Tempe Announces Neighborhood Awards to Celebrate Community Heroes and Initiatives
The city of Tempe is calling for nominations for its Neighborhood Awards, an initiative designed to recognize the exceptional contributions within its communities. Residents are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals, spaces, events, or initiatives that have positively impacted Tempe.

The Neighborhood Awards, open to nominations from anyone regardless of residency, seeks to highlight those who live and/or work in Tempe, celebrating their efforts in building a stronger, more connected community. Joel Stern and Gabe Hagan, chair and vice-chair of Tempe’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission, emphasize the awards as a means to “express our collective gratitude” and acknowledge the diverse ways individuals and groups contribute to the city’s vibrant community life.

The honorees will be celebrated at the 2024 Neighborhood Celebration, scheduled for Saturday, April 6, at the Fiesta Ramadas area in Kiwanis Park.

This annual event, hosted by the city of Tempe and sponsored by Salt River Project, promises a day filled with breakfast, live music, arts, crafts, and games, fostering community bonding and spirit.

Nominations are open until 5 p.m. on February 15 and can be submitted at tempe.gov/neighborhoodcelebration.
Chandler’s Good Neighbor 101 Program Kicks Off in February
Good Neighbor 101, a free educational program offered by the city’s Neighborhood Resources Department, is back in session starting February 7. During the four 90-minute sessions offered during February and March, Chandler residents will hear directly from city departments to learn about their services, resources and tools that impact their homes and surrounding community.

Mark your calendar for the following sessions:
• Class #1: Wednesday, Feb. 7, Neighborhood Programs/Code Enforcement
• Class #2: Wednesday, Feb. 21, Chandler Museum and Cultural Development Department
• Class #3: Wednesday, March 6, Development Services Department: Planning Division, Customer Service and Permits
• Class #4: Wednesday, March 20, Public Safety: Chandler Police and Fire departments

All sessions will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Chandler Museum, Saguaro Room, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr.

Residents who attend all four sessions will be entered to win funding from the neighborhood assistance program in the amount of $500 to be used towards their neighborhood’s next G.A.I.N. event.

Interested attendees must RSVP online at chandleraz.gov/residents/neighborhood-resources/neighborhood-preservation/neighborhood-programs/neighborhood-education/good-neighbor-101.
Chandler’s Golden Neighbors Invited to February Event
The city of Chandler’s Golden Neighbors program is hosting a free event for “golden” residents (55 years and over) from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the city’s Public Housing Youth Recreation Center, 73 S. Hamilton St.

This month’s gathering will feature a volunteer passionate about art who will lead attendees through a painting activity for all levels. Supplies needed for the painting activity and snacks will be provided.

The Golden Neighbors program was created as a resource to connect Chandler “golden” seniors with services offered by the city and local nonprofits. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/news-center/chandler-golden-neighbors-invited-february-event.

Offerpad Set for Flagship Office in Tempe
Offerpad Solutions Inc., a leading real estate technology company, is gearing up to occupy its new flagship office in Tempe by early 2025. The company will take up around 40,000 square feet on the top floor of The Beam on Farmer, a newly erected building located at 433 S. Farmer Ave.

The choice of The Beam aligns with Offerpad’s innovative spirit, boasting features like cross-laminated timber construction and sustainable design. Its central location in the Phoenix metro area, proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and nearby amenities like Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, and Arizona State University played a key role in the decision.

Offerpad, established in 2015, is known for its tech-driven approach in real estate, serving over 1,800 cities nationwide. The company’s move, facilitated by JLL, reflects its expansion and commitment to innovation.