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

Katie Wilken, Development Services Director, presented an update on the Common Visioning project outlined in the FY2026–2029 Strategic Plan. She provided an overview of the topics covered in her presentation, including the development review process, development trends and emerging issues, and community planning strategies. Ms. Wilken highlighted Council-approved plans that guide development priorities, including the voter-approved General Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Design Guidelines, Engineering Design Standards and Integrated Water Master Plan, to align with the vision for Goodyear. She introduced Christian Williams, Planning Manager, to review development trends and emerging issues. He explained that an annual trends report is being developed to assist Council with strategic planning and future budget discussions. 

Ms. Wilken concluded by outlining additional strategic plan projects that would seek Council direction to ensure alignment with the future visions for development in Goodyear. 

Council requested references to the approved master plans and suggested highlighting these plans in the InFocus newsletter. Council expressed appreciation for the departments’ work on updated master plans over the last few years, and spoke favorably of the annual trends report.

Christina Panaitescu, Community Partnerships Program Manager, presented an update on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program for FY2027–2030 and the FY2027 Action Plan. She reviewed the program requirements, funding priorities, and staff recommendations, emphasizing attainable and sustainable housing, community improvements, public services, and program administration.

She outlined the estimated entitlement allocation of approximately $415,122 and the proposed distribution of funds for program administration, public services, and the City’s owner-occupied home rehabilitation program. She noted that recommended public service funding would support eviction prevention services provided within Goodyear through Gervonni Cares - a local business and nonprofit organization serving residents at risk of housing instability.

She reviewed the next steps in the process, including a public comment period from April 1 through April 30, a public hearing on April 27, and final Council approval for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for review and funding authorization.

In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Panitescu explained program requirements related to reimbursement, reporting, and sub-recipient agreements. She noted that the recommended public service provider would be subject to a one-year sub-recipient agreement. Gervonni S. Leggett, Founder and Executive Director of Gervinni Cares, Inc., explained that eviction notices are up due to concerns related to five-day notices and payment practices. She stated that her organization assists individuals in understanding their rights and navigating eviction matters.