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Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 9:30 AM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Maricopa County, Arizona (and the Boards of Directors of the Flood Control District, Library District, Improvement Districts and/or Board of Deposit) "The mission of Maricopa County is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services to its residents so they can enjoy living in healthy and safe communities” Board Members Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2 Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3 Mark Stewart, District 1 Debbie Lesko, District 4 Steve Gallardo, District 5 County Manager Jen Pokorski Clerk of the Board Juanita Garza Meeting Location Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 Chairman Galvin called the meeting to order and asked the Clerk to call the roll. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, in the Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Supervisor, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Supervisor, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5 (entered meeting late). Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Mia Vargas, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION 1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION Presentation regarding Economic Development. Greater Phoenix Economic Council (C-18-26-020-X-00) Chairman Galvin introduced the item and asked the presenters to come forward. Christine Mackay, the new CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and Maureen Howell, Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, presented to the Board. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 2 of 15 Ms. Mackay reviewed GPEC’s mission, as shown on the slide above. She noted that GPEC was formed in 1989 to help the region remain competitive against other states and countries. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 3 of 15 Ms. Mackay reviewed the data on the FY25 End of Year slide. She highlighted that 47 of the 54 Locates were in Maricopa County. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 4 of 15 Ms. Mackay reviewed the slide above. She highlighted the various major businesses located in Maricopa County. The Locates by Supervisor District slide was reviewed, and Ms. Mackay noted that Proposition 400 and Proposition 479 funding were critical for infrastructure. She highlighted that many companies are looking to construct their businesses near freeways for easier access. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 5 of 15 Ms. Mackay reviewed the above slide and stated that the average high-wage salary has almost tripled. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 6 of 15 Ms. Mackay reviewed the data outlined in the FY25 Prospect Activity slide. Ms. Mackay turned it over to Maureen Howell to provide the Board with an update on the Regional Brand Platform. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 7 of 15 Ms. Howell reviewed the slide above, A New Way to City. She highlighted that the goal is to ignite the brand for Greater Phoenix at a broader level. Ms. Howell reviewed the Core Distribution Channels slide outlining how the brand is being campaigned. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 8 of 15 Ms. Howell reviewed the First Innovation Story Subjects slide. She noted that the Advisory Board is committed to overseeing this project and highlighted the stories taking place in Greater Phoenix that are ready to be distributed. Ms. Howell reviewed the Activity Timeline slide shown above. Ms. Mackay added that the brand campaign will showcase everything happening in the Greater Phoenix area and offer a different perspective to prospective companies. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 9 of 15 Ms. Mackay reviewed the Regional Results slide shown above. She noted that the Greater Phoenix Economic Council counts only Phase One of projects, which is why a $165 billion locate is not listed, even though projects continue to expand beyond that phase. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 10 of 15 Ms. Mackay concluded the presentation by discussing Maricopa County 5-Year Trend slide. She noted that for every $1 invested in the Greater Phoenix Economic Council by Maricopa County, there is a $106 return in the form of tax revenue. Ms. Mackay offered to take any questions from the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Lesko asked what the major differences are between GPEC and the Arizona Chambers of Commerce. Ms. Mackay responded that GPEC’s role is to market the region and drive new prospects and potential locates by meeting with the top 100 site selectors, positioning the region competitively. She noted that the Arizona Chambers of Commerce is more focused on policy, advocacy and works with the state legislature. Ms. Mackay noted GPEC’s close partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the state’s economic development arm, and the events they conduct together. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 11 of 15 Supervisor Stewart thanked Ms. Mackay and Ms. Howell for their presentation. He asked what the County and the State can do to win companies that are choosing to locate in other states. Ms. Mackay responded that infrastructure is the single most important reason the County could lose a project. She also noted challenges related to infrastructure capacity, including rights-of- way, completed roadways, water, sewer, power, telecommunications, and having sites ready for development. Ms. Mackay also noted that having a qualified workforce is the second key factor. ~ Supervisor Steve Gallardo entered the meeting during the presentation ~ Supervisor Lesko thanked Ms. Mackay and Ms. Howell for their presentation. She noted that, in FY25, Maricopa County invested $824,000 in GPEC and asked where the County ranks among GPEC’s revenue sources. Ms. Mackay stated that the County ranks first or second alongside the City of Phoenix, explained the revenue process, and noted that the County remains in lockstep with its contract with the City of Phoenix. Supervisor Gallardo thanked Ms. Mackay and Ms. Howell for their presentation and hard work. He discussed workforce development efforts at the State, County, and City levels and noted GPEC’s role in supporting job training and workforce initiatives. He emphasized collaboration, referenced West-MEC’s vision, and stated that