CSE Subcommittee Minutes 4.22.26.pdf

1 
Phoenix City Council 
Community Services and Education Subcommittee (CSE) 
Summary Minutes 
April 22, 2026 
City Council Chambers 
200 W. Jefferson St. 
Phoenix, Arizona 
Subcommittee Members Present     
 Subcommittee Members Absent    
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington, Chair 
Councilwoman Ann O’Brien 
Councilwoman Anna Hernandez  
Councilwoman Debra Stark  
CALL TO ORDER 
Chairwoman Hodge Washington called the Community Services and Education 
Subcommittee (CSE) to order at 10:08 a.m. with four members present.  
CALL TO THE PUBLIC 
None. 
MINUTES OF MEETINGS 
1. Minutes of the Community Services and Education Subcommittee Meeting
Councilwoman Stark made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2026
Community Services and Education Subcommittee meeting. Councilwoman Hernandez
seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 4-0.
CONSENT ACTION (ITEMS 2-4) 
Items 2-4 were for consent action. No presentations were planned, but staff was 
available to answer questions. 
2. Request Approval for the Head Start Birth to Five Program to Purchase Capital
Equipment over $10,000
3. 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood
Enhancement and Infrastructure Programs
Councilwoman Hernandez asked what outreach does the City conduct to ensure
underserved neighborhoods are aware of the grant program.
Neighborhood Services (NSD) Director Spencer Self explained the City has historically 
partnered with nonprofits through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process managed by 
the Community Development Review Committee. He recalled over the past eight years, 
ATTACHMENT A

2 
 
limited public service funds have been directed mainly to the Office of Homeless 
Solutions (OHS) and Human Services Department (HSD) for homelessness‑focused 
grants. He noted that these grants use targeted RFPs with specific scopes. He added 
the City occasionally partners with nonprofits to improve public facilities through a less 
formal process when Council offices or departments identify a unique or urgent need. 
Councilwoman Hernandez asked how Council can provide more information to 
community leaders to assist with information sharing.  
Mr. Self stated staff can work with Council to explore different ways to reach 
underrepresented communities.  
Councilwoman Hernandez asked if staff can speak to the grants available at community 
events.  
Mr. Self responded to the Councilwoman that staff can speak at events and pointed out 
the Housing Rehabilitation Program is more expansive and involves community 
engagement.  
Councilwoman Hernandez asked if there is technical assistance being provided to 
neighborhood groups or nonprofits with little grant writing experience.  
Mr. Self stated NSD staff partner with neighborhood leaders who provide training and 
there are other opportunities throughout the year such as the Neighborhood Synergy 
Conference.  
Councilwoman Hernandez asked what projects are typically funded by the BlockWatch 
Grant Program.  
Vice Mayor Hodge Washington noted the BlockWatch Grant Program will be covered in 
a later presentation and asked to table those questions.  
4. 2026-27 CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Programs  
Councilwoman Hernandez referred to data provided in the agenda packet and asked 
what the $6 million in funding would do for services.  
Mr. Self explained the $6 million is funding from a number of different state and federal 
entities and out of that, the City gets homes for low and moderate income homeowners 
and rental properties. He also shared the funding is used to improve property that 
otherwise may not be repaired and increase homelessness or poor living conditions.  
Councilwoman Hernandez requested a map to show where these projects have been 
done in District 7.  
Mr. Self confirmed staff will provide that.

3 
 
Councilwoman Hernandez asked if staff have evaluated where the program is 
preventing displacement.  
Mr. Self stated staff have not reported that and assured the Councilwoman as staff 
develop the map, they will also provide that information for all Council districts.  
Councilwoman Hernandez stated this is an important investment and these investments 
miss communities due to language barriers and lack of information.  
Councilwoman Stark made a motion to approve items 2-4. Councilwoman O’Brien 
seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 4-0. 
INFORMATION ONLY (ITEMS 5-8)  
5. Head Start Birth to Five Monthly Report – January 2026 
Councilwoman Hernandez asked what policies the City has in place to properly attempt 
family stabilization before contacting the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). 
HSD Director Jacqueline Edwards stated the department is required to report to DCS 
and there are prevention policies and training services available to parents. Ms. 
Edwards noted there are wrap around support services and family development plans 
available if a family has been identified as unstable. She explained reporting to DCS 
may be a result of classroom observations or observations with the child such as 
unexplained bruising. 
Councilwoman Hernandez reiterated HSD is a mandated reporter of the system and 
asked if there is additional information that can be shared.  
Ms. Edwards stated she can share additional information with the Councilwoman’s 
office after the meeting.  
6. Head Start Birth to Five Monthly Report – February 2026 
Information only. No Councilmember requested additional information. 
 
