Public Service and Urban Governance

Source: Patricia Scarborough

The City of Phoenix is a marvel example of growth through urban governance, and the commitment to providing stellar public service to it's residents. Mayor Greg Stanton, in his 2013 State of the City Speech, makes his beginning remarks to those he shares the governing responsibilities with, "Each day with great teammates in City Council...occasional disagreements...we challenge one another to be better...[creating] solid public policy for the people of Phoenix (azcentral.org)." In the 2014 State of the City Speech, Mayor Stanton brings on a new City Manager, Ed Zuercher, stating, "You've hit the ground running. You're a fresh of breath air, a consummate professional, and I know we're going to do great things together (Phoenix.gov)".

When thinking of public managers, and the public servants who work under them, it is important to know that there is cohesion in the work that is being done in Phoenix. Everyone is at the table to solve issues and serve the people. Each day I arrive to my internship I feel the camaraderie on the 12th floor, where the City Manager's office is, and equally on the 11th floor, the Mayor's office. It is no surprise that these two floors are joined by a centered open staircase that unites these areas together.

In my current experiences, there are great workers at the city, and they make it a point to work on behalf of the people. Currently, the city's budget has been released. With a major amount of cuts to services to the community, it has caused quite an uproar for residents in various areas of town. In order for constituents voices to be heard, the city has piloted various budget hearings for people to voice their concerns. These hearings are to engage the community and ensure that no final decisions are made on the budget without their public input. Budget hearings are scheduled by district and typically have council members representing those districts to listen to concerns and answer questions.

Public service and urban governance is a critical role for Phoenix, and any major city. As the year progresses, and preparations for the Super Bowl, and other major conferences that will be hosted come to town, the governance will continue to provide public safety, economic development and cultural vitalization to the city.