Arizona requires direction, training, support, and opportunity. Ms. Mackay agreed with Supervisor Gallardo on the need for a strong workforce, citing her prior experience and how she brings that knowledge to her current position. She emphasized preparing students through education and training while connecting them to future employers. She also expressed interest in collaborating with the Board of Supervisors, the workforce team, and schools and community colleges to expand opportunities. Vice Chair Brophy McGee noted the County’s limited infrastructure resources and asked how the Board could partner with GPEC, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and others to develop and fund a regional transportation and infrastructure plan. Ms. Mackay emphasized the importance of County and city collaboration to plan future economic development, link residents to job centers, and provide necessary infrastructure. She also noted transportation challenges, mentioned a potential one-time construction sales tax, and proposed convening a roundtable to explore ideas. Vice Chair Brophy McGee and Ms. Mackay discussed meeting members of the Infrastructure Committee Board and learning about their functions. Ms. Mackay noted that she has begun meeting with each of the 91 board members to understand how they view their roles. She also stated that she is working to identify their connections, provide support with infrastructure- related questions, and help break down barriers to connecting companies with workforce opportunities, schools, and students preparing for future careers. Vice Chair Brophy McGee thanked Ms. Mackay for her response and discussed pursuing a one-on-one coordination between the Board, Maricopa County Departments, and GPEC moving forward. She also echoed Supervisor Gallardo’s positive comments about West-MEC and emphasized the importance of making the public aware of Maricopa County’s role and services. Chairman Galvin asked Ms. Mackay how GPEC interacts with the County’s Workforce Development Board. Ms. Mackay responded that she is still learning about the current relationship, noting that in her previous role she oversaw Phoenix’s Workforce Board, which partnered closely with the County. She explained that the Board has asked her to develop a 60-day plan and stated that collaboration with the County’s and Phoenix’s Workforce Board is a top priority for GPEC. Ms. Mackay added that GPEC can help companies meet workforce Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 12 of 15 needs, citing partnerships with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Intel that created training programs with the County and community colleges. She emphasized the importance of continuing to work with both workforce boards to align with the private sector and identify key focus areas. Chairman Galvin asked Zach Schira, Assistant County Manager for Elections and External Affairs to come forward. Mr. Schira thanked Chairman Galvin and the Board for creating the new Economic Development position, allowing the County to work more actively with GPEC and other partners. He noted the benefits of coordinating economic and workforce development efforts and praised GPEC for attracting companies to Maricopa County. He explained that the County works closely with GPEC and prospective companies to provide regulatory guidance, transparency, and early workforce planning aligned with the County’s strategic priorities. Chairman Galvin highlighted his background and strong interest in economic development. He noted that Maricopa County is the fourth-largest county in the nation, has the second-largest budget in the state, and provides essential regional services across the Valley, emphasizing the Board’s long-standing support for economic development. He asked Ms. Mackay whether she agreed the County has been a leader in economic development for many years, if not decades. Ms. Mackay agreed with Chairman Galvin and highlighted Maricopa County’s strong partnership in economic development. She noted the County’s consistent involvement in site selection, its role in securing TSMC and coordinating Prop 400 efforts. Ms. Mackay praised the Board’s leadership of air quality and environmental items. Chairman Galvin highlighted the Board’s strong record in supporting economic development, and Ms. Mackay affirmed the Board’s commitment, praising its guidance and support for business growth, land development, and infrastructure. Chairman Galvin emphasized the County’s investment in GPEC as a responsible public–private partnership and asked Ms. Mackay to outline her 60-day plans. Ms. Mackay said GPEC will continue supporting key legacy industries while expanding into emerging sectors like AI, bioscience, advanced mobility, and defense to drive job and wage growth. She highlighted the importance of workforce development, strategic infrastructure investment, and collaboration with cities and the County to stay competitive and prepare for future technologies. Chairman Galvin stressed the importance of workforce availability and compared Maricopa County to other large counties competing for the same companies. He asked where the County excels and where it falls behind. Ms. Mackay said Maricopa County performs well in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, supply chain, and aerospace, but losing in biosciences, including dementia and cancer care, implants, and wearable devices, largely due to limited venture capital. She noted GPEC’s five-year plan will focus on strengthening these areas by attracting family offices, early-stage companies, and investment, while also addressing workforce challenges tied to an aging population. Chairman Galvin emphasized the need to focus on economic development to ensure Maricopa County does not lose potential projects. Chairman Galvin emphasizes the County’s commitment to responsible economic development that balances growth with residents’ quality of life. He noted that as the County continues to grow, the Board works collaboratively to address competing needs such as infrastructure, transportation, housing, and public safety across all regions. Chairman Galvin talked about key priorities that include maintaining strong investments in economic development, supporting transportation funding through Prop 479, and ensuring continued funding for public safety via the jail tax. The Board values close collaborations with GPEC, staff leadership, and the new economic development director. He noted Air