Moving forward on Rio PHX development

Kesha Hodge Washington

Submitted photo/City of Phoenix

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on Phoenix moving forward on a Rio Salado policy plan? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to azopinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — Phoenix adopted the Rio Salado District Policy Plan, which will guide future development and revitalization efforts in Districts 7 and 8.

This long‑term plan covers the area between I‑17 and Broadway Road and from 19th Avenue to 32nd Street, aligning land use and investment strategies to support the Rio PHX vision.

City Council also approved the General Plan Land Use Map for the 4,364‑acre Rio Salado District to support the new policy plan. This update emphasizes residential uses, guides future development and encourages community investment in the Rio Salado area.

I appreciate the extensive community engagement and collaboration that have helped shape this plan. Multiple community meetings and robust discussion at the Village Planning Committees helped build strong community support for incorporating residential into the plan.

The residents, neighborhood organizations, businesses and community partners who contributed to this process deserve recognition. Their voices are essential to ensuring that our vision for the future reflects the priorities and experiences of the people most directly affected. 

Hermosa Park mural project survey open

I am also excited to share that the staff from the Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, are launching a new mural project at Hermoso Park in District 8. The project will feature 48 community‑inspired mural panels celebrating the culture and stories of the neighborhood and Hermoso Park. 

The Hermoso Park mural survey is open through Oct. 29. Installation is planned for late November through early December, followed by a Community Paint Day where residents can help bring the artwork to life. I hope you will share your ideas and be part of this creative effort. 

Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington represents District 8 on the Phoenix City Council. This was distributed as part of her newsletter. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.