1.26.2026 EDA Minutes.pdf

Phoenix City Council 
Economic Development and the Arts (EDA) Subcommittee  
Summary Minutes 
Monday, January 26, 2026 
City Council Chambers 
200 W. Jefferson St. 
Phoenix, Ariz. 
Subcommittee Members Present                    Subcommittee Members Absent         
Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, Chair                        
Councilwoman Debra Stark 
Councilman Kevin Robinson 
Councilwoman Laura Pastor 
 
 
CALL TO ORDER 
Chairwoman O’Brien called the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee to 
order at 10:01 a.m. with Councilwoman Pastor present in person, and Councilwoman 
Debra Stark and Councilman Kevin Robinson attended the meeting virtually. 
 
CALL TO THE PUBLIC 
MINUTES OF MEETINGS 
1. Minutes of the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee Meeting 
Councilman Robinson made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 10, 
2026, Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee meeting. Councilwoman 
Stark seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 4-0. 
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION (ITEM 2) 
2. Aviation Land Reuse Strategy Land Disposal Located on Madison Street: Three 
Parcels within Area A 
Community and Economic Development (CED) Director Ryan Touhill and Economic 
Development Program Manager Thomas Sawyer presented on the item.  
Councilwoman Pastor asked for confirmation if a Request for Proposal (RFP) had been 
initiated for the two-parcel land owned by Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) 
located on Washington Street. 
Mr. Sawyer confirmed an RFP for the parcels on Washington Street was being 
prepared. 
Councilwoman Pastor asked for clarification on why the RFPs had been canceled for 
the parcels between Washington Street and Jefferson Street.

Mr. Sawyer explained the parcels between Washington Street and Jefferson Street had 
an RFP issued but it was later canceled due to lack of  response.  
Councilwoman Pastor then asked if another RFP for those parcels would be issued. 
Mr. Sawyer noted Council had authorized direct negotiations, but indicated if there was 
interest, another RFP could be issued in the future. A final decision had not yet been 
made. 
Councilwoman Pastor asked whether CED had the authority to issue an RFP for the 
parcels between Washington and Jefferson Streets. She also sought clarification on the 
reasoning for not issuing an RFP for those parcels. 
Assistant City Manager Ginger Spencer noted when an RFP is issued and receives no 
interest or submittals, CED has the authority to pursue direct negotiations to explore 
potential development of the property. 
Mr. Sawyer confirmed one RFP had been issued but was canceled due to lack of 
response, and direct negotiations were in progress. For NSD parcels located on 
Washington Street, an RFP had not yet been issued, and responses or non-responses 
would be required before entering direct negotiations. 
Councilwoman O’Brien requested an estimated timeline for when an RFP will be issued 
for the parcels on Washington Street owned by the Neighborhood Services Department.  
Director Touhill stated CED was tentatively planning to issue the RFP for the site in late 
summer. He explained CED staff were in the process of hiring additional staff to restore 
capacity and prioritize several other RFPs. Prioritization was expected to be completed 
within the next few weeks, and a timeline would be determined once staffing positions 
were filled. 
Councilwoman Stark expressed support for the CED staff’s recommendation to approve 
the sale of excess Aviation land to Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Inc. noting the strong 
relationship the City has with the Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Inc. 
Councilman Robinson reinforced Councilwoman Stark’s remarks regarding the strong 
relationship with Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Inc. and emphasized the significance of the 
substantial work and agreement involved. 
Councilwoman O’Brien asked for clarification if the parcels on  Madison Street could be 
used for residential development.  
Mr. Sawyer stated the parcels on Madison Street could not be used for residential use.  
Councilwoman O’Brien proceeded with the Request to Speak for Item 2.  
Mr.  Jerald Goode stated his father late Phoenix Councilman Calvin C. Goode had long 
envisioned affordable housing in the East Lake neighborhood in the property at 1414

East Jefferson and requested an opportunity to meet with staff to explore bringing 
affordable housing to the area as a tribute to his parents’ legacy. 
Councilwoman O’Brien asked CED staff to follow-up and meet with Mr. Jerald Goode.  
Councilwoman Pastor supported the proposal, emphasizing the need for affordable 
housing and the importance of preserving Eastlake Park’s history while advancing 
economic development. 
Councilwoman Pastor made a motion to approve the item. Councilwoman Stark 
seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 4-0. 
 
CALL TO THE PUBLIC  
Dianne Barker expressed appreciation for the Goode Family’s presence, recalling 
personal connections to the late Phoenix City Councilman Calvin Goode. Ms. Barker 
shared ideas for revitalizing Adams Street, including redeveloping the Hyatt Regency 
garage into a mixed-use space with hotels, retail, ASU facilities, and renewable energy 
education centers, while preserving historic buildings. She emphasized the potential for 
economic growth, competition for convention business, and the importance of promoting 
public transit use to energize the community. 
 
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
None. 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
Chairwoman O’Brien adjourned the meeting at 10:27 a.m. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
Dayana Rosas 
Management Fellow