Summary Sheet- WSS ISSUE REVIEW SUMMARY

MEMORANDUM – ISSUE REVIEW SESSION
TO:
Mayor and Council
FROM:
Eric Iwersen, Transportation and Sustainability Director, (480) 350-8810
Tara Ford, Public Works Director, (480) 350-2855
DATE:
1/15/2026
SUBJECT:
Downtown Mill Avenue Streetscape (University Drive 
to Rio Salado Parkway) Update
AGENDA ITEM: 4B 
PURPOSE:
To provide the Council with an update on the Downtown Mill Avenue Streetscape Project (University 
Drive to Rio Salado Parkway).
RECOMMENDATION OR GUIDANCE REQUESTED:
For information only.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY AND RELATED PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
1.05 – Feeling of Safety in Your Neighborhood
3.14 – ADA Transition Plan
3.26 – 20 Minute City
4.11 – Tree Coverage
5.03 – Capital Investment
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The project launched in 2022 to develop a guiding concept and construction documents to update the 
underground infrastructure as well as refresh the hardscape and landscape in the downtown along Mill 
Avenue.  Staff coordination with stakeholders was a key piece of moving the project forward and outreach 
continues as the project construction moves forward.  Collaboration with other Tempe staff teams and 
important downtown partners/stakeholders was also included.
The project construction launched in Summer 2024 and is nearing construction completion now. Sidewalk 
install, tree planting, irrigation and electrical lines are all completed, with some intersection corner work 
remaining.  The gateway treatment, road paving and striping and some key intersection work remains. 
The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.
Stakeholders:

Downtown Tempe Authority & Merchants/Businesses

Arizona State University

Tempe Tourism

Chamber of Commerce

Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community

Downtown Neighbors & Property Owners
Departments: 

Public Works

Transportation and Sustainability

Community Development

Community Services.

2
Boards and Commissions:  

Arts & Culture Commission

Neighborhood Advisory Commission

Commission on Disability Concerns

Transportation Commission

Development Review Commission

Human Relations Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Parks, Recreation, Golf and Double Butte Cemetery Advisory Board

Desert Conservation Commission

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission
FISCAL IMPACT or IMPACT TO CURRENT RESOURCES:
All budget transfers are complete for the project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PowerPoint Presentation