Maricopa County District 4 Supervisor Debbie Lesko

District News

Supervisor Lesko Closing Remarks- Board of Supervisor Formal Meeting

Hear my closing remarks related to sexually explicit library books, BNSF Railway, and the recent Framework 2040 Comprehensive Plan meeting.

Board of Supervisors Approves City of Surprise Revitalization

I am happy to announce that my colleagues and I approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Flood Control District and the City of Surprise that grants the City access to develop and revitalize portions of the McMicken Dam Impoundment Area and Outlet Channel property just northwest of Arizona State Route 303. The City of Surprise plans to use the District-owned land for recreational park facilities and open spaces as part of the Surprise Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Surprise General Plan.

Supervisor Lesko on IGA

Maricopa County's Framework 2040 Comprehensive Plan Meeting

On May 9, District 4 residents attended Maricopa County’s Framework 2040 Comprehensive Plan meeting held in Sun City. Attendees shared input that will help guide County decisions on land use, transportation, jobs, housing, services, and more. Thank you to the Sun Dial Recreation Center for hosting the meeting, and to everyone who attended and provided valuable feedback.

Glendale Rotary

Earlier in May, I addressed the Glendale Rotary to talk about the responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors. This Rotary is led by retired Sergeant Steven Wamsley. Thank you for having me to speak!

May 6th BNSF Public Meeting

I have met with numerous constituents and elected officials who have concerns about the proposed BNSF Railway project in Wittmann. I take these concerns very seriously, which is why I made a motion to delay the Board’s hearing on this issue from March 26 to at least August 2025.

Please provide any input on the BNSF Railway project to: Maricopa.Gov/ContactLesko

Apprentice Exposition Fair

Jim Bull w/ Team Lesko attended the inaugural Apprentice Exposition Fair in Surprise. There were 20 businesses that train apprentices for work in construction, electrical, plumbing & other industries. This was a fantastic idea to match potential apprentices w/ future employment!

County News

Congressional District 7 Special Primary Election Logic and Accuracy Test

Logic and accuracy tests verify that the ballot counting equipment is programmed correctly and counts ballots accurately. This test is open to the public and is performed before and after every election to certify the accuracy of the tabulation equipment and accessible voting devices. Maricopa County Elections will test deployable equipment on June 10 and central count equipment on June 16 for the CD7 Special Primary Election. The public may view the process at Videos.Maricopa.Vote

Maricopa County Breaks Ground on New, State-of-the-Art Tabulation and Election Center

Pictured: A south-facing rendering of the future tabulation and election center created by project architect, DLR Group.

Maricopa County has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art tabulation and election center. Projected to open in Summer 2027 and designed to support election administration, this new facility will further support the County's ability to conduct pre-tabulation processing and ballot tabulation in a secure, efficient, and transparent manner.

All of us on the Board are united in our commitment to improving election administration in Maricopa County and building trust among voters. We've done that by advocating for changes to state election law, approving a comprehensive, independent election audit, and now building this brand-new elections facility. It is my hope that the many steps we are taking will instill even more confidence in our elections processes."

Board Approves Tentative Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

My colleagues and I unanimously approved a tentative fiscal year 2026 budget. Nearly 50 percent of the budget is being invested into public safety, including improved compensation for deputies and detention officers, as well as Sheriff's Office substation improvements.

The best way to keep our communities safe and crack down on criminal activity is to fully support our law enforcement professionals, not just with words, but with action. Over the past few months, my colleagues and I have worked in partnership with Sheriff Sheridan and our Human Resources team on a fiscally responsible plan to boost compensation for MCSO patrol and detention staff. I’m looking forward to finalizing those details before the approval of a final budget in June.

Construction Updates

ADA Ramp Improvement Work in Sun City West

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is reconstructing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and repairing adjacent sidewalks in Sun City West. Work is anticipated to begin in mid-June through mid-October 2025. This work will rebuild existing ADA ramps to current standards and includes sidewalk segments immediately adjacent to the ramps. The work will be conducted from approximately R.H. Johnson Boulevard west to Echo Mesa Drive; from Skyhawk Drive south to Trail Ridge Drive, and on Antelope Drive and Ravenswood Drive southwest of R.H. Johnson Boulevard. During construction, access to homes and businesses will remain open at all times, though temporary lane and sidewalk
restrictions may be in place at times in work zones throughout the project area.
All work will be performed during daytime hours and will take place within MCDOT right-of-way.

