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District 4 Year in Review |
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 As 2025 comes to a close, I want to reflect on a few highlights in my first year representing District 4.
Standing Up for Taxpayers and Responsible Government
- Reduced the overall property tax rate and increased Sheriff Officer pay.
- Filed legal fight against unfair, decade-long, Federal oversight of Sheriff's office that has cost Maricopa County taxpayers $353 Million.
- Opposed the BNSF Comprehensive Plan Amendment for failing to support balanced growth in District 4.
- Worked with County departments to streamline services.
- Worked to reduce unnecessary costs and improve efficiency while maintaining high-quality service for residents, including approval of the updated Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance.
Election Integrity
- Pushed for and approved an Independent, comprehensive audit of the election system.
- Continued development of the new Tabulation and Election Center to strengthen security and public confidence.
Community Engagement
- Stayed accessible and responsive, communicating with thousands of constituents.
- Attended community events, ribbon cuttings, and meeting with local organizations, schools, and leaders across District 4.
Transportation
- Worked with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation to responsibly use taxpayer dollars to help maintain and improve safe, well-maintained roads across the district, including work at Happy Valley Road and El Granada Blvd.
- 24 capital improvement projects programmed in the West Valley for 2026.
- 9 pavement-preservation projects are planned for 2026.
Federal Advocacy
- Worked with regional partners to urge the EPA to rescind guidance that unfairly penalized Arizona for air pollution beyond our control.
Protecting Children and Ensuring Library Transparency
- Supported age-appropriate placement of library materials.
- Participated in the groundbreaking of the new Litchfield Park Library.
Parks and Recreation
- County Parks is expanding the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area with new trails, facilities, and a campground.
- Lake Pleasant gained national attention by hosting the historic Philippine Mars.
In 2026, I will continue advocating for lower taxes, safer neighborhoods, accountable government, strong elections, and policies that reflect District 4 values.
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Board Appoints New North Valley Justice of the Peace
Congratulations to DesaRae Tucker, who is the new Justice of the Peace for the North Valley Justice Precinct! I wish Judge Tucker the best as she steps into this very important role. I also want to sincerely thank Gerald Williams for his more than 20 years of service as Justice of the Peace and for the lasting impact he has had on our community.
Watch video by clicking play button above or clicking here.
City of Peoria Officials Tour Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center
 I was thankful for the opportunity to show City of Peoria officials around the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. County and local governments are working together to ensure that our elections are safe and secure.
Nellis Air Force Base Visit
 Awesome visit this month to Nellis Air Force Base, the home of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds! Did you know that Luke AFB was the birthplace of the Thunderbirds?! Thank you to Fighter Country for making this informational trip happen and providing Luke AFB with critical support. We love our military!
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 As we reflect on Maricopa County’s 2025 Year in Review, I want to congratulate the Chairman, my fellow Supervisors, our County leadership team, and the thousands of dedicated employees who work every day to serve the public. Their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to accountability continue to make Maricopa County one of the best-run, most fiscally responsible, and forward-thinking counties in the nation. Through thoughtful decision-making, transparent governance, and a strong focus on service, the County remains committed to efficiency, public trust, and long-term sustainability. I am proud to work alongside such a capable and dedicated team as we continue building a County government that residents can rely on.
2025 Maricopa County Year in Review Video
Supervisor Lesko Comments on Year in Review.
Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Update
 My colleagues and I recently voted to approve the updated Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance, an important step in modernizing our land-use regulations. This update helps ensure the County’s zoning rules are clear, consistent, and better aligned with current development practices, while preserving public input and community standards. The revised ordinance supports responsible growth, improves transparency, and provides clearer guidance for residents, businesses, and property owners across Maricopa County.
To hear my comments on the Zoning Ordinance Update, please click here.
Supervisor Lesko Closing Remarks
 I invite you to learn more about recent events I attended, including hosting a tour of the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center for Peoria officials, attending the dedication ceremony for the Marinette Marker now displayed at the Sun City Museum, as well as, participating in other community events, please click here.
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 Pavement Preservation in Sun City
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) advises drivers to plan ahead for daytime lane closures and possible delays in both directions on select roadways in the Sun City area, beginning Monday, December 22, 2025
through early January 2026 for pavement preservation work.
The project includes:
- Applying crack seal to existing asphalt concrete pavement.
- Cleaning up the work zone and other miscellaneous work.
The pavement preservation project will help extend the life of the roadway, renew the surface and seal small cracks. During construction, road restrictions may be in place to accommodate work. Please watch for work crews, reduce speeds and obey all traffic control signs in the work zone.
Work Schedule:
Where: please refer to the map above.
When: Monday, December 22, 2025, through early January, 2026,
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No weekend or holiday work is anticipated.
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Parks Update
Parks Announces Approved Fee Adjustments to Support Park Sustainability and Improvements
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved updated Parks and Recreation Department fees, effective January 1, 2026, with phased adjustments in 2027 and 2028. The changes will help sustain park operations and fund improvements such as wildfire prevention, trail repairs, habitat protection, and facility maintenance, ensuring County parks remain safe, clean, and accessible.
Read the full press release here and review the adopted fee schedule here.
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Library Update
MCLD’s 2025 Winter Reading Program Kicks Off
As 2025 winds down, the Maricopa County Library District’s Winter Reading Program is kicking off. Running December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026, participants can log their reading online at mcldaz.org(English) or invierno.mcldaz.org (Spanish). Participants can earn points by reading books and eBooks, listening to audiobooks, or completing unique Winter Reading Challenges created by library staff.
As you follow along, you can even win special prizes like bookmarks, book lights, a library swag bag, a Maricopa County Parks day pass, or even tickets to a Valley Suns basketball game!
Join the Winter Reading Community Book Club to read The Rose Code by Kate Quinn and discuss it with fellow readers. Learn more at mcldaz.org.
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Animal Care & Control Updates
New Support for Shelter Pets
Maricopa County is leading the effort to create a new nonprofit that will benefit shelter pets. On Wednesday, December 10, the Board of Supervisors voted to increase the expenditure authority for the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) Donation Fund up to $350,000, enabling MCACC to explore creation of this new non-profit.
Friends of Animal Care and Control will raise funds to enhance the resources available to pets in the community, while easing the pressure on public resources.
MCACC also works to improve care for animals in the community through their Evaluation & Enrichment Team, their new Everyday Adoption Center in Old Town Scottsdale, expanding adoption hours, and hosting large-scale Care on the Go events to provide vaccines, microchips, and licensing.
Get more details by reading the full press release here.
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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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