Councilwoman Peggy Neely's
Tatum Sun Times Column

November 2005

Be Sure to Shop Phoenix

“Shop Phoenix…Shop Phoenix...Shop Phoenix”

You hear it a lot this time of the year – city officials urging residents to do their holiday shopping in the city.

Well, we’re all hoping that you will continue to make your holiday purchases in Phoenix this year.

You see, by shopping in Phoenix at places like Kierland Commons on North Scottsdale Road, Desert Ridge Marketplace on North Tatum Boulevard and the many other fine shopping venues in the city, you’re not only giving Phoenix a financial boost, but also helping your neighbors, your family and yourself.

That’s because the sales taxes on the merchandise you buy at businesses located in the city go into the city's general fund, which is used to help pay for many of the important city services we all enjoy. Shopping in Phoenix means more money for Phoenix police, fire, parks, libraries, senior centers, youth programs and neighborhood preservation. When you shop in other cities, the sales taxes support those communities and the services they provide their residents.

As you probably know, Phoenix has faced tough budget times over the last few years, due to a slowed economy and increased costs, particularly in the Police and Fire department budgets. Since 2002, the city has cut $100 million from its combined budgets, while continuing to maintain city services at the highest level possible.

The success of the difficult budget efforts was highlighted in the results of a survey of our residents last year. It showed that the public did not experience a drop in service quality due to the budget cutbacks.

While the economy has improved some this year, every dollar in tax revenue continues to count in a big way. That’s why it is so important for you to spend your holiday shopping dollars in Phoenix. You should also urge your friends, neighbors and family members to do the same.

“Sales taxes are our largest revenue source, providing more than 40 percent of general fund revenues,” said City Budget Director Ceil Pettle. “So shopping in Phoenix, which includes eating at Phoenix restaurants, visiting Phoenix movie theaters and using Phoenix hotels when finding lodging for out-of-town guests, is one way for everyone to have a direct impact on our ability to provide services.”

One more benefit – shopping at the close-by Phoenix stores will even save you gas!

So, as you start to make your holiday shopping lists, no need to travel far to make the purchases.

Be sure to do your shopping in the city of Phoenix.

And don’t stop there, either.

Continue making Phoenix your place to shop year-round. You’ll be glad you did and so will all of Phoenix.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which includes most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at 602-262-7445 or through e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.