Latest news with #VAIResort
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Goodyear, Glendale special election results released
The Brief Results are trickling in for the special elections that were held in Goodyear and Glendale on May 20. Ballots were mailed out on April 23 for both cities. Two of the highly talked about races are Props 401 and 402 in Glendale, relating to the VAI Resort development. MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - The cities of Glendale and Goodyear held special elections and, on May 20, results became available. What we know "The results included in tonight's post are ballots received through the weekend, via U.S. Mail, Ballot Drop Box, or Ballot Replacement Center. Not included are ballots dropped off or voted in-person on Election Day, provisional ballots, and ballots requiring signature curing," the Mariopa County Elections Department said on May 20. Click here to view the election results. What was on the ballots? For the city of Goodyear, click here to see what was being voted on. For the city of Glendale, click here to see what's being voted on. For both cities, ballots were mailed to registered voters on April 23. For Glendale's Prop 401 and 402, voters are deciding on whether a portion of land can be rezoned near the much-anticipated VAI Resort for office and parking space. "A 'YES' vote shall have the effect of approving Ordinance No. O24-46 amending the VAI Resort, Centerpoint Planned Area Development (PAD) to conditionally rezone a parcel of land in the City of Glendale, Arizona, located at the southeast corner of Cardinals Way and the Loop 101 Freeway subject to stipulations involving lanes and crosswalks, traffic control, sewer access for pools and water features, dark sky lighting, a signing plan and roadway design, and amending the zoning map to conform to the PAD," the city said. "A 'NO' vote shall have the effect of denying Ordinance No. O24-46 amending the VAI Resort, Centerpoint Planned Area Development (PAD) to conditionally rezone a parcel of land in the City of Glendale, Arizona, located at the southeast corner of Cardinals Way and the Loop 101 Freeway, disapproving the zoning map changes and retaining the existing Centerpoint PAD," the city said. Although the resort's development was passed by the Glendale City Council, which is why the project is nearing completion, nonprofit Worker Power opposes the project, gathering enough signatures to put this measure on the ballot.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Glendale race on VAI Resort parking garage, office space too close to call
An effort to stop the VAI Resort in Glendale from developing a parking garage and office space on 10 acres of land was up in the air after the first batches of ballot returns on May 20, with yes and no votes neck and neck. Glendale voters were nearly tied on propositions 401 and 402 in early results, with Prop. 401 slightly losing and Prop. 402 slightly winning. If approved, the Glendale propositions would affirm a City Council decision to amend the city's general plan and the planned area development and zoning map to allow construction of a parking garage and office buildings on 10 acres of the 60-acre site. The propositions do not apply to the entirety of the site, which has been under construction for years. If the propositions do not pass, the changes would be reversed and the site would go back to its previous designation of open space, meaning the plan for the resort would have to be revised or redesigned. In late November, City leaders approved VAI's request to rezone a 10-acre portion of its property from Parks and Open Space to Corporate Commerce Center. VAI also asked to update the guidelines on the project's planning area. Referred to as the Centerpoint Planned Area Development, the specially zoned area was approved by the City Council in 2020 to ensure the mix of projects fit harmoniously together. Those changes sparked a referendum effort from Worker Power, the political arm of the Unite Here Local 11 union. The group gathered signatures and forced an election over the issue. The developers of VAI have argued that its plan to construct an office building and parking lot on the land is vital to the overall project. Without it, the developer claims, the resort's construction can't proceed or would be severely delayed. Reach the reporter at cvanek@ Follow her on Twitter @CorinaVanek. Cited: Worker who died at Glendale's VAI Resort fell off ladder; firm fined by ADOSH This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale voters decide on VAI Resort parking garage, office space
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Glendale voters to decide on measures related to VAI Resort project
The Brief Glendale voters have until May 20 to vote on two ballot measures. Both measures relate to the VAI Resort project. The 'no' side of the measure say zoning changes related to the project would be irresponsible, as it would allow what they see as unfair entitlements from the city. GLENDALE, Ariz. - The fate of a major entertainment hotel and theme park will soon be in the hands of Glendale voters. On May 9, community leaders and supporters of Propositions 401 and 402 gathered in Downtown Glendale. "It's really good for Glendale," said Glendale City Councilmember Bart Turner. What we know According to documents provided by the City of Glendale, Proposition 401 asks voters to approve or reject an amendment to the city's General Plan Map that redesignated the use of a piece of land located south of Cardinals Way, between 94th and 95th Avenues, from "Parks and Open Space" to "Corporate Commerce Center." Meanwhile, Proposition 402 asks voters