Glendale Appoints Thomas Adkins Deputy City Manager

The city of Glendale is excited to welcome Thomas Adkins as the new Deputy City Manager. Adkins has decades of experience working in public policy at the local, regional, state and federal level, as well as in crisis communications, community relations and legislative advocacy.

Adkins will oversee the Intergovernmental Programs and Communications departments, which include internal and external communications, media relations, video production, website management, graphic design and special projects. He will also provide direction to ensure programs meet the needs of the community and the City Council’s goals.

“Thomas brings tremendous experience that will be key in strengthening partnerships and establishing priorities at every level, which will help us advance the city’s goals and serve residents more effectively,” said City Manager Kevin Phelps. “He will be a great asset to the city, and I’m thrilled to welcome him to the leadership team.”

Adkins most recently worked for the Arizona Board of Regents, where he managed crisis communications and community relations through high-profile challenges including the University of Arizona’s financial recovery. Prior to that he served as the Intergovernmental Affairs Director for the city of Peoria where he secured millions of dollars in state appropriations over multiple years for key infrastructure projects, neutralizing legislation that would negatively impact city operations.

“I’m grateful for the trust that Kevin has placed in me and look forward to serving the citizens of Glendale alongside the leadership team,” said Adkins. “Glendale is a city on the move and I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

Adkins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University.

DJORDJE PAVLOVIC NAMED CITY OF GLENDALE ENGINEERING SERVICES DIRECTOR

The city of Glendale is proud to announce Djordje Pavlovic as the city’s new Engineering Services Director. Pavlovic has been with the city for more than 10 years, serving in two instrumental roles – structural engineer and building official – where he has been part of shaping the city, ensuring safety and the integrity of structures. 

In his new role, Pavlovic will lead the department of nearly 40 engineering professionals in the design and construction of city infrastructure and many of the capital projects in the $478 million Capital Improvement Plan. He will also determine economic solutions, coordinate engineering and architectural design projects and oversee the construction process. 

“In all my years of service, I can’t think of a more dedicated public servant than Djorde,” said City Manager Kevin Phelps. “Time and time again, he has demonstrated that he is a solutions-oriented professional who uses creativity, without sacrificing safety, to achieve the best outcome possible. I look forward to seeing his continued dedication and success for the city and the people we serve.”

Pavlovic has a combined 23 years of structural engineering design and public sector leadership. Prior to coming to Glendale in 2014, he served as the principal and structural engineer on residential, commercial and municipal projects.

“The successes we’ve achieved over the years are a credit to the dedicated professionals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside,” said Pavlovic. “I look forward to continuing that teamwork in my new role as Director of Engineering Services.”

Pavlovic is certified by the Arizona Board of Technical Registration as a Professional (Civil) Engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from University of Belgrade and graduate studies in Structural Engineering from University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Glendale Community Survey

The City of Glendale 2025 Community Survey -

Glendale leadership needs your input and assessment of how your city is delivering for you. The Survey is now open to all Glendale residents. Please share the link with others so we can have the broadest cross-section of opinion throughout the districts.!"

Glendale Fire Department

Do you have what it takes? Ready to answer the call?

The Glendale Fire Department open recruitment is closing Sunday, August 17th, 2025.

Watch our recruitment video below to get a glimpse of what it means to be part of the Glendale Fire family. Ready to start the Process?

Glendale Bond Election 2025

In an effort to prepare, protect, and preserve infrastructure in the City of Glendale, the City Council has placed two important bond questions on the ballot this November. Voters will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on two critical issues: Flood Control and Water Retention and Operational Facilities Infrastructure. For more info: Click Here.

BOND QUESTION 1

$30 MILLION

FLOOD CONTROL and WATER RETENTION

• Invest in storm drains, pipes, inlets, and catch basins to ensure safer roads and remove water during heavy rainfall and monsoons.
• Leverages Maricopa County Flood Control District matching funds to reduce costs and save taxpayer money.

BOND QUESTION 2

$35 MILLION

OPERATIONS FACILITIES THAT SUPPORT CITY INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

• Invest in City operations facilities to support critical functions, including the maintenance of public safety vehicles, fuel stations, traffic signals, streetlights, and street signs.
• These bonds will also fund health and safety repairs to aging municipal facilities, including HVAC upgrades, safety improvements, and energy efficiency upgrades.

