what we went through in 2009, during the last economic downtown, we knew that we needed to take decisive actions early on to minimize the long-term financial drain on the City budget... These are uncharted waters with many unknowns, but what we do know is that these strategic actions which are based on data and trend analyses, though difficult for everyone, will keep us in a more stable position going forward."

For more information about the City's budget visit www.mesaaz.gov.

Public Information and Communications 
Contact: Steve Wright 
Tel. 480-644-2069 
steven.wright@mesaaz.gov 

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