A Secure Future: Prioritizing public safety, economic development, water security for all of Peoria

On May 28, the Peoria City Council formally approved the fiscal year 2025 budget. The budget makes significant investments in the priority areas of public safety, economic development and Water Security. All without any tax increases.

The proposed budget added 41 new full-time positions, 31 of which directly support our police and fire-medical departments.

In line with our priorities as a city, let’s take a look at several of the highlights.

Public Safety
• $20.1 million included for a joint fire-medical public safety facility in the Vistancia area, as well as $19.1 million for a police evidence facility.
• 14 new positions from Peoria’s Police Department. This includes 2 additional School Liaison Officers, dedicated to keeping our children and schools safe.
• 17 new positions for Peoria’s Fire-Medical Department. These positions will assist in staffing the joint public safety facility in the Vistancia area.
• The FY25 CIP also includes several projects to expand, rehabilitate, and improve public safety facilities throughout the city.

Economic Development
• $14.8 million included to continue revitalization efforts in Downtown Peoria.
• Ongoing funding support to continue the airport feasibility study along with funding for capital projects to connect Lake Pleasant Parkway to future industry in the area.

Water Security
• $112.2 million included to complete the wellfield/booster pump station at Lake Pleasant Parkway/CAP, the reclaimed water line from Jomax to Beardsley, and the SRP/CAP interconnect Facility.
• The water/wastewater 10-year $737.6 million CIP funds new major plant expansions, contributes to the Bartlett Dam and reservoir expansion project, and plans for an advanced water purification treatment plant.

In an effort to continue transparent communication on these topics, our city’s website has been updated to further inform the public on these current initiatives. As such, I invite you to explore www.peoriaaz.gov/councilpriorities to view all of the things we are doing to keep Peoria an amazing place to live and enjoy. Each section is filled with project details, background information, updates, and links to related videos and supporting project documents.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every resident for your dedication to our community. Your engagement and feedback are invaluable in shaping the future of our city, and I look forward to continuing to work together to help Peoria realize its full potential.