to either approve or deny a city ordinance involving rezoning and the VAI Resort. City officials said a group named Worker Power PAC filed two referendum petitions with the City Clerk's Office on Dec 20, 2024. If the measures are approved, construction at the VAI Resort can continue as planned. If rejected, then the council's decision will be overturned, creating delays and uncertainty with the resort's future. "2,000 jobs are on the line. $2.2 billion of tax revenue going right back into this community is on the line, as well as a more sustainable and entertaining resort is on the line," said Grant Fisher, President and CEO of VAI Resort. Dig deeper The ambitious multi-faceted project, which is set to include four hotels, indoor and outdoor performance venues, and a Mattel theme park, has been under construction since 2021. Supporters say VAI would transform Glendale into a national and international tourist destination, estimating it would pump thousands into the local economy each year, and generate so much sales tax revenue, that public services would be improved without raising local taxes. "It will increase police staffing, give us better equipment, better training," said Dave Goitia, President of the Glendale Fraternal Order of Police. The other side Not everyone, however, agrees. "The last thing we need is to turn space that was zoned for parks into a parking lot and office building," said Brendan Walsh, Executive Director of Worker Power. Walsh said the zoning changes would be irresponsible, as it would allow what he sees as unfair entitlements from the city. "The resort can bring in revenue, it can bring in jobs, but the question is: do they need everything the city is giving them to do that? I don't think they do," said Walsh. "I think the resort can be built, it can be open, it can be a good neighbor, but it needs all the entitlements it needs from the City of Glendale, and I don't think residents are very happy about that." What's next The election, which is done via mail-in ballot only, will conclude on May 20. People who live in Glendale should already have their ballots sent to their home.
Axios
25-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Union-backed Worker Power emerging as key player in Valley development clashes
An advocacy group tied to a powerful labor union has become a major player in local elections over land development issues in recent years. The big picture: Worker Power, a nonprofit connected to Unite Here Local 11, which represents about 32,000 hotel, restaurant and airport workers in Arizona and southern California, has become a key player in fights over high-profile land-use decisions. State of play: In Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe, Worker Power has led or supported campaigns to block major commercial projects, often citing concerns about transparency, community input and corporate accountability. In Glendale, the group spearheaded a ballot measure last year to raise the minimum wage for hotel and event center workers to $20 an hour, up from the state minimum wage — $14.70. Hotels and venues would have been exempted if they entered into collective bargaining agreements with their workers. Voters rejected that proposal. It collected signatures to force a public vote next month on zoning changes for a corporate office at the incoming VAI Resort. In 2023, the group pursued a referendum and filed a lawsuit over a property tax incentive for the resort that the city later reversed. In Scottsdale, Worker Power helped collect signatures to refer to the ballot a zoning change for Taser-maker Axon's proposed headquarters, which was challenged by opponents of the company's planned apartment units. Unite Here pitched Axon on signing what it called a "neutrality agreement" to facilitate unionization of its hotel employees, the Arizona Republic reported last December. State legislation later nullified the vote. In Tempe, Worker Power disputed a proposed Tempe Entertainment District centered around a new arena for the Arizona Coyotes, which voters rejected in 2023. The group raised significant funds but spent relatively little ahead of the election, per the Republic. What they're saying: While Unite Here is one of its numerous partners, Worker Power isn't exclusively a labor advocacy group and doesn't focus solely on labor issues, executive director Brendan Walsh told Axios. He said its advocacy regarding major commercial projects revolves around "equity and corporate and government accountability." The other side: Critics — including developers and business advocates — argue the group's efforts are more about expanding union influence than addressing zoning or environmental concerns. Grant Fisher, CEO and co-owner of VAI Resort, told Axios he doesn't believe Worker Power cares about zoning for park space and is instead seeking to unionize the resort's workers. Meanwhile, Axon spokesperson David Leibowitz said the group steps "into situations where they think they can create leverage for themselves to try to have some power over the process." Between the lines: Walsh said Worker Power objects to changes permitting an office building on a parcel previously zoned for park space and allowing the resort to flush water from its human-made beach and swimming pools into the city's sewer system. He also has concerns related to light and noise. He raised additional objections to other facets of the project, saying the zoning change is the latest in a "long line of giveaways" by the city. Garrick Taylor, a spokesperson for the pro-VAI Yes for Glendale campaign, said the project addresses noise and light issues and called the water concerns "another mischaracterization."
