Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 3/5/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 7C5
ACTION:  Adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of the City of Tempe's applications for gaming 
grant funds from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. (Resolution No. R2026.21)
FISCAL IMPACT:  If granted by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the City of Tempe will receive 
$454,168 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. R2026.21.
 
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 Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for the following programs and events:
1.
Citywide Cat Colony Management. Tempe's Community Cat Colony Management Program 
reduces the feral cat population through neighborhood-based trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts 
and strategies that minimize impacts on the community. The program supports volunteer 
caregivers, who invest significant time and personal funds, by providing education, financial 
assistance, feeding stations, food, and TNR surgeries. In addition to neighborhood colonies, the 
City manages multiple feral cat colonies on municipal properties, many currently supported by 
volunteers. Since the program began in 2022, operational demands have increased. Requested 
funding for this program will sustain one temporary full-time staff member, provide feeding 
stations, cat food, and TNR surgeries to support both City-managed and neighborhood colonies. 
The grant request for this program is $125,307.
2.
Financial Support for Youth Support Specialist Services. The CARE 7 Youth Support 
Specialist Program is a unique collaboration between the City of Tempe, Tempe Union High 
School District (TUHSD), and Tempe Elementary School District. Housed at school sites, this 
City program provides immediate access to much-needed services for students and their families 
such as resource connection, crisis intervention, and social and emotional support. The TUHSD 
and the City have funded positions at a 50/50 split for years. The TUHSD was deeply affected 
by recent budget cuts to public schools and can no longer financially support the program. 
Requested funding for this program will cover services provided by the Community Health and 
Human Services Department's Youth Specialist program by funding thee (3) temporary full-time 
Youth Support Specialist positions. The funding request for this program is $328,861.
It is anticipated that Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will announce its decision on the grants in the fall of 
this year.
ATTACHMENTS:   03 05 26 RES NO R2026.xx FT MCDOWELL INTERNAL FINAL.DOCX

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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