# Phoenix City Council Policy Meeting - November 10, 2026


**Body:** CityofPhoenixAZ
**Date:** November 09, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Energy & Utilities, Environment, Physical Infrastructure


The Phoenix City Council policy meeting on November 10, 2026, focused primarily on Colorado River conditions and the city’s water supply and drought response. Staff said Phoenix expects to enter Stage 2 of its drought management plan in January 2027 if the Lower Basin shortage agreement proceeds. The proposed measures include a 10% reduction in city department water use, a voluntary 5% reduction for other customers, expanded conservation checkups and incentives, use of backup supplies, and drought surcharges for the highest-use residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Staff estimated the surcharges could generate about $40 million annually to support conservation programs and new water supplies. Public speakers objected to the surcharge’s potential effects on residents and HOAs; councilmembers requested clearer outreach, district-level information on overdue bills, and further review of how multifamily customers and HOAs would be treated. Staff also agreed to continue evaluating a streamlined grass-removal incentive pilot for smaller HOAs and to consider extending incentives to additional customer groups.

Staff discussed major water-supply infrastructure and capital projects, including the Cave Creek advanced water purification facility, future North Gateway and 91st Avenue facilities, the proposed Bartlett Dam expansion, and the Secure Water Arizona program. The Cave Creek facility is under construction, with water delivery anticipated in 2029; the other facilities are expected in the 2030s. Staff said recent storms could have yielded nearly 200,000 acre-feet of additional capture at Bartlett had the expansion been in place. The transcript records no vote or new contract award at this meeting; the council’s approval of authority for Secure Water Arizona transactions was referenced as having occurred at the April meeting. Earlier remarks also thanked Chase Builders and design firm Hewitt and Zollers for a park project, without discussion of a new procurement decision.

**Source:** CityofPhoenixAZ