The project includes:
• Removing and replacing ADA ramps to bring to current standards.
• Repairing sidewalks around the newly constructed ramps.

Schedule is subject to change for reasons beyond MCDOT’s control.

Questions: 602-506-3342 or email: [email protected]

Sidewalk Construction: 111th Avenue at Grand Avenue (US 60)

On May 27, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), began constructing sidewalks along111 Avenue near the BNSF railroad tracks north of Grand Avenue (US 60) in Sun City. Drivers should expect lane restrictions on 111 Avenue north of Grand Avenue, and in the right lane of northbound US 60. No road closures are planned for this project. MCDOT anticipates completing the project at the end of June.

Work includes:

Installing about 145 feet of new sidewalks near the BNSF railroad tracks.
Constructing with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Providing connections for pedestrian travel in the Sun City area.

Questions: 602-506-3342 or email: [email protected]

County Updates & Events

Parks Update

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban at all of Maricopa County’s regional parks on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The annual fire ban dates align with the Air Quality Department's fire regulations, which specify that outdoor fires are prohibited between May 1 and September 30.

The fire ban does not allow campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills but using gas/propane grills in designated areas such as semi-developed and developed camping sites is still acceptable. In addition, smoking in Maricopa County's regional parks is also prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles and campers.

For additional information, contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 506-2930, or visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.

Library Update

2025 Summer Reading Program Updates

Maricopa County Reads, the County’s Summer Reading Program, officially opened for registration on May 1, with participants beginning to track their progress on June 1. This collaborative program brings together 64 public, tribal, and military libraries, and it's already off to a record-breaking start.

This year’s program is on pace to surpass last year’s record of 97,025 participants, with an estimated 100,000 readers expected to join. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly enough summer readers to fill the Cardinals Football Stadium twice!

Participants can track points from June 1 through August 1 at MaricopaCountyReads.org.

Public Health Update

Heat Relief Sites like cooling centers, respite centers, and hydration stations are established throughout Maricopa County during the summer from May 1 - September 30 and extreme heat events for those who do not have access to indoor cool environments. Cooling and respite centers can be community centers, churches, and other community-based organizations that provide water and serve as a safe, cool indoor place during the day for refuge from the heat. Call 2-1-1 for free assistance or visit the Heat Relief Regional Network to learn more.

Interested in hosting a site this summer? Register your organization

For media inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Animal Care & Control Update

MCACC, Pets, animal care & control, animals, dogs

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) has launched its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform. Through pet licensing and their complimentary HomeSafe® 24/7 Lost Pet Service, DocuPet offers residents an effective pet identification and reunification program that keeps pets out of shelters and returns them home safely.

Residents can customize tags, which double as a pet’s official license. These tags make it easy to file a Lost Pet Report or submit a Found Pet Report 24/7. Though pet licensing is mandatory for dogs in MCACC’s service areas, many local pet owners do not license their pets regularly. Pet owners can learn more and register their pet licenses online at maricopacounty.docupet.com. Licensing is also available by mail, phone, or in person.

Helpful Resources

Maricopa County
COVID-19 Updates

Board of Supervisors Meeting Information

A rizona Department of Health Services

Maricopa CountyYouTube

Maricopa CountyLibrary District

Arizona Office of theGovernor

Maricopa CountyFacebook

MCDOT Project Information

The Whi te House

Maricopa County is Hiring

When you work for Maricopa County, you will be providing vital services to a diverse population in the fourth-largest county in the nation. You'll work with a dynamic group of diverse and talented professionals who are passionate about serving the community to make Maricopa County the best place to work, live, and play.

With over 50 different departments, there is ample opportunity to start your career in one department and advance to another. Our positions vary from entry-level through executive level. View all postings here, or below.

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