Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 3/5/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 7C4
ACTION:  Adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of the City of Tempe's applications for gaming 
grant funds from the Ak-Chin Indian Community. (Resolution No. R2026.20)
FISCAL IMPACT:  If granted by the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the City of Tempe will receive 
$139,949 to fund programs. Sufficient budget appropriation for expenditure of this grant will be 
requested to be included in the Governmental Grants Fund (Fund 46) budget as part of the upcoming 
Fiscal Year 2026-27 adopted budget.
RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt Resolution No. R2026.20.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  Arizona law requires participating tribal communities to contribute 
12% of their annual gaming proceeds to local governments for government services that benefit the 
general public, including public safety, mitigation of gaming impacts, and the promotion of commerce 
and economic development. The City of Tempe annually applies for gaming grants to fund City programs 
and services. Approval of the accompanying resolution would allow the City of Tempe to submit 
applications to the Ak-Chin Indian Community for the following programs and events:
1.
College Connect Tempe. College Connect Tempe (Program) is a community collaboration that 
increases access to post-secondary opportunities for Tempe’s youth. The Program currently has 
three Advisors, two interns and one volunteer, serving Tempe Union High School District 
(TUHSD) campuses. Due to district funding cuts and loss of key student support roles, demand 
for Program Advisors has grown significantly. Expanding coverage across all TUHSD campuses 
will help fill staffing gaps and ensure students receive the guidance needed to pursue college 
and career pathways. Program Advisors play a key role in supporting FAFSA completion, 
aligning with the TUHSD superintendent’s goal to increase post-secondary enrollment. Program 
Advisors also support TUHSD’s “Making a Plan for Success” (MAPS) campaign, which includes 
all-day events at all six TUHSD campuses and requires significant staff time since Program staff 
participate. Funding for this program will support three ASU interns and provide Level 1 
fingerprint clearance cards, branded shirts, supplies and materials for 30–40 outreach activities, 
and student engagement incentives that promote equitable access. The grant request is for 
$24,949. 
2.
Dementia & Age Friendly Park. This request will fund the design component of a space within 
an existing park to create a dementia and age friendly park and allow for the acceleration of 
creating a space that maintains and improves quality of life, encourages physical activity and 
social interaction, and provides caregiver respite and stress relief for those experiencing 
dementia, old age, and their caregivers. Having a completed design will allow for construction of 
the park to potentially occur sooner as well as help gain traction with potential donors or project 
partners. Requested funding will support the architectural design in advance of construction. The 
grant request is for $115,000. 
If Ak-Chin Indian Community approve the grant requests, which it will decide in the fall of this year, City 
Council will enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement for disbursement of the funds.

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ATTACHMENTS:    03 05 26 RES NO R2026.XX AK-CHIN INTERNAL FINAL.DOCX
STAFF CONTACT(S):  Jonathan Shuffield, Government Relations Director, (480) 350-8922
Department Director:  Jonathan Shuffield, Government Relations Director  
Legal review by:  Clarence Matherson, Jr., Deputy City Attorney
Prepared by:  Erin Fillmore, Management Assistant, Sr