Latest Updates
March 26, 2012 - 8:40 AM
Tempe's planning during lean years is now paying off
From The Arizona Republic:
A third office tower at Tempe's Hayden Ferry Lakeside won't be built exactly as planned before the market burst. The tower's jagged, undulating edges have been smoothed, its bold rotunda at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway dramatically pared back.
But a 10- to 11-story office building is about to break ground, the first in downtown Tempe since 2007 and one of a handful across the Valley in the past five years.
That's worth noting.
Mayor Hugh Hallman said at the outset of the recession that Tempe would be among the Valley's first to rocket out of it, and he might be right. The city's vacancy rate for business space is lower than those in neighboring Phoenix and Chandler, and in just seven months, Hayden Ferry Lakeside has gone from 51 percent to 94 percent occupied.
Read the rest of the article at this link.
March 3, 2012 - 3:40 PM
Give credit for efforts taken for cleaner air
Hugh Hallman writes in The Arizona Republic:
Air quality is a serious issue for the Maricopa Association of Governments, or MAG. The agency and its partners have worked tirelessly for decades to move our region from one that was not meeting air-quality standards to one that meets the federal health standards for all but particulate (dust) pollution and a recently tightened ozone standard.
Our progress explains why it was extremely disappointing to read the series of articles in The Arizona Republic beginning Jan. 29 disparaging this region's improvements in air quality. We all care about the air we breathe. However, the articles' theme leaves readers with the impression we are not aggressively addressing our air-pollution issues. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A fact that is ignored by the articles is that our air continues to get significantly cleaner even while growth continues at a rapid pace. Although our population has doubled since 1990, dust concentrations actually fell 24 percent.
Read the rest of the article at this link.
October 27, 2011 - 10:18 AM
Southeast Valley communities working together
From The Arizona Republic:
Early this year, Southeast Valley mayors were warming up to the idea of putting on a united front to promote the region's growing array of medical assets.
That's still a good idea, they say. But why stop there? Why not look at Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe as a single place, a million people strong, linked by a fabulous freeway system and loaded with amenities and potential?
Prodded by that question, the four mayors have agreed in principle on joining forces to market the area, reasoning the region is more likely to thrive if it competes for jobs as a unit instead of bickering about which city "wins" a Southeast Valley civil war.
Mayors Scott Smith of Mesa and Hugh Hallman of Tempe are both drafting statements of objectives and principles that could lead to formal agreements on joint marketing efforts and promises of non-competition among the cities.
Read the rest of the article at this link.
August 8, 2011 - 9:37 AM
Hallman discusses MAG chairmanship
From The Arizona Republic:
"Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman recently began his term as chairman of Maricopa Association of Governments' Regional Council, the agency's governing body.
"MAG is a coalition of local governments that serves as a planning agency for Greater Phoenix. The agency plans projects that affect the region as a whole: freeway construction, air-quality monitoring and economic-development initiatives, among other things.
"Hallman is one of 32 state- and local-government heads and administrators who make up MAG's governing body, which votes on agency policies and programs. Hallman has been on the council for eight years. This is his first stint in the one-year chairman's position.
"Hallman spoke to The Arizona Republic about MAG's priorities and potential challenges in the coming year."
Read the rest of the article at this link.
June 23, 2011 - 3:43 PM
Statement from Hugh Hallman on not seeking re-election
"I believe it appropriate now to apprise our community of my resolution that I will not seek reelection as Mayor of Tempe. This has been a difficult decision to make, but I make this decision with my great thanks, love and affection, first to my wife and family for accepting the burdens of my service, and then to the great staff members of Tempe and all of my many friends and supporters who have provided such full encouragement and assistance during my years in elected office and other service to this community that, cumulatively, exceeds two decades."
Please read Hugh's full statement at this link (PDF file).
June 6, 2011 - 8:42 AM
A shared vision for the future of light rail
Mayor Scott Smith, Mayor Phil Gordon and I share a vision for how light rail can positively impact our communities and create new jobs. Read our op-ed from the Arizona Republic on the subject.
April 11 , 2011 - 10:05 AM
West 6th Ribbon Cutting in Tempe
We worked diligently to find a solution for the unfinished residential towers in downtown Tempe. Groundbreaking just took place on the new West 6th project, which will complete the towers and bring a beneficial residential presence into the Mill Avenue area. Read more about it on the Rail Life blog at this link.
March 9 , 2011 - 11:01 AM
Tempe Mayor's invoivement extends beyond politics
From StatePress.com:
"Although many Tempe residents know Hugh Hallman spends his time trying to make certain the operations of the city run smoothly, the city mayor also has a lesser known occupation. Hallman serves at the mayor of Tempe part-time while working full-time as the headmaster of Tempe Preparatory Academy. While Hallman is widely recognized as the face of Tempe, his current involvement in the community extends far beyond the bounds of public office."
Watch a great video done by the State Press about Mayor Hallman at this link.
January 12 , 2011 - 9:35 AM
Gearing up for The Mayor's Run
We're gearing up for The Mayor's Run at the P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Marathon. Check out the coverage this morning on Channel 15. We've raised more than $574,000 for local charities to date!
November 24 , 2010 - 2:37 PM
Hallman gives State of the City address
Hugh gave the State of the City address on November 23 and talked about overcoming some of the challenges our community faces. Here's the Arizona Republic article on it, and we'll be posting more content in the coming days.
November 9 , 2010 - 2:42 PM
Hallman receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Hugh was very proud and humbled to be selected for the Dwight Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award byCox Communications and East Valley Partnership.
Click HERE to read more.
October 26 , 2010 - 5:00 PM
Tempe Town Lake Officially Reopens
From The Arizona Republic:
"That's really how government should operate," Hallman said. "This is an example of folks planning a lot farther in advance than most people anticipated."
