New businesses. Lifesaving skills. A fresh chapter for a historic landmark. Tempe’s State of the City address offered plenty of forward motion, along with a financial challenge that could shape what happens next.
Mayor Corey Woods’ Nov. 13 address at the Tempe Center for the Arts spotlighted downtown openings, corporate investment and community programs while confronting a $25.7 million budget shortfall. Presented by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and the city, the annual gathering brought business and civic leaders together to assess Tempe’s progress and priorities.
Mill Avenue supplied some of the brighter headlines, with new businesses expanding downtown’s dining and entertainment options.
Recent arrivals include Carmen, which opened Nov. 12; Level 1 Arcade Bar, which opened Nov. 7; and Trophy Tempe, which debuted Oct. 31. Phantom Fox Beer Co. with Goat & Ram opened in October, while Jeni’s Ice Creams is scheduled to follow Nov. 19. Together, the additions give visitors more reasons to turn a downtown stop into an afternoon or evening out.
Beyond the storefronts, the city announced that Polaris is opening a regional office in Tempe, adding another corporate presence to its business landscape.
The address also outlined a new direction for one of Tempe’s most recognizable properties: Hayden Flour Mill. The city is taking on its renovation and development, putting municipal leadership behind the landmark’s next chapter. The announcement makes the mill a significant project to watch as plans move forward.
Public safety delivered a more personal success story.
After a city employee saved a life, Tempe launched a program making CPR instruction more accessible. Residents can learn CPR and automated external defibrillator skills from Tempe Fire Medical Rescue paramedics for $30. Classes combine online preparation with hands-on training, with successful participants earning certification valid for two years.
Statistics shared at the State of City event, Tempe’s cardiac arrest survival rate has improved and stands five percentage points above the national average. The city highlighted the training program as part of that progress.
Supporting videos addressed HOPE homelessness outreach, a homelessness success story, storm recovery and trees, and community members featured in “Faces of Tempe.”
But the budget remains a substantial hurdle.
Voters rejected Proposition 424, a proposed half-percentage-point sales tax increase intended to support public safety, transportation and early childhood programs. Tempe must now find another way to address its $25.7 million shortfall.
That earlier assessment underscores the challenge ahead: sustaining Tempe’s momentum while determining how to pay for the services residents depend on.
Woods also offered reassurance at that meeting: “But I know that together we’re going to find a way.”
Insider Takeaways
- Mill Avenue is adding options: New arrivals include Carmen, Level 1 Arcade Bar and Trophy Tempe.
- Buckle up! Polaris is coming: The company announced a regional office in Tempe.
- The mill gets city leadership: Tempe is taking on Hayden Flour Mill’s renovation and development.
- Residents can learn lifesaving skills: Fire paramedics teach $30 CPR and AED classes.
- The budget needs a solution: Proposition 424’s defeat leaves a $25.7 million shortfall to address.
For additional information, visit the City of Tempe website.
