Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

Principal Planner Christian Williams introduced Cecilia Riviere, Assistant Director Arizona State University, to present information to Council regarding the Rio Reimagined project for Rio Salado. Ms. Riviere provided an update on the history of the project, which is a revitalization of the Salt and Gila River Corridor. She stated Rio is a fifty-five-mile project spanning public and private lands and introduced the request for participation in a co-shared and co-managed leadership position (Rio Ambassador). She defined the Rio Ambassador as a position created to support the project's four aspirations: reconnect the community to the river, establish a metropolitan vision, catalyze economic growth and inclusion, and demonstrate sustainable planning.

Ms. Riviere continued her presentation with information including the position focus and funding model, which includes 15 federal agencies and 28 national non-profits alongside the local agencies considering participation. The funding request is $15,000 a year for four years.

Council questioned how the project would transition financially following the four-year commitment and if other paid staff currently supports the projects. 

Ms. Riviere answered that implementing a 501(c)(3) may be instituted by then, and Council could re-evaluate financial participation at the four-year mark. 

The Council strongly supported the project and expressed their desire to see it move forward as quickly as possible, as well as a desire to look into purchasing property to support the project within Goodyear specifically.