In 1980, Arizona voters approved a constitutional amendment limiting local government spending to 1979-80 amounts adjusted for annual growth in population and inflation. This constitutional amendment included provisions for obtaining voter approval to exceed those limits. Since 1980, Phoenix has had nine home rule options approved by the voters.
Each of our prior home rule options have been thoroughly studied and recommended by task forces. Our current home rule option will expire on June 30, 2025. A proposal must be presented to the voters in the regular election of November 2024 in order to be in place by July 1, 2025.
The Task Force is charged with reviewing the revenue and expenditure forecasts prepared by City of Phoenix staff, studying the potential effects of the constitutional limit, and recommend a proposal to the Mayor and City Council for referral to the ballot. The following schedule is recommended for their work:
• • November 2023 - Appointment of Task Force
• February/March 2024 - Task Force meetings
• April 2024 - Task Force presents findings to the City Council
• May 2024 - Two required public hearings
• May 2024 - Required analysis transmitted to the State Auditor General
• June 2024 - Adoption of the form of the ballot
• August 2024 - Publicity pamphlet materials prepared
• November 5, 2024 - Election Day