Minutes of the Special Meeting held on February 23, 2026

Meeting Minutes 
City Council Special Meeting 
 
February 23, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. 
Chandler City Council Chambers 
88. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ 
 
 
Call to Order 
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kevin Hartke at 6:00 p.m. 
  
Roll Call 
Council Attendance 
 
 
 
 
Appointee Attendance 
Mayor Kevin Hartke  
 
 
 
 
John Pombier, City Manager 
Vice Mayor Angel Encinas  
 
 
 
Kelly Schwab, City Attorney  
*Councilmember Christine Ellis  
 
 
Jennifer Ekblad, City Clerk 
Councilmember Jane Poston 
 
 
 
  
Councilmember Matt Orlando   
 
 
Councilmember OD Harris 
 
 
 
 
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins 
 
*Councilmember Ellis attended virtually. 
 
Staff in Attendance 
 
Tadd Wille, Assistant City Manager 
Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager/CFO 
Leah Powell, Deputy City Manager 
 
Invocation 
The invocation was given by Pastor Chris Morris, Foothills Community Church.  
 
Pledge of Allegiance  
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Encinas.

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Scheduled Public Appearances 
1. 
Karthik Pallam - Request for Family Restrooms at City Parks and Spaces 
MR. PALLAM, Chandler, AZ, shared that he has two daughters and highlighted a challenge many 
parents face in public spaces like parks: the lack of single-user or family restrooms. He stated he 
has to choose between taking his daughter to the men’s restroom or the women’s restroom. This 
issue affects children’s privacy, safety, and dignity, and places parents in difficult positions. Mr. 
Pallam advocated for more single-person and family restrooms in public facilities to provide 
privacy, safety, and peace of mind for parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked the City Manager to ensure that Parks staff connect with Mr. Pallam to 
review the issue and discuss possible actions or improvements. 
 
JOHN POMBIER, City Manager, stated staff will follow up with Mr. Pallam.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON thanked the speaker for sharing his perspective as a parent. She 
noted that as a mother of boys, she faced similar challenges when her children were younger. She 
appreciated him bringing the issue forward so the city can consider ways to address it. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS commented that while Chandler typically has separate men’s and 
women’s restrooms, there should also be baby-changing tables in men’s restrooms since fathers 
change diapers as well. He shared that when his children were young, he often had difficulty 
finding a place to change diapers in men’s restrooms. He asked the City Manager if the city could 
consider adding baby-changing tables in men’s restrooms. 
 
MR. POMBIER said yes.  
 
Public Hearing Item 1 
1.  
Proposed Local Alternative Expenditure Limitation- Home Rule Option Election, First Public 
Hearing 
 
Open Public Hearing 
MAYOR HARTKE opened the public hearing at 6:08 p.m.  
 
Staff Presentation 
SYLVIA DLOTT, Budget & Research Administrator, presented the following presentation.  
• Home Rule Option Public Hearing 2026 Proposed Local Alternative Expenditure Limitation 
• Home Rule Origin  
o State Law effective June 3, 1980 
 Sets maximum spending limits for cities & Towns based on a formula  
o Maximum spending limit formula  
 Based on FY 1979-80 expenditures

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 Allows for annual population increase  
 Allows for inflation increases 
 Allows for exclusions of some expenditures 
• Alternatives to Formula  
o 1 One-time Override  
o 2 Local Alternative Expenditure Limitation (Home Rule)  
o 3 Permanent Adjustment Base Limit  
• 2026 Home Rule Option  
o Allows City to use adopted budget as the expenditure limit versus formula set in 1980 
o Provides flexibility to establish budget based on anticipated revenues and set 
programs and service levels based on resident needs  
o Spending limit is re-established every 4 years. Requires a majority vote of the public at 
Primary or General election  
o Requires 2 Public Hearings prior to Council action. Special Meeting held immediately 
following the 2nd Public Hearing. Requires 2/3 Majority 
o Chandler Voters Have Approved the Home Rule Option 11 consecutive times since 
1982-most recently in August 2022 
• 2026 Home Rule Option Financial Implications (preliminary)  
• 2026 Home Rule Option Financial Implications  
o Potential impacts if Home Rule does not pass 
 Reductions in street maintenance funding  
 Reductions in public safety funding  
 Deferral or cancellation of capital projects  
 Reduction to recreation, aquatics, and library programs  
o Approval of Home Rule does not increase taxes  
o If Home Rule does not pass revenue will continue to be received but not spent  
• Home Rule Elections Schedule  
• Questions?  
 