The deadline to register to vote is October 6, 2025. This will be an all-mail election. The Maricopa County Elections Department will begin mailing ballots to all registered voters on October 8, 2025. All ballots must be received by Election Day, November 4, 2025.

For election information, such as how to register to vote or to verify your registration status, please visit the Glendale City Clerk’s election page.

Mail ballots can also be dropped off at the Glendale City Clerk's Office, M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.e

Barrel District Construction & Street Repair Information

Respect the Zone- The Work Zone

Glendale employees are hard at work every day in construction zones, rights of way, parking lots, etc. all across the city. Let's get them home safely and thank them by slowing down and respecting the ZONE.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS

• Streets between Royal Palm Road and Olive Avenue, and between 59^th Avenue and 61^st Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.
• Streets between Butler Drive and Olive Avenue, and between 63^rd Avenue and 67^th Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.
• Streets north of Royal Palm Road to Echo Lane, between 61^st Avenue and 63^rd Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.
• Townley Avenue, west of 61^st Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.
• Residential streets between Cholla Street and Cactus Road, between 59^th Avenue and 67^th Avenue – Crack sealing to take place in late Summer/Fall to prepare for Slurry Seal application to take place later in the program.

For a map of real time City of Glendale Road Closures and Restrictions, click here 

Glendale Public Library- Digital

Your Public Library....at your fingertips.

Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it's all FREE thanks to your public library! Titles may vary based on library catalog.

Saturday August 23 @ 7pm

Glendale Public Library

Writer in Residence Workshops

Attention Writers!

Attention writers! The Glendale Library is offering free sessions to help you with your craft! Poets Rosemarie Dombrowski and Shawnte Orion lead the Writer in Residence workshops and one-on-one sessions to help with ideas, inspiration and feedback for both aspiring and seasoned writers. For session times and locations, visit www.glendaleazlibrary.com.

AUG

21

6-7pm

Main Library

Even the most basic craft supplies can be transformed into something beautiful. In this program, teens aged 12 to 18 will have the opportunity to turn crayons into a one-of-a-kind cabochon pendant or keychain. All materials will be provided.

Aug

28

4:-5pm

Main Library Storytime Room

Hands-On Workshop

Children 6-8, Tweens 9-11

Registration is required for this event.

Event Details

Whether you're mining, creating your world or battling zombies, spiders or skeletons, you'll need a little help from Steve or Alex. Mine your way on over to the library to create your own Minecraft mini! Please register each child attending.

AUG

16

10:15am - 11:15am

Heroes Library Youth Patio

Hands-On Program

Children 0-2, Children 3-5

Join us for Waterplay Saturday on the Youth Patio, where little ones up to age 5 years can splash, pour, fish, and explore the wonders of water in a fun, hands-on environment.

AUG

28

6-7pm

Velma Teague Library

Aboriginal dot art has many meanings behind its colorful dots and patterns. The Aboriginal 

Australians created this form of art for storytelling and cultural expression. At this event, you will learn how to use this technique to express yourself by painting a desert landscape that reflects where you live. All materials will be provided. Open to teens aged 12-18; registration is required. 

Ballet Under the Stars

Thursday, September 25th @ 7pm

Sahuaro Ranch Park - just south of the Glendale Main Library.

9802 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ

Join the City of Glendale as we welcome back Ballet Arizona to Sahuaro Ranch Park for our annual production of "Ballet Under the Stars". This FREE event combines classical and contemporary works by the Valley's finest dancers in a unique, outdoor setting. 

Pre-show activities begin at 5:00 pm and include:

- Food Trucks onsite for additional dining options

- Live acoustical music

- Family Friendly activities including neon face-painting and balloon animal artists

Bollywood Dance Workshop

Sunday, August 24, 2:00 PM-3:30 PM

Foothills Library



Join us for a vibrant and energetic dance experience inspired by the colorful, rhythmic styles seen in Indian cinema. Bollywood dance typically combines elements of traditional Indian dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, with contemporary, pop, and folk styles. All abilities and experience levels are welcome! Let's dance!

Glendale Parks & Recreation

Youth Parks and Rec Scholarship

The Glendale Parks and Recreation Department maintains a scholarship fund to help

Glendale youth who do not have the financial means to participate in recreation programs. 



HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Download the application, fill it out and bring or mail to:



Glendale Adult Center

5970 W Brown St

Glendale, Arizona 85302



Completed applications will be reviewed within 7 business days of receiving the application in the Parks and Recreation main office, when all current and necessary documentation is provided at the time the application is submitted.

QUICK LINKS