8 February 4 - 17, 2012 State of the City from Page 1
“A couple of things have really helped us over the past several years,” he explains. “First, we have a very diversifi ed job base in Chandler. Yes, we have a large high-tech sector, but we have also branched out in areas like fi nancial services. Also, we have shown we are able to stick to a strong fi scal policy that has served us well. We have maintained top bond ratings that helped to earn distinctions like an All-America City and ‘one of the best managed cities in the country’.”
Downtown area development
That strong economic base and diverse workforce is translating into major economic activity in the SanTan Sun area. The State of the City address outlines plans for several projects coming to historic downtown, including a substantial University of Arizona presence focusing on business and information technology. The build, which will span several years, offers far-reaching benefi ts and opportunities to Chandler residents.
Submitted photo
2ND YEAR: Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, pictured here at last year’s State of the City address, will give his 2012 speech Feb. 7.
“The impact of this project is not about a great number of jobs coming to downtown – yet,” notes Tibshraeny. “This is a relatively small start to a future partnership that will grow over time. You’ll have students and faculty adding life and energy to downtown. But really, the programs coming here will be a great asset to our existing companies through the partnerships involved to sustain and grow a very strong workforce for generations to come.”
Other projects are likewise on the horizon, with more details about further Miriam Van Scott is a former Kerby Estates resident who can be reached at
Miriam@SanTanSun.com. City offers free landscape, irrigation classes
A new class, Plant Care in the Desert, together with the popular Water Wise Edible Gardening class are a couple of the City of Chandler’s spring lineup of popular landscaping and irrigation classes Feb. 21 through May 3.
The classes provide helpful information about installing and maintaining landscape and
irrigation systems and planting colorful water- wise plants. Additional topics include: Chandler Smart Landscaping, Pruning and Maintaining Your Landscape, Basic Yard Makeovers, plus four Water Smart Workshops.
The classes are free to Chandler utility customers, but participants must register. All classes will be held
at Chandler City Hall, 175 N. Arizona Ave., with the exception of two Chandler Smart Landscaping classes presented in Chandler’s Environmental Education Center (EEC).
All classes are held from 6 to 8:45 p.m. For class dates and to register, visit
www.chandleraz.gov/water or call the Water Conservation Offi ce at 480-782-3580.
economic development expected soon.
“We’ve been working for years with U of A and ASU,” says Tibshraeny, “and anticipate another big announcement involving university expansion downtown in the next few weeks.”
Innovative experiment in budget talks Despite positive economic news, budget issues remain a primary concern of Chandler offi cials and citizens alike. In past years, residents were encouraged to take surveys or attend various assemblies to voice their opinions on the city’s fi nancial plan. However this year, the mayor is introducing a more targeted approach. The State of the City address includes an invitation to participate in “Budget Connect,” a hybrid live meeting hosted by the mayor with real time interactive website where people can ask questions online.
“It gives people a way to be involved without having to physically leave their homes or offi ce, which can be diffi cult in these busy times,” explains Tibshraeny. “Any time you can give people a choice on how to participate, it’s a good thing. I certainly think we will gain more participation than in some past years where less than a dozen residents took part in formulating a budget for the state’s fourth largest city.” Budget Connect will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 29 and SanTan Sun area residents are encouraged to attend in person or participate online.
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
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