Working in local government is a rewarding experience and I appreciate Government Market News for sharing my story.

The City of Phoenix community budget hearing process is underway. You can learn more about this process and make your voice heard by visiting our website or by attending one of our upcoming budget hearings.

Today, I was excited to welcome the HBCU All-Star Men's Basketball Team to Phoenix. As a graduate of Morehouse College, I was proud to recognize these incredible coaches and athletes, who are some of the best in the nation, for their achievements and contributions to basketball.

Yesterday, the @mfinalfour Legacy Project was unveiled at historic Eastlake Park in central Phoenix. One of the many parts of this project included a mural painted by local artist Giovannie aka Just paying tribute to the park’s rich history.

Phoenix Parks and Recreation
Phoenix City Manager

Today, City of Phoenix offices will be closed to honor civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.

The labor efforts led by Cesar Chavez continue to be a critical piece of American History, and Phoenix has recognized the iconic civil rights leader with a city holiday since 2004.

Today we are saying, 'Happy Retirement!' to Rita Hamilton, the Phoenix City Librarian. Rita has spent almost 50 years in the library profession, with 13 of those years at the City of Phoenix. I want to thank Rita for her tireless work and wish her well in retirement.

Yesterday, the City held its quarterly Employee Service Awards which recognized employees who have dedicated over 25 years of service to Phoenix. This event was also a milestone for me as I have officially spent 25 years working at the City, building the Phoenix of tomorrow.

I'm proud to work alongside these remarkable women executives at the City of Phoenix. They help serve our community by overseeing everything from the City's budget and finances to our parks and recreation.

I was honored to speak at the 30th annual Employee Memorial Ceremony yesterday to recognize City Employees who gave their lives serving the City of Phoenix. It's important we remember their commitment to public service and continue their work to build the Phoenix of tomorrow.

I got my bracket in, did you? We can’t wait to welcome basketball fans to Phoenix for the NCAA Men's Final Four!

Flags have been lowered to half-staff at all City of Phoenix buildings until sunset this evening, and again on the day of interment, to honor U.S. Marine Sgt. Alec Langen, of Chandler, who was one of the casualties of the Feb. 6 helicopter crash during a training flight in CA.

You probably know today is Valentine's Day, but did you also know it's Douglass Day? Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a leader in the abolitionist movement in the 1900s. Douglass never knew his birthdate and chose to celebrate it each year on February 14.

Congratulations to the new Director of the Phoenix Convention Center, Jerry Harper. Jerry has been with the City since 2003 before joining the Phoenix Convention Center in 2009 and has been a strong asset to the department. bit.ly/3SJeLc4

Black History Month started as just a week-long celebration and was extended to a month-long recognition in 1976. Today I kicked off this year's Black History Month with City of Phoenix, AZ employees in a celebratory street fair hosted by NFBPA Central Arizona Chapter.

Flags outside City of #PHX buildings have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Safford Mayor Jason Kouts, who passed away on Wednesday.

The flags will remain lowered until sunset tomorrow, on the day of interment.

Today I joined Clarkdale Town Manager Susan Guthrie, and Pinal County Manager Leo Lew at the ACMA Winter Conference discussion panel on what to consider when deciding whether to serve as a City or County Manager. Thanks, ACMA for hosting such an important conversation.