7.City of Phoenix Naloxone Program Quarterly Report (November-January) 
Councilwoman Hernandez asked if all Naloxone kits are nasal only. 
 
Public Health Advisor Yanitza Soto responded yes. 
Councilwoman Hernandez asked what investments Ms. Soto would recommend the 
City make to ensure overdose prevention services continue to grow.  
Ms. Soto explained Naloxone kits are the first layer of defense, even as the community 
begins seeing emerging non-opioid substances that Naloxone cannot reverse. She 
emphasized Naloxone is still being encouraged and noted the Naloxone program

4 
 
expanded to five additional locations over the past year. She added expansion would be 
helpful. 
Councilwoman Hernandez thanked the Office of Public Health (OPH) staff for their 
efforts and acknowledged residents would like to see more investments into OPH.  
8. Mental Health Awareness 2026 
Stephanie Deleon stated she advocates for suicide prevention and mental health. Ms. 
Deleon noted Arizona is ranked 14th in the nation for suicide rate with suicide being the 
second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 34. She acknowledged the City for 
implementing May as Mental Health Awareness month and the programming being 
done.  
 
Chairwoman Hodge Washington thanked Ms. Deleon and staff for their efforts in the 
community.  
Councilwoman Hernandez thanked the Ms. Deleon for her advocacy and requested 
staff look at opportunities to allocate additional funding to provide services for those 
struggling with mental health.   
Chairwoman Hodge Washington concurred with Councilwoman Hernandez and 
acknowledges the importance of mental health in addition to physical health. She also 
thanked staff for leading the Mental Health Awareness month efforts.  
INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION (ITEMS 9-13)  
 
9. Workforce Services and Partnerships for Job Seekers with Barriers to 
Employment  
Ms. Edwards and HSD Deputy Director Jovanna Parkhouse introduced the item and 
stated they would be presenting an overview of the workforce services for job seekers 
with barriers to employment and collaborative efforts to drive economic mobility for 
residents.  
Ms. Edwards explained the Workforce Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law in 
2014 and HSD’s allocation is just over $4 million. She shared HSD services are 
anchored at the West Job Center in Maryvale and the South Job Center where HSD 
operates the Adult and Dislocated Workers Program which provides workforce 
readiness services. Ms. Edwards highlighted program follow-up services and program 
eligibility requirements.  
Ms. Parkhouse detailed employment barriers, partnership, data-driven outreach and 
program performance. She stated 72 percent of the Adult Program participants are low-
income and over half are experiencing long-term unemployment. Ms. Parkhouse noted 
for dislocated workers, long-term unemployment and low income remain the most

5 
 
significant barriers to re-entry into the workforce. She conveyed staff uses census data 
and zip code mapping to identify areas where barriers are prominent and conduct 
targeted outreach.  
Ms. Parkhouse highlighted the programs performance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 
which includes 80 community events, 1,300 engagements, 800 referrals, 1,700 
individuals and 4,000 services. She explained services include workforce readiness 
workshops, career planning, financial literacy, transportation assistance, resume 
assistance and clothing. Ms. Parkhouse announced engagement exceeded the 
federally mandated performance measures with second quarter employment being 
above target by over six percent, and median earnings being above target by over 
$1,000. She highlighted for the Dislocated Worker Program, median earnings exceeded 
the target by over $4,300 and measurable skills exceeded the target by over 16 percent. 
Ms. Parkhouse also pointed out client satisfaction survey results reveal the efforts are 
effective with 81 percent of respondents noting they feel supported and 74 percent 
noting they exited the program more prepared for their next steps.  
Ms. Edwards shared service delivery enhancements including the Benefits CLIFF tool, 
further departmental integration and enhancing client engagement and support. She 
shared the department is currently hosting a clothing drive.  
Chairwoman Hodge Washington thanked staff for the presentation and stated that the 
program reflects economic mobility, stability, dignity, and long-term opportunity for 
residents. She appreciated the intentional focus on individuals facing employment 
barriers and emphasized the value of comprehensive services, including one year of 
support, and stated the model is working. 
Councilwoman Hernandez stated there is a need for business clothing so individuals 
can be interview ready and improve economic mobility. She thanked staff for their 
efforts and the presentation.  
Councilwoman O’Brien thanked staff and requested data for District 1. She referred to 
the 1,300 engagements mentioned and asked are those all individual and separate 
engagements.  
Ms. Parkhouse affirmed engagements are tracked in a variety of different ways and 
provided an example of staff assisting a visitor with their resume at the library.  
Councilwoman O’Brien asked if the engagements are separate from the number of 
people enrolled in the program.  
Ms. Parkhouse confirmed.  
Councilwoman O’ Brien asked about an age breakdown of the Adult Workers Program.