Quality is highlighted as a major regulatory and economic concern requiring coordinating leadership. He concluded that overall, the County Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 13 of 15 aims to set reasonable expectations, respect current residents, and uphold its strong record in economic development. Ms. Mackay agreed with Chairman Galvin’s comments. She acknowledged the County’s Air Quality staff and leadership for their efforts to protect air quality. Ms. Mackay noted the strong collaboration between the Board of Supervisors, the County Manager, and business community in advancing County projects. The Board thanked Ms. Mackay and Ms. Howell for their presentation and emphasized the value of strong collaboration between the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County. The Board also highlighted the importance of economic development, job creation, and coordination on key infrastructure issues such as transportation, water, and sewer. Support was offered to Ms. Mackay and GPEC to advance shared goals, and concerns were raised about the future impact of AI on the workforce. Ms. Mackay talked about concerns of AI eliminating jobs, especially mortgage processing, and described a proactive regional effort to identify at risk roles, map transferable skills, and create retraining pathways. She noted the goal is to stay ahead of AI driven changes and prevent large scale unemployment. Presentation only. No action taken ACTION 2. SETTING OF HEARING FOR DEANNEXATION FROM THE CITY OF AVONDALE TO MARICOPA COUNTY Pursuant to A.R.S. §9-471.03(D), set a hearing for November 19, 2025, to determine if the public interest is served by de-annexing road right-of-way from City of Avondale jurisdiction to Maricopa County in accordance with the City of Avondale, Ordinance No. 2035-1025. Also, for the hearing, direct MCDOT to prepare an analysis of the requested action. Right-of-way location: Litchfield Road, 1/2 mile south of Lower Buckeye Road. Supervisory District No. 5. At the hearing, if after reviewing the analysis and hearing those that may appear for or against the action, the Board determines that the public interest is served by this de-annex/annexation action, the Board shall file in the Clerk of the Board’s Office an ordinance setting forth the legal description of the public right-of-way and declare the return of the right-of-way contingent on the fulfillment of the additional conditions of the statute which would include setting a second public hearing on this matter. The Board action will result to add 0.0016 square miles to County ownership and enable the County to assume responsibility for road maintenance. (C-06-26-162-X-00) Chairman Galvin introduced the item and asked Jesse Gutierrez, Director Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) come forward. Mr. Gutierrez explained that annexing a narrow strip of land is necessary for the County to manage the right-of-way. He added that this action would remove an existing obstacle, facilitate permitting, and allow the development to move forward in an expeditious manner. Chairman Galvin asked Mr. Gutierrez if there had been any opposition to this item. Mr. Gutierrez responded that there had been none. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 14 of 15 The Chairman asked the Clerk if there were any registered speakers for this item. The Clerk responded there were none. Chairman Galvin asked Mr. Gutierez what District this property was in. Mr. Gutierrez responded that it was in District 5. Supervisor Gallardo asked Mr. Gutierrez to explain the de-annexation process. Mr. Gutierrez explained that de-annexation is initiated by the city through an ordinance and then processed by the County. He confirmed to Supervisor Gallardo that the property is within the City of Avondale and noted that if the property were privately owned, the landowners would need to participate in the process. Supervisor Lesko questioned why the road is a County responsibility and why the City of Avondale or the City of Goodyear does not take over. Mr. Gutierrez said the developer will fund all improvements, the County is only contributing staff time, and the City of Avondale will assume control after the roadway is completed. Supervisor Lesko asked whether Maricopa County owns and operates the road north and south of the property and why it is a County road instead of a city road. Mr. Gutierrez confirmed the County owns those sections and said they are working with cities to transfer disconnected roadway segments to them. Vice Chair Brophy McGee asked why the County doesn’t deannex the road before making improvements. Mr. Gutierrez said it would be a longer, more difficult process since the County owns it, and it’s easier to have the developer build it to the city’s standards first and transfer it. Supervisor Gallardo supported Supervisor Lesko’s comments, noting that small roadway sections like this exist throughout the County, especially with Laveen in the City of Phoenix. He added that partnerships with cities are important to address these roads, as the situation can be difficult and confusing for taxpayers, cities, and the County. Mr. Gutierrez said they are negotiating an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Phoenix to streamline roadway transfers, annexations, and deannexations. He noted that Board action allows directors to facilitate these negotiations and make the process easier, and that they are reviewing other small roadway segments across the County. Motion to approve by Supervisor Steve Gallardo, seconded by Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee Ayes: Thomas Galvin, Kate Brophy McGee, Mark Stewart, Debbie Lesko, Steve Gallardo 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION Vote to convene in Executive Session to consider the items on the Executive Agenda dated Monday, November 17, 2025, for Board of Supervisors and relevant Special Districts pursuant to the statutory authority listed for each item. Motion to approve by Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee, seconded by Supervisor Steve Gallardo Ayes: Thomas Galvin, Kate Brophy McGee, Mark Stewart, Debbie Lesko, Steve Gallardo MEETING ADJOURNED After discussion of the items listed on the Executive Session agenda and there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, November 17, 2025 Page 15 of 15 _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ___________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board