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Glendale, Goodyear voters need to register now for looming election on VAI resort and more
Get ready, voters: Elections in Glendale and Goodyear are about a month away, and if you're not registered yet, you're running out of time. Votes are scheduled for the two cities on May 20. Glendale voters will decide if developers of the long-awaited VAI Resort should be allowed to use a sliver of its property to construct parking and office space. Goodyear residents will weigh in on a number of questions around how the city governs itself. Ballots will begin arriving in voters' mailboxes starting April 23. Since the races are local, all voters will receive ballots by mail — even if they typically don't. They'll have the option of mailing their ballot back, dropping it off or voting a replacement ballot in person. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming election. You must be registered by April 21 to vote in the upcoming election. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18-years-old before election day and reside in Arizona for at least 29 days before the election. You cannot register to vote if you are a convicted felon and your rights have not been restored, or if you have been adjudicated as an incapacitated person. You can register to vote online if you have an Arizona driver's license or state ID. Otherwise, you'll need to register using a paper voter registration form. You can return the form to the Maricopa County Recorder's Office by mail or drop it off. You must provide proof of citizenship to participate in state and local elections. If you register with a paper form, remember to include a photocopy of one of these documents: Your Arizona driver's license Your Arizona non-operating identification card Your birth certificate The photo identification page of your U.S. passport or passport card Your naturalization documents Your alien registration number Your U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs or tribal identification card Voters who have already registered to cast ballots in Maricopa County can check their registration status online at Voters can update their registration information and address through the site. That site also provides information about the date of the next election, what is on the ballot and where to find voting locations. Arizona voters can also check their registration status through To use either site, you'll need to provide one of the following: Your driver's license number Your tribal identification card number The last four digits of your Social Security number Glendale and Goodyear are holding an all-mail election, so all qualified voters will be automatically sent a ballot. From there, voters can return the ballot by mail, drop it off at a secure ballot drop box or voting location, or vote a replacement ballot in person. If you're mailing back your ballot, you should put it in the mail no later than May 13. If you're dropping off your ballot, you must do so by 7 p.m. on election day. Drop boxes will be located at Goodyear City Hall, the Glendale City Clerk's Office, Foothills Library, and the Maricopa County Tabulation and Elections Center in downtown Phoenix. Officials have not yet announced where in-person voting sites will be located. Once announced, those locations will be listed on the Elections Department website. City of Goodyear: police use AI to create hyperrealistic image of kidnapping suspect No, your ballot will not be automatically sent to your temporary address. Arizona law does not allow official election materials, such as ballots, to be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. Voters who want a ballot mailed to a temporary address should call local election officials at 602-506-1511 or email VoterInfo@ If emailing, you should provide your full name, residence address, temporary mailing address and date of birth. Make sure to reach out before 5 p.m. on May 9. That's the deadline to request a ballot. Reach the Maricopa County Elections Department and Recorder's Office at 602-506-1511. Voters can also contact the Arizona Secretary of State's Office at 1-877-THE-VOTE or 602-542-8683. Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at Follow her on X: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Follow her on Bluesky: @ This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Deadline nears for voting registry in Glendale and Goodyear
