Mayor Gallego and City Leaders Address Business Policy at 'Council Connections' Summit Today

Phoenix Leadership Gathers for Critical Business Engagement and Policy Sessions

Today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the City of Phoenix’s political and administrative leadership is shifting its focus toward the local economy and administrative oversight. The headline event for the day is the "Council Connections" summit, hosted by the Greater Phoenix Chamber, where Mayor Kate Gallego and City Manager Ed Zuercher are scheduled to provide updates on the city's strategic direction and business climate.

The Council Connections event serves as a vital platform for direct communication between city hall and the private sector. Following formal remarks from the Mayor, an interactive roundtable discussion will feature a majority of the Phoenix City Council. Confirmed participants include:

• Vice Mayor Hodge Washington
• Councilwoman Hernandez
• Councilwoman O’Brien
• Councilwoman Pastor
• Councilman Waring

This session is expected to cover pressing issues such as infrastructure investment, workforce development, and the regulatory environment. Business leaders will have the opportunity to engage these decision-makers directly on how local policies are impacting the growth and sustainability of the Phoenix metro area.

Technical Subcommittees and Oversight Boards Convene

In addition to the high-profile chamber summit, several essential government bodies are holding sessions today to manage the city's ongoing growth and internal labor relations. These meetings include:

• Development Advisory Board Technical Subcommittee: Meeting at 9:00 a.m. to review technical standards and code updates that guide new construction across the city.
• Phoenix Employment Relations Board: Meeting at 9:30 a.m. to handle matters related to the city’s labor practices and employee relations.
• Site Plan Review Team: Conducting multiple sessions throughout the day, including reviews for significant developments on West Innovation Circle and East Van Buren Street.

Recent Policy Context

Today’s activities come on the heels of a significant and tense week at City Hall. Just last Tuesday, the Council passed the Community Transparency Initiative in a 7-2 vote. The initiative, which aims to track federal immigration enforcement activity within the city to ensure clear separation from the Phoenix Police Department, sparked heated debates and protests during its deliberation. While today’s meetings are more focused on business and technical administration, the social and political atmosphere remains charged following those recent policy shifts.

As Phoenix continues to navigate its role as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, today’s combination of public-private dialogue and administrative oversight highlights the multifaceted approach required to manage the city's complex needs.