Council Discussion  
MAYOR HARTKE asked how many times the measure had been brought forward and noted that, 
based on his recollection, it usually passes with about 85–90% support. He asked whether any 
figures or data were available to confirm that. 
 
MS. DLOTT responded that in 2022, the measure passed with a figure close to that, though she 
would need to verify the exact numbers. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE commented that the issue is not controversial; the process is simply a procedural 
step required to satisfy the state requirement. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO noted that the requirement stems from a law over 40 years old and 
suggested reviewing it to avoid having to repeat the process annually.

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COUNCILMEMBER HAWKINS asked for the website address where the slides presented today 
could be accessed for future reference. 
 
MS. DLOTT confirmed that the slides are available on the city’s website for tonight’s City Council 
meeting and mentioned they could also be provided on the budget page. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE suggested that, as the election approaches, the information should be made 
prominent and easy to find so citizens can access it without difficulty. 
 
DAWN LANG, Deputy City Manager/CFO, stated that the city will create a webpage featuring 
educational materials and presentations.  
 
Discussion from the Audience 
None.  
 
Close Public Hearing 
MAYOR HARTKE closed the Public Hearing at 6:16 p.m.   
 
Public Hearing Item 2 
2.  
Chandler General Plan Update, PLH25-0010, Public Input, Consideration and Discussion 
Regarding the Update of Chandler's General Plan - Continued from the February 5, 2026 
Regular Meeting 
 
Open Public Hearing 
MAYOR HARTKE opened the public hearing at 6:17 p.m.  
 
Staff Presentation 
LAUREN SCHUMANN, Principal Planner, presented the following presentation.  
• PLH25-0010 Chandler General Plan Update  
• General Plan Update Overview  
o What is it and why update it? 
o Update Process/Timelines 
o Innovative Public Participation  
o Proposed Revisions  
• City of Chandler Growth By Recorded Plat Years Map  
• What’s a General Plan  
o Approved 2016 General Plan  
o Comprehensive set of broad policies used to guide development  
o Vision for city’s ultimate build-out 
o Strategic plan: not parcel specific  
o Community Goals

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o 2016 approved by voters 85.8% no amendments  
• What’s a General Plan  
o Required For All Municipalities  
o Land Use  
o Circulation  
o Required for Population over 10,000: 
 Open Space  
 Growth Area  
 Environment Planning  
 Cost of Development  
 Water Resources  
o Elected Element: 
 Economic Growth  
o Required for populations over 50,000: 
 Conservation  
 Recreation  
 Public Services and Facilities  
 Public Buildings  
 Housing  
 Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Redevelopment  
 Safety  
 Bicycling  
 Energy  
 Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization  
• Why Update the General Plan?  
o State statutes requires update every 10 years  
o Any rezonings must be consistent with the General Plan 
o Address new development trends/factors facing Chandler  
o Community vision & values remain relevant 
o Approaching build-out  
• Changes since 2016 
• Changes since 2016 
o Approximately 70% remaining land planned for non-residential uses  
o Housing 2016-Jan 2025 11,956 units built  
o Finite water resources; plan accordingly  
• Public Engagement Overview  
• General Plan Process and Timeline  
o Launch Oct 2024 – Feb 2025  
 Project Website  
 Kickoff Meetings  
 Online Questionnaire 1 
 Informational Brochures

