News from September 2017


Surprise park to be renamed in memory of Dick McComb

The city of Surprise will honor one of its longest-tenured managers, Dick McComb, by renaming a city park in his memory during an official ceremony later this month.

Scottsdale opens new data portal for residents

The city of Scottsdale now has a new open data portal for residents that offers public access to over 30 of the city’s datasets.

Tempe restaurant owner honored with DiversityFirst Award

A Tempe restaurant owner has been awarded the 2017 Arizona Diversity Council’s DiversityFirst Award.

City says Temple's drinking water safe despite unusual taste, smell

The city of Tempe is advising residents that the city’s tap water is safe to drink even though it may have an “earthy” taste or smell over the next few weeks due to algae byproducts in storage reservoirs and lakes.

Arizona Chamber president releases statement regarding DACA

Following an order by President Donald Trump to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, (DACA), Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer, released a statement about the action.

MDHI receives $1.4 billion contract for armed helicopters

MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) has been given a five-year contract worth $1.4 billion to provide 150 armed MD 530 helicopters for the U.S. and Partner Nation Army Aviation Forces.

Maricopa County board appoints constable for Arrowhead Justice Precinct

A new constable for the Arrowhead Justice Precinct has been appointed by the Maricopa County board of supervisors.

Buckeye opens before and after school care at elementary schools

Buckeye's Before and After School Enrichment (B.A.S.E.) program is open for students in kindergarten through grade 8 to provide a safe, engaging place for kids to learn through play.

Phoenix Chamber urges action from Congress following Trump's DACA decision

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has asked Congress to develop an immigration solution in light of President Donald Trump’s recent decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Arizona leaders rally for NAFTA alteration efforts

Because Mexico is Arizona’s top partner in international trade, almost 70 state business and political stakeholders traveled to the country recently as part of efforts to alter the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Anni Foster to become new deputy general counsel of governor's office

The governor's office has named Anni Foster the new deputy general counsel and Kathryn Hackett King is leaving the office.

AAR urges citizens to support flood reform act

With the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expiring Sept. 30, the Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) is encouraging residents to support passage of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act.

Tucson transport named to best fleet list

The city of Tucson’s Fleet Services Division has been named to The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas list, which is focused on the public sector fleet industry.

Maricopa County approves electronic medical records project for HonorHealth

The Maricopa County board of supervisors has partnered with HonorHealth so patients in Maricopa County will have a convenient way to access their medical information electronically, the county reported.

Public relations expert Daniel Cruz to speak at chamber Business & Breakfast event

Daniel Cruz, executive director and founder of social media and public relations company Biltmore Media, will be a speaker at the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce's upcoming Business & Breakfast event, the chamber reported.

Arizona State Board of Education approves $1.2 million funding for homeless students

The State Board of Education (SBE) has approved grant funding of $1.2 million for 32 school districts and schools for homeless education services, the Arizona Department of Education reported.

Arizona Department of Transportation relaxes rules for trucks to help Harvey victims

The devastating flood damage in Texas has prompted the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to waive fees and expedite permits so commercial vehicles can transport urgent equipment to areas in need quickly.

Pima County's general obligation bond rating reaches highest mark

Pima County’s general obligation bond rating reached its highest mark recently, receiving a AAA rating from Fitch Ratings.