June 27th, 2025

If you have any concerns that you'd like to talk with me about, please email me at LBaldenegro@GLENDALEAZ.com, or you can contact me by phone at: (623) 930-2244

Whether he’s assisting with programs at the Glendale Community Center, connecting with residents at O’Neil Park Recreation Center, or hosting BINGO with local seniors, Councilmember Baldenegro is always happy to meet with constituents to discuss any questions, comments, or concerns.

To schedule a time to connect, feel free to reach out by phone at 623-930-2244 or via email at lbaldenegro@glendaleaz.com.

Councilmember Message

Keeping our streets safe is something we all play a part in, especially here in the Ocotillo District of Glendale. Slowing down when driving through our neighborhoods isn’t just polite—it’s super important for everyone’s safety. When we drive more slowly, it gives us more time to spot kids playing, people walking their dogs, or families crossing the street. Slower speeds help create a calm, safe space where everyone—drivers, walkers, and neighbors—can feel comfortable and secure.

Being mindful of others on the road makes a big difference. In the Ocotillo community, where schools, parks, and homes are all nearby, it’s key to look out for pedestrians and respect other drivers. Remember to stop for people at crosswalks, keep your focus on the road, and be patient with cyclists and slower vehicles. Small acts like this help keep everyone safe and help our neighborhood stay friendly and connected.

Let’s all do our part to make Ocotillo a great place to live and get around! To watch this week's Councilmember message, click here!

Next City Council Meeting: August 12th, 2025

We’re excited to announce the completion of the pilot mural for the Downtown Mural Historical Campaign—and we’re thrilled to share time-lapse photos of the creative process, including the stunning final result! This mural marks the beginning of a larger effort to celebrate Glendale’s rich history while highlighting the local businesses that make our community thrive.

A big thank you to Ken from Drawn 2 Comics for generously offering the east-facing wall of his property as the mural’s canvas. A shout out to artist Pablo Damas, aka SICKdotONE, for bringing this detailed piece to life with such vibrant colors and sharing his incredible talent. We also extend our gratitude to the Glendale Arts Commission for providing funding and support—not only for this project but for several more murals currently in the planning stages.

These public artworks bring color, culture, and storytelling to Downtown Glendale, offering something special for both residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of a truly inspiring visual journey through our city's history!

On June 23, 2025, Downtown Glendale marked a vibrant new tradition with the inaugural “623 Day” celebration—named for the city’s unique area code.

The day kicked off in the Ocotillo District, where local shops and eateries opened their doors to residents and visitors alike. Special promotions, pop-up art installations, delicious food, and family-friendly activities added a lively flair to the streets, highlighting Glendale’s welcoming spirit and community-driven character.

This first-ever 623 Day wasn’t just about fun; it was also about shining a spotlight on the businesses and people that make Downtown Glendale feel like home. Shoppers explored local boutiques, sampled treats at downtown cafés, and enjoyed Arizona's wonderful sunny weather. Exclusive deals and giveaways from local merchants, created a sense of unity and celebration. With its upbeat energy and warm neighborhood feel, 623 Day set the stage for what promises to become an annual tradition that brings the Glendale community together in a meaningful way.

Thank you to all the residents, businesses, visitors and media teams who took part in 623 Day in Downtown Glendale! Your support of local shops, the arts, and community spirit truly made the day special. Thank you for helping Downtown Glendale shine!

To watch the live video from Arizona's Family News, click here!

To watch the live video from the Glendale Communications Team, click here!

Glendale Community Center

Located in the heart of downtown Glendale at 5401 W. Ocotillo Drive, the Glendale Community Center is a small, vibrant neighborhood hub offering various free community programs. The center caters to all age groups, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. Programs encompass educational, recreational, and fitness activities, aiming to enhance community engagement and well-being.

Program Highlights: 

Youth Programs: Activities designed to foster learning and social skills.

Teen Programs: Engaging activities that promote personal development and community involvement.

Adult Programs: Educational and recreational activities tailored to adult interests and fitness.

Senior Programs: Programs focused on social interaction, learning, and physical wellness for seniors.

After School Programs: Free, drop-in Afterschool Program for youth ages 6-14 that provides supervised recreational activities, crafts, games, sports, clubs, homework help, and special events. This is a non-licensed program and will run from August 2024 through May 2025, Monday through Friday. Daily meals from St. Mary's Food Bank will be provided to participants and any other youth in the community. Registration required, for more information click here!