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 Community Conversations  
o Vision Jan 2025 – Sep 2025 
 RAC Meetings  
 Online Questionnaire 2&3  
 Speaker Panel Event  
 Drop-In Events 
 Visioning & Scenario Workshops  
 Immersion lab  
 Boards/Commissions Session  
o Draft Feb 2025 – Oct 2025  
 TAC Meetings  
 Boards/Commissions Sessions  
 60- Day Public Review  
 CHP Completed  
o Adopt Jan 2026 – Aug 2026 
 P&Z Commission Hearings  
 City Council Hearing Ratification  
• What’s different?  
o Minor Housekeeping Changes  
 Changed the plan structure  
 Updated policies  
 Updated demographics  
 Updated historic timeline  
 Updated reference plans  
 Updated glossary  
 Updated graphics/photos  
 Summarized public participation 
 Vision Statement  
o More Significant Changes  
 Future Land Use Map  
• Category mapping revisions  
• Growth Area revisions  
• Illustrations of Area Plans  
 Future Land Use Categories  
• Revisions and refinements 
 Implementation Action Table  
• Future Land Use Map (FLUM)  
o 2016 Map  
o 2026 Map  
• 2026 Neighborhood Category  
o 2016

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o The predominant land use in this category is residential, however; a variety of other uses 
are allowed based on location and other compatibility criteria described below. The 
following residential densities and non-residential land use are allowed in the 
Neighborhoods category subject to the following criteria: 
 High-density residential (12-18 dwelling units per acre) … 
 Urban residential (densities exceeding 18 dwelling units per acre) … 
o 2026 
o The predominant land use in this category is residential; however, a variety of other uses 
are allowed based on location and other compatibility criteria described below. The 
following residential densities and non-residential land use are allowed in the 
Neighborhoods category, subject to the following criteria: 
 High-density residential (13-25 dwelling units per acre) … 
 Urban residential (26+ dwelling units per acre) … 
• 2026 Regional Commercial Category 
o 2016  
 This category includes major regional commercial developments such as 
malls, power centers, large single-use retail, and other major commercial 
centers. Regional commercial locations are shown on the Future Land Use 
Plan Map and are also eligible for consideration of urban-style mixed-use 
developments, large office users, and a compatible mix of residential densities 
o 2026  
 This category includes major regional commercial developments such as 
malls, power centers, large single-use retail, and other major commercial 
centers. Regional commercial locations are shown on the FLUM and are also 
eligible for consideration of urban residential and large office users. 
 The maximum allowable density for urban residential (26+ dwelling units per 
acre) will be determined at the time of development plan approval by the city 
and based on such considerations as existing and planned capacities for water 
and sewer infrastructure, adequate transportation facilities, compatibility with 
adjoining land uses, ability to transition to adjacent existing lower-density 
residential if applicable, and other factors. 
• 2026 Employment Category  
o 2016 
 The Future Land Use Plan Map focuses attention on strengthening the 
community’s economic base by expanding the growth areas and identifying a 
variety of employment areas for future growth. Major employers, knowledge-
based industries, and industrial/business parks are allowed within 
Employment. A compatible mix of industrial support uses and residential 
densities as an integral component may be considered.  
 Light industrial business parks may be considered in campus-like settings 
containing knowledge-based employers, corporate offices, manufacturing, 
and warehouse and distribution. A compatible mix of industrial support uses

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and residential densities may also be considered as an integral component of 
a planned mixed-use development. 
o 2026 
 The FLUM focuses attention on strengthening the community’s economic base 
by identifying a variety of employment areas for future growth. As Chandler 
approaches build-out, most of the available land is designated for 
employment; therefore, it is imperative to target key industries for healthy 
growth of the city. For more than 50 years, Chandler has welcomed high-tech 
manufacturing, pioneering research, and emerging technologies that have 
shaped our community. We will continue to prioritize employment uses of 
advanced manufacturing, knowledge-based industries, advanced business 
services, next-generation software engineering, and healthcare services.  
 Light industrial business parks are also permitted, prioritizing manufacturing, 
research and development, and emerging technologies. Corporate and large 
office developments are allowed uses within employment designation.  
 Residential can be considered with employment if designed as part of an 
integral component to the campus, see growth area polices and area plans for 
additional criteria. The maximum allowable density for urban residential (26+ 
dwelling units per acre) will be determined at the time of development plan 
approval by the city and based on such considerations as existing and planned 
capacities for water and sewer infrastructure, adequate transportation 
facilities, compatibility with adjoining land uses, ability to transition to adjacent 
existing lower-density residential if applicable, and other factors. 
• Growth Areas/Area Plans Map  
• South Price Road Corridor Growth Area  
• South Price Road Corridor Growth Area 
o New Policy: Enhance the campus-like environment by supporting development that 
includes true vertical mixed uses, allowing for employee and ancillary residential 
uses which are subordinate to the primary employment use, centered on a common 
design theme.  
o Urban residential (26+dwelling units per acre) with vertically integrated uses may be 
considered when ground floor uses include non-residential uses that directly support 
employees and residents (e.g., retail, restaurants, coworking space, or business 
services) and it is ancillary to and a subordinate part of a large employment campus 
that offers shared amenities and enhanced pedestrian connections.  
• Implementation Action Plan  
o Chapter 5 – Chandler Honors  
o The purpose of this chapter is to honor the community’s vision for Chandler by 
articulating a systematic action plan. The 73 actions below are organized by chapter 
theme and topic areas and are meant to be implemented within short- (1–5 years), 
mid- (5–10 years), or long- (10 or more years) term timeframes and on an ongoing 
basis. These actions and timeframes will assist the city in complying with the

