Attachment B - Community Transparency Initiative Memo.pdf

OFFICE OF MAYOR KATE GALLEGO 
To: 
Ed Zuercher, City Manager 
From: 
Kate Gallego, Mayor 
Subject: 
Directive to Develop a Community Transparency Initiative 
Date: 
February 5, 2026 
Purpose 
The City Council hereby directs staff to explore, design, and develop a Community 
Transparency Initiative and to return to the Council within 45 days. 
Background 
Residents throughout Phoenix have shared their growing concern about how potential federal 
law enforcement activities could threaten their civil rights, harm stability for their families, and 
cause sudden disruptions to their daily lives.  
The City Council acknowledges that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal 
responsibility and that the City must comply with all federal and state-mandated requirements. 
At the same time, the Council shares concerns that federal enforcement operations have 
utilized tactics that have repeatedly violated the civil rights of citizens and non-citizens alike and 
placed the safety of residents engaging in lawful activity in jeopardy. The City therefore has a 
responsibility to provide residents with access to accurate information, supportive resources, 
and clear guidance to navigate difficult and unprecedented times. 
The Community Transparency Initiative is intended to serve as a lawful, compassionate, and 
community-centered response to these concerns. 
Directive 
The City Council directs staff to explore, develop, and present a program framework for the 
Community Transparency Initiative that includes the following components and considerations: 
1. Document and preserve information on federal immigration enforcement activities within
Phoenix city limits that may violate criminal statutes and/or individual civil rights with the
intent to investigate crimes committed by federal agents who act outside the scope of
their duties
2. Collect data on impacts to City services as a result of federal immigration enforcement
(i.e., calls for service, change in response times, overtime costs)
3. Identify potential partnerships and volunteer opportunities to facilitate the initiative
4. Ensure multilingual communication channels across City services and resources
5. Implement training for City employees who may encounter federal enforcement actions,
including protocols related to administrative and judicial warrants
ATTACHMENT B

Deliverables 
Staff shall return to the City Council with: 
1. A proposed framework for the Community Transparency Initiative in the form of an 
Ordinance and/or procedures addressing the above directives 
2. A communication and outreach plan 
3. Any anticipated budgetary needs or staffing impacts 
Conclusion 
The City Council aims for all residents of Phoenix to have access to the information, resources, 
and support needed to feel secure and informed. The Community Transparency Initiative should 
represent a responsible, lawful, and compassionate approach to addressing community 
concerns.