WE WON!!
Tempe’s anti-mutual aid “Special Events” ordinance is dead.
This July, I watched as Tempe City Council voted unanimously to approve a new “Special Events” Ordinance after hours of vocal opposition from concerned Tempe residents pushed the meeting past midnight.
For the crime of expressing public concerns in a public forum, the members of Tempe’s city council scolded and mocked our volunteer efforts.
They said our methods were ineffective. They implied that we should have used backchannels. They asked why we never bought them coffee or met them at Costco. They called us “the minority.”
Last night, they ate those words.
On September 2, 2025, by a vote of six in favor, zero opposed, and one (Randy Keating) absent, Tempe city council unanimously rescinded the anti-mutual aid ordinance that they unanimously passed in July.
From here, the issue of providing mutual aid in public parks goes to Tempe’s boards and commissions for community engagement, as it should have all along.
As the author of the referendum to protect our public parks, I am so proud of what our coalition has accomplished. We achieved an incredible victory for our city, and this is just the beginning.
Tempe voters deserve a seat at the table, and our coalition is dedicated to defending democracy through political action. That means participating in the community engagement process on important issues like mutual aid and the unhoused. It also means replacing politicians who ignore their constituents. That is why I am running for office.
This Thursday, I will be facilitating a town hall hosted by Phoenix-metro DSA to discuss this massive victory and our next steps as a community. I encourage all Tempe residents to attend. Together, we can make Tempe affordable, accessible, and accountable.
Solidarity forever,
Bobby Nichols
www.Bobby4Tempe.com
I’m Bobby Nichols, and I want to make Tempe affordable for everyone.
As a state protective services attorney, I know that social services are essential to preventing homelessness. As a public policy expert, I know that Tempe has the tools to address its cost-of-living crises. As a democratic socialist, I know that when working people unite, we win!
If you want Tempe to work for workers, please contribute to my campaign for Tempe city council at this link, and visit my website to sign my petition (remember to grab your driver's license) and volunteer with my campaign.
I do not accept donations from real estate developers, land use attorneys, corporate landlords, or their lobbyists. So any money or time that you can contribute will help make Tempe affordable for everyone.
Will you support my campaign for an affordable Tempe?