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statutory general plan reporting requirements detailed in ARS §9-461.07. More 
importantly, these actions are a guide and roadmap forward to help the city realize 
the community’s vision; however, they remain flexible and subject to staffing and 
financial resources. 
• 60 Day Public Review Period  
• RAC Review & Recommendation  
o 21 Member Committee appointed by the Mayor  
o 7 Meetings total; Final meeting December 9, 2025 
o Review changes made from public comments  
 Committee Members made the following edits:  
• Renamed Growth Area 1 from Uptown Chandler back to North Arizona 
Avenue  
• Removed all text containing future light rail  
o RAC unanimously recommended approval  
• Two Planning and Zoning Commission meetings  
• January 7, 2026 Informal Meeting  
• January 21, 2026 Recommended approval to City Council 7-0 
• Next Steps:  
o City Council  
 February 23, 2026 
 Public Hearing & City Council Vote  
o Primary Ballot for Ratification  
 July 21, 2026 
• Questions  
 
Council Discussion  
MAYOR HARTKE noted that the 4,500 residents who provided input on the General Plan represented 1.5% 
of the population. He asked if they considered this a strong level of public participation, and how this 
compares to previous efforts. 
 
MS. SCHUMANN stated she reviewed the 2016 touch points, which amounted to about a quarter of what 
we received during the process. They are pleased with the public participation and the innovative methods 
we used to engage with the community.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE mentioned increased densities, which are largely mandated by regulations. He 
clarified that if someone wants to develop a project outside the mall area, there is no maximum 
density requirement; it allows for higher density.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN confirmed, and it's encouraging higher densities in and around the mall area.  
 
MAYOR HARTKE asked whether the “Chandler Honors” project list would still require presentation 
to Council and Council approval before moving forward.

Page 10 of 12 
 
MS. SCHUMANN confirmed that they hope to use it as a report card to provide an annual update 
on the number of items that were completed throughout the year.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked about the backgrounds and careers of the individuals who 
participated in the process. 
 
MS. SCHUMANN said the Resident Advisory Committee included a diverse group, such as former 
mayors, former councilmembers, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, zoning attorneys, 
and community members passionate about Chandler. She noted it was inspiring to hear the 
variety of perspectives. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS asked why the advisory group decided to remove the light rail 
discussion from the plan and whether there was a specific reason for that decision. 
 
MS. SCHUMANN explained that the light rail reference was included in error. She said the 
consultant assumed the city might consider it in the future, but staff noted that current bus 
ridership levels do not support light rail at this time. She added that while it is not part of this 
General Plan update, it could be discussed in the future. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER HARRIS stated that light rail is designed as a high-density people mover, and 
Chander bus ridership levels are not high enough.  
  
MS. SCHUMANN said that is correct.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER POSTON referred to the Price Corridor and asked whether requiring the 
bottom floor in these mixed-use areas to serve employees and residents would include the 
general public.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN confirmed that these businesses are intended to be open to the public to serve 
employees, residents, and anyone in the nearby area.  
 
COUNCILMEMBER OLANDO praised Ms. Schumann for her thorough and balanced presentation 
and highlighted the 3D visuals used in public engagement.  
 