Membership:

Enjoy a FREE Membership at the Glendale Community Center! This membership grants you access to a variety of classes and programs for all age groups, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. By signing up, you'll receive updates on everything happening at the center, including a monthly calendar of classes and events.

For more information or any questions about the programs, click here please call the Glendale Community Center directly at 623-930-4700.

O'Neil Recreation Center

The O'Neil Recreation Center is conveniently located on 67th Avenue and Missouri and offers a variety of free community programs for all ages. Some programs include Stay & Play hours for young families, Virtual Fitness classes and board & card games for adults/seniors, Afterschool and Teen programs, and more! For more information, click here!

Program Highlights: 

Youth Programs: Activities designed to foster learning and social skills.

Teen Programs: Engaging activities that promote personal development and community involvement.

Adult Programs: Educational and recreational activities tailored to adult interests and fitness.

Senior Programs: Programs focused on social interaction, learning, and physical wellness for seniors.

After School Programs: Free, drop-in Afterschool Program for youth ages 6-14 that provides supervised recreational activities, crafts, games, sports, clubs, homework help, and special events. This is a Non-Licensed program and will run from August 2024 through May 2025, Monday through Friday. Daily meals from St. Mary's Food Bank will be provided to participants and any other youth in the community.

Membership:

Enjoy a FREE Membership at the Glendale Community Center! This membership grants you access to a variety of classes and programs for all age groups, including youth, teens, adults, and seniors. By signing up, you'll receive updates on everything happening at the center, including a monthly calendar of classes and events.

For more information or any questions about the programs, click here or call the O'Neil Community Center directly at (623) 640-0893.

Help Us Protect Our Paws! 🐾 Glendale PD is proud to partner with Arizona Humane Society to keep our four-legged friends safe this summer!

The Glendale Police Department is collecting doggie booties to protect paws from the scorching hot pavement. Every step matters when the ground gets too hot to handle!

Donations can be made Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.!

Drop-Off Locations:

📍 Glendale PD Main Station

(6835 N. 57th Dr.)

📍 Foothills Substation

(6255 W. Union Hills Dr.)

📍 Gateway Substation

(6261 N. 83rd Ave.)

Let's work together to keep our pups safe and cool this summer! For more information about this event, click here!

Glendale City Council Approves 2025-26 Budget

Residents can expect technological advancements aimed at enhancing public safety, water services and traffic management in the $1.46 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26 that the Glendale City Council approved recently. The adopted budget is a 1% decrease over the prior year’s budget and includes an operating budget of $710 million and a capital improvement plan (CIP) budget of $478 million.

“The budget adoption demonstrates Glendale’s strong economic growth that is allowing us to invest in forward-thinking technology that best serves our community,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said. “We are able to make these investments that enhance the quality of life for our residents while holding the line on property taxes for the tenth consecutive year.”

Highlights of the technological enhancements include:

• Police Department: Officers will have access to real-time livestreams of emergency calls before they are dispatched. This technology improves response times and increases situational awareness for the first responders. Additionally, all police vehicles will be equipped with new speed detection technology to increase enforcement and improve road safety.
• Water Services Department: Upgraded water meters will be installed to allow automated readings and more accurate, timely water usage data.
• Transportation Department: Flashing yellow arrows will be installed at additional intersections throughout the city. The intersections with this type of signal phasing have proven to have a direct correlation to decreased left-turn crashes.
• Fire Department: Ongoing investment in modernizing fire facilities and enhancing the fleet to improve response times within the community.

"I'm proud of the collaboration between our City Council and budget team in delivering a responsible, balanced budget for 2025–2026," said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers. "For the tenth year in a row, there's no increase to the property tax rate, while we continue to prioritize public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth."

Residents will also enjoy expanded and enhanced recreational opportunities in Glendale with the approved budget. A new mini, soccer pitch will be constructed, and two basketball courts will be added at Bonsall Park North, bringing the total to four basketball courts at the park. The pickleball and volleyball courts at the park will be resurfaced to provide smoother, easier areas to play. Plus, more LED lights will be installed to facilitate community teams playing sports at night.

To learn more about Glendale’s budget, click here!

• The Pavement Management Program here is COMPLETE for the current Fiscal Year. City staff is currently and actively pursuing commitments and schedules from our contractors to address the remaining miles in the Ocotillo District for the next fiscal year.

If you have any questions or want further information, please get in touch with the 24/7 Project Hotline at 602-532-6250. A map for 2024-2025 Pavement Management Program is now available on the Pavement Management website.

IMPORTANT LINKS (CLICK BELOW!)