6 
 
Ms. Parkhouse responded on average participants are in their late thirties early fourties 
and stated that staff can provide more detailed information.  
Councilwoman O’Brien asked what causes the difference in attainment between the 
Adult Workers Program and the Dislocated Workers Program.  
Ms. Parkhouse responded dislocated individuals usually have previous engagement in 
the workforce. She stated these individuals often come to the program seeking to upskill 
or earn certifications, but they often receive new job opportunities before completing a 
credential. She added that this leads to lower credential-attainment rates for dislocated 
workers. 
Councilwoman O’Brien asked are we looking at ways to modify or adjust the program to 
help individuals finish upskill programs.   
Ms. Parkhouse responded yes. She explained staff continue to engage with individuals 
and educate how those certifications can benefit them.  
 
Councilwoman O’Brien stated she is excited about departmental integration and 
encouraged collaborating with the Community and Economic Development Department 
(CED) to provide input on what kinds of upscaling or job attainment is needed. She also 
thanked staff for their efforts.  
 
10. Phoenix Public Library MAX Collection Sharing Service  
Library Director Erin McFarlane introduced the item and Library Deputy Director Karl 
Kendall.  
Mr. Kendall explained the Maximum Library Access Program (MAX) is a collection-
sharing service for participating in library systems in Maricopa County. Mr. Kendall 
explained the program allows library customers to search other participating libraries for 
books that are not available in their home library. He explained unique parameters 
including holding or checking out up to five items at one time, specific circulation periods 
and non-renewal eligibility for MAX items.   
Councilwoman Stark asked if the program is just for books or is it also for DVDs.   
Mr. Kendall responded there may be expansion in the future for other materials, but for 
now, participating libraries have chosen to focus on books.  
Councilwoman Stark expressed her hope for expansion and stated the MAX Program is 
a great program.  
Councilwoman O’Brien stated the program is exciting and acknowledged National 
Library Week.

7 
 
Councilwoman Hernandez thanked staff for their efforts and acknowledged the access 
being provided to residents through the program.  
Chairwoman Hodge Washington stated the program is fostering more learning, 
enrichment and providing kids with the power of imagination. She thanked staff for the 
presentation.  
11. Summer Reading Program  
Ms. MacFarlane introduced the Summer Reading Program and announced it begins 
May 1, 2026 with the theme being Unearth a Story.  
Mr. Kendall stated the Summer Reading program is a game, structured around students 
reading twenty minutes each day to prevent the summer slide. He noted only 20 percent 
of third graders in Phoenix public schools are proficient readers. Ms. Kendall explained 
the game is open to all ages and available in both English and Spanish. He highlighted 
incentives such as the ability to earn up to three books to keep and prize drawings 
based on points. Mr. Kendall also highlighted the Teen Volunteer program which 
recruits and trains 200 teens every summer with several libraries already having filled 
their teen volunteer slots.  
Ms. MacFarlane explained participants earn points for reading and can gain extra points 
by entering secret codes or attending library programs. She stated community 
experiences and challenges offer additional bonus points. Ms. MacFarlane also invited 
Council members to create district challenges and noted staff are coordinating with their 
offices. She added registration opens May 1, 2026, point-earning begins June 1, and 
the program ends July 15. 
Councilwoman Stark thanked Library staff for their programming and shared excitement 
for the program.  
Councilwoman O’Brien thanked staff and asked when the program ends.  
Ms. MacFarlane replied, July 15.  
Chairwoman Hodge Washington stated the presentation sparked friendly district 
competition and noted the program is a fun way to keep kids learning and avoid 
summer slip. She thanked staff for their efforts.  
12. Love Your Block Grant  
Mr. Self introduced Yvette Roeder, the Love Your Block Program Manager.  
Ms. Roeder explained that the Love Your Block Grant Program has been managed by 
Neighborhood Services for more than 10 years and supports small neighborhood 
projects. She stated that the program’s goals are to engage residents, empower 
communities and fund projects that show neighborhood pride and collaboration. She 
highlighted recent neighborhood projects across districts and thanked staff for their 
work. Ms. Roeder explained neighborhood specialists help refine project ideas, assist

