By YourValley
Tempe’s mayor took on the city’s recent past while looking toward the future in his annual ‘State of the City’ address.
Mayor Corey Woods addressed a crowd of over 500 community members, officials and stakeholders on Dec. 2 at The Buttes hotel for the 24th year in a row. Silicon Valley Bank donated $5,000 to Toys for Toys on behalf of the Tempe Chamber Military Affairs Committee during the event, which was put on by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.
After being introduced by the chamber’s President & CEO Colin Diaz, Woods spoke for 20 minutes on a series of wide-ranging topics, including the Tempe Entertainment District, Refresh Tempe, affordable housing and homelessness.
“Your priorities become your accomplishments,” Woods said. “Adding more affordable and workforce housing is a priority for Tempe. We have been laser-focused on this for the past couple of years through Hometown for All and now have projects coming to life.”
Woods began with the city’s accomplishments from the past year, touting things like the Arizona Theatre Company’s big move to the Tempe Center for the Arts in 2023 and Tempe’s commitment to arts and culture. He also touched on developments the city has approved, such as the workforce-inclined Dwell apartment complex and the redevelopment of the historic Danelle Plaza, which is currently in negotiations. The plaza first opened in 1963 and is set to get some upgrades while maintaining its charm, represented by staples like the Yucca Tap Room.
