Multicultural events and topics associated with diversity, equity and inclusion were a focus of this past year, including Council adoption of a non-discrimination ordinance. Additional ordinances were passed to recognize the Juneteenth holiday and outline conditions for backyard chickens and fireworks. The Southside Village Neighborhood became Chandler’s first Historic Conservation District and an agreement was reached for a new downtown development.
2022 Election Results
Chandler voters re-elected Mayor Kevin Hartke and Councilmember Matt Orlando to the City Council. Voters also elected Jane Poston and Angel Encinas as the newest members of the City Council.
- Mayor Kevin Hartke (incumbent), 39,349 votes, 77%
- Councilmember Matt Orlando (incumbent), 33,716 votes, 26.92%
- Councilmember-Elect Jane Poston, 25,762 votes, 20.57%
- Councilmember-Elect Angel Encinas, 24,376 votes, 19.46%
In addition, Chandler voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 470 (Home Rule Option) by 86% (42,139 votes).
Final election results are posted at Maricopa County Recorder’s Election Department.
Mayor Hartke and all three councilmembers will be sworn in on the night of Jan. 12, 2023, to begin serving their terms on the Council.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Mayor and Council approved a non-discrimination ordinance titled “Chandler Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”.
This new chapter (Chapter 63) in the City Code will protect Chandler residents, making sure everyone has equal access to employment, housing and public accommodations.
Chandler Recognizes Juneteenth Holiday
Chandler City Council voted to designate Juneteenth (June 19) as an official paid city holiday to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth is the commemoration of the end of slavery specifically in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
Multicultural and Diversity Events
Chandler produced or participated in 60 events with community partners (a record high) that resulted in a combined event attendance of 43,258.
27th Annual Multicultural Festival
Celebrated the 27th Annual Multicultural Festival, which included participation from local artist Tiesha Harrison, who created an interactive art project about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Multicultural Festival is a part of the Celebration of Unity annual events held each January to honor our community's heritage and diversity, along with the spirit and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights movement.
Inaugural Asian American Community Conference
Hosted the inaugural Asian American Community Conference that featured diverse expert panelist presentations and engaged table discussions to help build bridges between institutions and Chandler’s fastest growing minority population.
The event featured retired Arizona Superior Court Justice Paul Tang as the keynote speaker. Other panelists included: Dr. Albert Celoza-Phoenix College; Dr. Kayong Holsten-Ottawa University; Haipei Shue-United Chinese Americans; MD Mahabub Rahim-U.S. Census Bureau/Bangladeshi Associations in North America.
Chandler Contigo
Brought together multiple City departments and organizations for the annual Chandler Contigo — a month-long program of educational events and cultural activities for all ages that honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15).
More than 50 diverse events, with an attendance 5,000+, were held in various locations in Chandler with something for every age group to enjoy. Events included a Contigo Kick-off event, Willis Jr. High Latino Leaders Week, Contigo Galveston Festival and multiple events at Chandler Public Libraries.
Inaugural Diwali Festival of Lights
Hosted the inaugural Diwali Festival of Lights event at Kyrene de la Paloma Elementary School on Oct. 22. More than 800 residents attended the celebration to enjoy vegetarian food, purchase merchandise and watch live performances.
The DEI team collaborated with five members of the Indian community to bring this event to fruition. With such a positive response from the community, we are excited to bring this event back next year.
Fireworks and Chickens
Backyard Chickens
Chandler City Council approved a Backyard Chicken ordinance to allow backyard chickens within single-family lots. The ordinance will take effect on Jan. 5, 2023.
Fireworks Ordinance
Chandler City Council updated the City’s Fireworks Ordinance in November 2022 to comply with Arizona State Law. The new ordinance includes nighttime restrictions on the use of fireworks.
State of the City
The Mayor’s 2022 State of the City Address included a concert by local artist, Q-VLN. The event highlighted Chandler’s successes of the past year and highlighted things the community should watch for in 2022.
Several Chandler students were recognized for their “changemaking” efforts through volunteerism, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Lithium Battery Fire
The Chandler Fire and Police departments responded to a hazardous materials incident in April 2022 at a lithium battery storage facility located within a Salt River Project substation near 54th Street and Pecos Road in Chandler.
First responders worked with AES, the business involved, Salt River Project and multiple state agencies to manage the incident and mitigate risks to surrounding businesses.
Downtown Development
Chandler negotiated an agreement for the sale and development of Site 7, near the southeast corner of Chandler Blvd. and Arizona Ave. This site will now be developed with the privately owned property directly to the north as one large cohesive development. This new combined development will feature a seven-story mixed-use building with 290 units of residential housing, 13,000 square feet of office space, 16,000 square feet of retail space and a multi-story on-site parking garage.
New Square Development Agreement
Chandler negotiated an amendment to the New Square Development Agreement, which will allow the developer to construct a mixed-use retail and multi-family residential complex along Chicago St. west of Arizona Ave as a Phase 2 of the development.
Southside Village Becomes Historic Conservation District
The Chandler City Council approved its first historic designation naming the Southside Village neighborhood as the City’s first Historic Conservation District. Southside Village is roughly located from Frye Road to the north, Pecos Road to the south, Arizona Avenue to the west and east to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
Southside Village was home to several community and municipal leaders including Zora Folley (professional boxer and first Black Councilmember) Chandler’s first Latino Mayor Raul Navarette; and Chandler’s first Black Mayor Coy Payne