Phoenix City Roundup: Military Training Advisories and Public Health Alerts

Advisory: Planned Military Training on City Property

The Phoenix Police Department has issued a public service announcement regarding scheduled military exercises taking place on city-owned properties between January 21 and February 13, 2026. These exercises represent the final phases of training for a specific branch of the U.S. military, utilizing Phoenix's unique urban and desert terrain to simulate real-world environments.

• Schedule: Training activities will primarily occur during nighttime hours to minimize community disruption.
• Safety: Residents may notice an increased military presence and specific maneuvers on city grounds. Phoenix police officers will be stationed on-site to ensure public safety, though they are not participating in the drills.
• Official Clarification: Authorities have emphasized that these maneuvers are strictly for national security defense training and are entirely unrelated to immigration enforcement or federal immigration operations.

Public Health: Measles Surveillance and Symptoms Watch

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is urging residents to remain vigilant following the confirmation of the county’s first measles case in mid-January. This case is part of a broader ongoing outbreak across Arizona. While health officials state the overall community risk remains low, an active surveillance period is in effect through January 30, 2026, for those who may have been exposed at regional public venues earlier this month.

Residents are encouraged to verify their vaccination status. Symptoms to monitor include a high fever (up to 104°F), cough, runny nose, and a red, blotchy rash that typically begins at the hairline. If you suspect you have been exposed or develop symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider via telephone before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing other patients.

City Governance: New Park Ordinance and Leadership Transitions

The Phoenix City Council has officially adopted a new ordinance regulating specific activities within municipal parks. The law, which followed a 6-1 vote, prohibits organizations from sponsoring or advertising medical treatments—including needle exchange programs and the distribution of harm reduction kits—on park property without prior city authorization. City officials cited the safety and cleanliness of public spaces as the primary motivation for the measure.

In administrative news, the City Manager’s office has announced the appointment of new interim leadership. Ilse Borquez now serves as the Interim Government Relations Director, while Martin Whitfield has stepped into the role of Interim Parks and Recreation Director. Both appointments were effective as of January 19, 2026, to ensure the continued management of the city’s legislative and recreational infrastructure.

Public Service Reminders

• Air Quality: As of Thursday, January 22, there are currently no wood-burning restrictions in effect for Maricopa County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed via the Clean Air mobile application for daily updates.
• Tax Compliance: The Arizona Department of Revenue reminds local business owners that Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) filings for the month are now due. Ensuring timely submission is required to maintain valid state licensing.