Click HERE to read more.
October 4 , 2010 - 10:22 AM
Refilling of Tempe Town Lake set to begin
When the dam at Tempe Town Lake broke, our commitment was to create an efficient, effective plan to get the lake refilled and back to normal as soon as possible. We're accomplishing our goal of filling the lake again by November 1.
Click HERE to read more.
July 9 , 2010 - 10:31 AM
Despite budget cuts, Tempe offers an array of services
From the Arizona Republic:
"Considering the deep budget cuts Tempe and other Valley cities had to make in the past couple of years, it can be easy to forget there is still an array of free or affordable municipal services for residents to take advantage of, said Denise Rentschler, a Tempe Parks and Recreation Department spokeswoman.
"From Tempe's free bus shuttles and free tours of the city's state-of-the-art history museum to Tempe Center for the Art's free music nights, there are dozens of services for any size budget, she said."
Click HERE to read the entire article.
June 14 , 2010 - 9:00 AM
Discovery Triangle effort will benefit Tempe
Hugh Hallman writes in the Arizona Republic:
"Where else but the Discovery Triangle can you live on a lake, work in one of 34 companies in the biotech and solar industries, hike and play golf on weekends, take your kids to school and fly to London without ever getting in your car?
"This 25-square-mile urban core spanning Tempe and Phoenix boasts more economic opportunities and amenity-rich, quality-of-life enhancers than any other region in the Southwest. The triangle is a catalyst for Tempe and Phoenix to create a long-standing partnership that aligns our goals and long-term vision for the greater region.
Click HERE to read the entire article.
June 1 , 2010 - 11:34 AM
Restoring Eisendrath House a labor of love for Mayor
From the Arizona Republic:
"Even in daylight, every room is dark and a flashlight is needed to maneuver hallways lined with pieces of rubble and spotty flooring.
"Still, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman knows the historic Eisendrath House so well that he can walk briskly through tattered door frames and up the unlit staircase with ease and barely any light.
"The Tempe native with city roots that go back for generations has a special place in his heart for the once-luxurious, two-story adobe mansion built in 1930 on North College, north of Curry Road."
Click HERE to read the entire article.
Feburary 18 , 2010 - 11:42 AM
State's first urban garden debuting in downtown Tempe
From the Arizona Republic:
"The first downtown urban garden in Arizona will debut at 9 a.m. Saturday on what used to be an empty acre in the middle of downtown Tempe.
"The Downtown Tempe Urban Garden on Fifth Street east of Mill Avenue is the result of a cooperative effort among restaurateurs, farmers, community members and the city, spearheaded by Caffe Boa owners Jay and Christine Wisniewski and new chef Payton Curry. The Phoenix Permaculture Guild is also involved.
"Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will address the volunteers and community partners who have donated to the garden. Curry will be on hand doing demonstrations with products that will grow in the garden. A kids lemonade stand will also be set up to accept donations."
Click HERE to read the entire article.
January 18, 2010 - 9:02 AM
Mayor Hallman raises thousands for charity at marathon
Thanks to everyone who supported the Mayor's Run in this year's PF Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Marathon! We were able to raise more than $80,000 for eight local Tempe charities. Check out the video clip from Channel 3 HERE to see how we got ready for the race!
December 29 , 2009 - 11:01 AM
Hugh Hallman shakes up City Hall
From the Tempe Republic's 10 Major Events in Tempe in the Past 10 Years...
"When former Councilman Hugh Hallman ran for mayor in 2004 against then-Councilman Dennis Cahill, he promised to apply an independent perspective and fiscal prudence. His practical approach to problem-solving and zero tolerance of an entrenched City Hall culture that winked at racial discrimination in some quarters have made a positive and, we hope, lasting impact on Tempe governance. He handily won re-election in 2008."
Click HERE for a PDF of the article.
November 10, 2009 - 3:41 PM
Read and watch the State of the City address
Friends, I gave the State of the City address this morning in Tempe. Here's a link to the City of Tempe page where the speech copy is posted (the video is coming soon!). I hope you'll take a moment and have a look. Thanks as always for your support!
November 2 , 2009 - 11:00 AM
Hallman featured in Sweat Magazine for Mayor's Run
Hugh Hallman was profiled in the September issue of Sweat Magazine for his work on the Mayor's Run to raise money for Tempe charities, as well as his overall love and enjoyment of running. Check out the article here!
September 15 , 2009 - 4:45 PM
Photos from "The Healing Field" 9/11 memorial
September 9 , 2009 - 1:25 PM
9/11 memorial planned; residents asked to donate blood
To mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a field of flags will be placed in Tempe Beach Park, and we are encouraging people to donate blood at a time when our blood banks are in need. See the linked article for more details. (Source: Arizona Republic).
June 5 , 2009 - 2:15 PM
"Moving ASU Law College out of Tempe would be a waste"
Hugh Hallman writes in a guest column in The Phoenix Business Journal:
"Why on earth, when Arizona is in an unprecedented state of fiscal crisis, would we build new facilities to replace these perfectly functional ones? It is exactly the kind of duplicate cost that demonstrates why many Arizonans view education and government spending as wasteful."
Read the full column...PDF
May 23 , 2009 - 8:40 AM
Merge transit agencies, Tempe mayor urges
From the East Valley Tribune:
Valley Metro, the region's mass-transit agency, has a chief executive, offices with staffers and the mission of getting people who aren't driving where they want to go.
Metro, the agency running the Valley's light-rail system, has a chief executive, offices with staffers and the mission of getting people who aren't driving where they want to go.
It's an unnecessary duplication, according to Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, both a waste of money - perhaps as much as $2.5 million annually - and an inefficient way to best move, on an average weekday, buses with about 220,000 passengers and trains with 34,000.
Read the full article HERE.