8 
 
with applications, recruit volunteers and connect groups to City services. She stated the 
FY 2025–26 cycle is closing and announced the FY 2026–27 application window will 
open April 27 through May 26. She noted that eligible groups must be registered before 
April 27 and groups funded in the past two years cannot apply. She added eight grants 
of up to $5,000 are available and directed neighborhood groups to the website to 
register.  
Mr. Self gave a shout out to the Volunteer Coordinator, Ashley Henderson and thanked 
subcommittee members.  
Councilwoman Hernandez asked if there is a toolkit prepared for the Council to send out 
to neighborhood groups.  
Ms. Roeder responded to the Councilwoman that staff will provide the toolkit, and it will 
be available on the website.   
Councilwoman Stark thanked staff for the presentation and their efforts.  
Councilwoman O’Brien asked for a list of ineligible groups and grant projects completed 
in each district since the program’s inception. 
Chairwoman Hodge Washington shared her excitement for the program and asked if 
the application will be available in both English and Spanish.  
Ms. Yoder responded yes.  
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION (ITEM 13) 
 
13. 2026-2027 HUD Annual Action Plan  
Mr. Self introduced the item and NSD Deputy Director Kimberly Dickerson, Grants 
Compliance Manager Alicia Springs and Project Manager Rosemary Aguilar.  
Ms. Dickerson stated the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), managed by 
NSD, supports a variety of needs for low- to moderate-income communities. She 
explained the HOME Investment Partnership Grant funds affordable housing 
development, the HOPWA Grant is administered by the Housing Department to assist 
persons with AIDS/HIV, and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) supports individuals 
and families experiencing homelessness and is managed and administered by OHS. 
Ms. Springs explained the annual action plan process including outreach, drafting, 
public hearings and Council action. She listed the six priority areas which include 
affordable housing, public services, public improvements, public facilities, and economic 
development.  
Ms. Aguilar explained the community engagement process to develop the annual action 
plan, including online surveys, newsletters, department collaboration and social media.

9 
 
She announced there was a 139 percent increase in the response rate for the survey 
and two-thirds of the respondents identified affordable housing as the first or second 
priority.  
Mr. Self stated CDBG showed a two percent change from last year and noted the team 
was pleased to receive the federal allocation earlier than in previous years. He 
explained HOME saw a slight 1.7 percent decrease, while HOPWA increased by six 
percent. He added ESG remained essentially level with less than a half-percent change. 
Mr. Self thanked staff across multiple departments for their work on the plan and 
acknowledged the complexity of the process. He concluded by requesting a 
recommendation for approval. 
Councilwoman Hernandez asked how staff are ensuring the unhoused community or 
residents without internet services participate in the digital engagement efforts.  
Ms. Springs stated staff partnered with the Water Department to include inserts into the 
water bills and the Phoenix Public Library to post information at various locations.  
Councilwoman Hernandez asked if staff could provide a list of community partners.  
Mr. Self replied to the Councilwoman that staff will provide that information.  
Councilwoman Hernandez asked how staff are measuring newsletter and social-media 
engagement to ensure it is reaching low-income residents and communities of color 
most impacted by the housing crisis.  
Mr. Self stated the engagement is low and staff consider budget hearing information 
and public comment in addition to the surveys to determine where the funds go. He 
assured the Councilwoman 75 percent of the grant funding goes towards housing.  
Chairwoman Hodge Washington asked if the numbers presented are actual numbers 
and referred to the draft plan provided.  
Mr. Self shared the team recently received the final allocations and noted the numbers 
were not available when the packet was printed. He explained the final numbers will be 
included when the item goes to Council and the contingency language in the draft plan 
will be removed.  
Councilwoman O’Brien thanked staff for their efforts and asked for a more detailed 
breakdown of the numbers. She also asked if staff had considered using ZenCity.  
Mr. Self replied staff used more traditional social media platforms, but ZenCity could be 
a useful tool in the future.  
Councilwoman O’Brien made a motion to approve the item. Councilwoman Stark 
seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 4-0.

10 
 
CALL TO THE PUBLIC  
None. 
 
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
Councilwoman Stark requested a refresh on HeadStart in the fall.  
Chairwoman Hodge Washington asked for an update on Project Assist.  
 
ADJOURNMENT 
Chairwoman Hodge Washington adjourned the meeting at 11:57 a.m. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
Taniya Williams 
Management Fellow