Council Report

City Council Report 
 
Date:   
April 20, 2026 
To:  
 
City Council 
Through:  
Miranda DeWitt, Government Relations Director 
From:  
Sharon Skinner, Grants Coordinator 
Subject:  
Resolution of support for the submittal of a grant application by Arizona 
Refugee Center to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of 
$15,000 for their ongoing refugee program activities and approving the 
City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a 
pass-thru grant. 
 
Purpose and Recommendation 
 
This request is seeking a City Council resolution of support for Arizona Refugee Center 
application to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for Proposition 202 funding.  If awarded, 
the grant will provide $15,000 in funding for their ongoing refugee program activities.  A 
Council Resolution supports this effort to secure a grant and commits the city to receive 
it on behalf of the non-profit and pass it through in its entirety to them if awarded.  As 
these programs serve the needs of City of Mesa residents, staff recommendation is for 
Council to adopt this resolution. 
 
Background 
 
Arizona Refugee  Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and 
empowering our community through various programs and initiatives, and whose 
mission is to make a positive impact and create a better future for all. 
 
The requested funding will support general program activities, including language-
learning resources, youth mentoring, community workshops, and limited emergency 
assistance for newly arrived families. These services help individuals and families 
navigate education, employment, and daily life as they adjust to a new community.  
 
This work directly benefits the Mesa community, where a significant portion of 
participating families reside. Approximately 30% of individuals served are Mesa 
residents, who access support as they navigate local systems, enroll children in school, 
and seek employment.

Discussion 
 
A resolution of support for this grant request will complete the necessary documentation 
for the organization to file their application by the funder’s deadline and be considered 
for funding from Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.  Mesa’s participation in Proposition 202 
Indian Gaming Grants has returned over $1 billion to Arizona communities since its 
passage in 2002 from four surrounding tribal governments.  
  
Alternatives 
 
The only alternative to adopting this resolution would be to not adopt.  Such an action 
would deny Mesa sponsorship for this request and require the organization to seek an 
alternate local government for access to this funding source.  
 
Fiscal Impact 
 
The fiscal impact on the City of Mesa, should this grant be awarded, will be negligible 
except overhead expenses in accounting to accept and reissue the grant check. The 
City does not administer the grant and signs an MOU or IGA with each tribe to limit our 
liability to only the pass-through transaction.