Tempe City Council - Work Study Session - Nov. 12, 2026

Tempe City Council work study session, November 12, 2026. Staff presented the 2026 community and employee survey results and introduced a council prioritization tool to help shape future operating and capital improvement budgets; staff emphasized that the tool is not an appropriation. The long-range forecast identified structural deficits in the general, transit, transportation, and arts and culture funds, driven in part by the loss of residential rental tax revenue. Staff cited $8 million in annual savings from vacant positions and $6 million annually from pension and retiree-health reserves, and described possible service reductions, efficiency measures, and revenue enhancements. Council discussed protecting core services, obtaining department and public input, possible transit changes, and advocacy for restoring state-shared revenue. Proposed budget adjustments are scheduled for discussion at the January 14 work study session; no spending or procurement votes were taken.

Council also received an update on Tempe’s community cat management program. Staff reported that its operating-cost allocation rose from $20,000 to $50,000, with past costs also supported by grants and donations; the program uses a contracted clinic and aims to hold six mobile events this year, subject to available funding. Residents urged the city to maintain the program. No new contract award, solicitation, vendor selection, or other procurement action was identified.