Title
Naming of the Metrocenter Transit Center for Thelda Williams (Ordinance S-49692)
Description
This report requests that City Council approve the naming of the new transit center at Metrocenter for former District 1 City Council Member and Mayor Thelda Williams. The transit center will be located under the elevated light rail station currently under construction as part of the Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II (NWEII).
Report
Summary
This is a commemorative naming request in recognition of Thelda Williams' decades of public service, in which she supported the continued investment in transportation infrastructure to improve quality of life and as an important component of economic development. She was a strong proponent of Phoenix's voter-approved Transportation 2050 plan, which helps fund several important transportation projects throughout the city through the year 2050, including the NWEII light rail project and the newly built transit center in the Northwest Phoenix community she represented.
Thelda Williams’ service to the City of Phoenix spans more than 30 years. She served as a Council member for District 1 from 1989 - 1996 and again from 2008 - 2021. She has also served as Mayor and Vice Mayor, Chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee, and Chair of the Valley Metro Rail Board. She is the only person in the City's history to have served as Mayor three times.
Financial Impact
None.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Heritage Commission recommended approval of this item on April 17, 2023 with a vote of 8-0.
The Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee recommended approval of this item on April 19, 2023 with a vote of 3-0.
Location
9804 N. Metro Parkway East
Council District: 1
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.