MS. SCHUMANN explained that to maintain public engagement in October, the city held a second 
“Chandler Talks” event, followed by an immersive experience. Using technology provided by Logan 
Simpson, four scenarios were rendered in 3D on a large screen, allowing viewers to feel as if they 
were walking through the neighborhood. This gave the community a chance to see how 
neighborhoods could develop under the proposed General Plan policies. 
 
COUNCILMEMBER ORLANDO said he particularly enjoyed the immersive experience because it 
helped him visualize the areas referenced in the General Plan. He noted that seeing it in 3D

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allowed residents to better understand the possibilities compared to viewing plans on paper. He 
added that the 4,500 participants represent a significant share of the population. He expressed 
confidence in the public engagement process, looked forward to the measure appearing on the 
ballot, and praised the team’s work. 
 
VICE MAYOR ENCINAS thanked the staff, residents, and committee members for their time and 
input, noting that the plan serves as a blueprint for the city’s evolution over the next decade. 
 
MAYOR HARTKE thanked Council, noting that the process of forming a committee was a 
collaborative effort. He mentioned that relationships among committee members were excellent, 
and staff expressed satisfaction with an engaged group. Mayor Hartke thanked committee 
members.  
 
Discussion from the Audience 
None.  
 
Close Public Hearing 
MAYOR HARTKE closed the Public Hearing at 6:49 p.m.   
 
Action Agenda Item 3 
3.  
General Plan Update, Chandler 2026 General Plan: Evolving the Chandler Way 
Move City Council pass and adopt Resolution No. 5973, updating the city's general plan to 
guide future development within the City of Chandler and place the "Chandler 2026 General 
Plan: evolving the Chandler way" on the primary ballot for voter ratification, as 
recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
 
Councilmember Orlando moved to pass and adopt Resolution No. 5973, updating the city's 
general plan to guide future development within the City of Chandler and place the "Chandler 
2026 General Plan: evolving the Chandler way" on the primary ballot for voter ratification, as 
recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, with the following amendment to the 
South Price Road Corridor Growth Area Policy: Enhance the campus-like environment by 
supporting development that includes true vertical mixed uses, allowing for employee and 
ancillary residential uses which are subordinate to the primary employment use, centered on a 
common design theme. Urban residential (26+dwelling units per acre) with vertically integrated 
uses may be considered when ground floor uses include non-residential uses that directly support 
employees and residents (e.g., retail, restaurants, coworking space, or business services) and it is 
ancillary to and a subordinate part of a large employment campus that offers shared amenities 
and enhanced pedestrian connections.; Seconded by Councilmember Hawkins.  
 
Motion carried unanimously (7-0).

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Action Agenda Item 4 
4.  
Resolution No. 5990, Repealing Resolution No. 5968 and Providing Notice of the Primary 
and General Elections to be held on July 21, 2026 and November 3, 2026, Respectively 
Move City Council pass and adopt Resolution No. 5990, repealing Resolution No. 5968; 
designating and providing notice of the 2026 Primary and General Elections to be held on 
July 21, 2026, and November 3, 2026, respectively; and authorizing the City Clerk to enter 
into agreements, as required, to provide election services for the 2026 Primary and General 
Elections. 
 
Vice Mayor Encinas  moved to pass and adopt Resolution No. 5990, repealing Resolution No. 5968; 
designating and providing notice of the 2026 Primary and General Elections to be held on July 21, 
2026, and November 3, 2026, respectively; and authorizing the City Clerk to enter into agreements, 
as required, to provide election services for the 2026 Primary and General Elections; Seconded by 
Councilmember Poston. 
 
Motion carried unanimously (7-0). 
 
Public Comment  
None.  
 
Adjourn 
The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 pm. 
 
 
ATTEST:  _______________________  
______________________________ 
                       City Clerk                                                   Mayor 
 
 
Approval Date of Minutes:  March 23, 2026 
 
 
Certification 
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Special 
Meeting of the City Council of Chandler, Arizona, held on the 23rd day of February 2026.  I further 
certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
DATED this _______ day of March, 2026. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
__________________________ 
                                                         
           City Clerk