Summary Sheet- RFCA SUMMARY

CITY OF TEMPE
Meeting Date: 3/26/2026  
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Agenda Item: 8B2
ACTION:  PUBLIC HEARING ITEM Introduce and hold the first public hearing to adopt an ordinance 
amending the Tempe City Code, Chapter 2 (Administration), Article 5 (Boards; Commissions; etc.), 
Division 20 (Tempe Veterans Commission), Section 2-365 (Established; composition) and Section 2-
367 (Powers and duties), to amend the process by which members are selected. The second and final 
public hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026. (Ordinance No. O2026.11)
FISCAL IMPACT:  There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt Ordinance No. O2026.11.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  The Tempe Veterans Commission (TVC) was established to 
advise the City Council and City staff on issues impacting veterans, service members, and their families 
within the City. The current City Code specifies designated membership seats tied to specific veterans-
related organizations and institutions.
At its January 14, 2026, public meeting, the TVC discussed the difficulty it has on occasion in finding 
appropriate potential commission members to fill certain designated positions on the commission. The 
TVC believes it would be beneficial to amend the membership structure of the commission to allow 
flexibility in the commission makeup when the commission is unable to find a potential commission 
member to fill a designated spot. The TVC believes the proposed amendment would modernize the 
commission’s membership structure by maintaining the existing areas of representation while shifting 
from fixed, assigned seats to an experience-based appointment model. This approach aligns the TVC 
with other City advisory bodies, including the Sustainability and Resilience Commission, and provides 
greater flexibility to appoint members based on evolving community needs and available expertise.
The amendment would retain an eleven-member commission, including two at-large veteran members 
and two at-large community members, while continuing to prioritize representation from veteran service 
organizations, education partners, health and wellness providers, housing advocates, and veteran-
supportive businesses or government agencies. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in, 
work in, or provide services in the City when residency is not otherwise required.
ATTACHMENTS:    
1.
2026.03.26--ORDINANCE AMENDING TCC RE TEMPE VETERANS COMM TO MODIFY 
MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE.DOCX
2.
20260114_RCM_CHHS_VETERANS_COMMISSION_APPROVED_MINUTES.PDF
STAFF CONTACT(S):  Michael Garrison, Veteran Services Coordinator, (480) 350-8387
Department Director:  Tim Burch, Community Health and Human Services Director  
Legal review by:  Clarence Matherson, Jr., Deputy City Attorney
Prepared by:  Michael Garrison, Veteran Services Coordinator