PROPOSED COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FOR LIVABILITY AND WELL-BEING COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE.DOCX

MEMORANDUM – COMMITTEE OF THE 
WHOLE
NEW 
COUNCIL 
SUBCOMMITTEE 
PROPOSAL
TO:
Mayor and Council
FROM:
Vice Mayor Garlid 
DATE:
June 11, 2026
SUBJECT:
Community Solutions for Livability and Well-
being Council 
Subcommittee
PURPOSE OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE:
The purpose of the proposed Community Solutions for Livability and Well-being Council Subcommittee 
is to work collaboratively with community stakeholders: residents, businesses, faith-based organizations, 
and service providers to conduct an environmental scan of human services’ needs and programs related 
to supporting increased livability, well-being, and quality of life for all residents of the city. The Council 
Subcommittee will review and analyze financial resources, economic opportunities, zoning and land use 
polices, housing development opportunities and  strategies to address homelessness to achieve the 
stated objectives. The Subcommittee will also evaluate the role and potential structure of a 
Homelessness Commission in advancing community goals. The findings of the environmental scan and 
analysis will be used to identify community strengths, service gaps, and emerging needs, to inform the 
development of policy recommendations for City Council consideration.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITY AND RELATED PERFORMANCE MEASURE: 
City Council Priority: Safe and Secure Communities, Strong Community Connections, Quality of Life, and 
Financial Stability and Vitality. Developing and maintaining a strong community that is safe and livable 
contributes to a high quality of life.
Performance Measures: 1.05 Feeling of Safety in Your Neighborhood, 1.23 Feeling of Safety in Parks, 
2.15 Participating in City Decisions, 3.28 Ending Homelessness, 3.31 Poverty Rate, 3.34 Community 
Health and Well-being, and 5.18 Household Economic Stability.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Tempe has a longstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and thriving 
community where all residents have access to opportunities that support their health, well-being, and 
quality of life. As Tempe continues to experience population growth, economic development, and 
changing community needs, the City recognizes the importance of evaluating existing community health 
and human services programs, housing strategies, and community support systems to ensure they 
remain responsive and effective.  
Like many communities throughout the region, Tempe faces complex challenges related to housing 
affordability, homelessness, workforce participation, access to services, and disparities in health and 
economic outcomes. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated regional approach that engages 
residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith-based partners, service providers, and other 
community stakeholders.  A community that provides opportunities for individuals to become healthy, 
financially empowered and housed can be a model city for creating conditions enabling long-term 
economic prosperity and positively transforms lives.
As demand for housing and human services continues to grow, and with existing City resources and 
external funding sources facing significant constraints, community members are seeking practical and 
AGENDA ITEM: 5A1

2
compassionate solutions to support residents in need. Through this Council Subcommittee, the City 
hopes to foster collaboration, explore opportunities, and identify strategies that enhance the well-being 
of vulnerable residents while balancing available resources.
FISCAL IMPACT or IMPACT TO CURRENT RESOURCES:
Currently unknown.
ATTACHMENTS: 
None