FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Seeks Solutions to Commercial Signage Concerns,
Hopes to Increase Consumer Awareness
of Apache Junction’s Businesses

Apache Junction, Arizona………………………………………November 19, 2009

The Mayor and City Council recognize the critical importance of a healthy business community. They value businesses’ investment in Apache Junction, the jobs these businesses provide our residents, the enhancement to quality of life through offerings of goods and services, and the strong partnerships formed through participation in community events and activities.
As in so many neighboring communities, business owners struggle with the effects of the recession and have sought ways to increase their visibility to potential customers, expressing a need for additional signage options. Good, quality signage – done properly – can be a real asset in helping create awareness and an identity for a business.
During their November 16/17, 2009 meetings, the City Council considered the topic of signage as prepared by G & G Consulting – a firm assisting with the City’s Downtown Revitalization and Implementation Strategy – some options for immediate consideration.
While the Council still ultimately seeks to have a more comprehensive look at the sign code, the Council did opt to immediately:
• Agree that the new technology of “fin flags”, although not specifically named in the sign ordinance, most closely function as that of a banner and were comfortable with staff’s interpretation to classify them as a banner until such time that the sign code may be updated.
• Utilize the City’s Business Advocate as a resource to assist and educate businesses regarding signage as a business development function and offer signage solution ideas prior to any code violation notice being issued.
• Continue to proactively enforce the sign code but with a priority begin given to life safety matters, trash, weeds, and graffiti.
• Look comprehensively at signage needs for the downtown and include recommendations as part of the final Downtown Revitalization and Implementation Strategy delivered by G & G Consulting.
The short-term goal is to enhance local business success during this holiday and winter visitor season. The City, along with partners from the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce and the AJCDC a Main Street Program, have supported a “Shop AJ” campaign for several years to encourage our residents and guests to “shop local” and patronize our local Apache Junction merchants. For more information on the “Shop AJ” program, visit the City’s website at http://www.ajcity.net/index.aspx?NID=438.
For additional information, contact Janine Solley, Business Advocate at (480) 474-5076.
###

Snowbirds Aid the Local Economy – Watch This CH 3 TV Story

Apache Junction, Arizona………..........………………………………November 3, 2009

Follow this link to watch a Channel 3 TV story which explores the return of snowbirds to the Phoenix and Apache Junction areas and what it means as far as an uptick in business and positive infusion into the local economy.

http://www.azfamily.com/video/featured-videos/Could-snowbirds-returning-to-the-Phoenix-area-mean-uptick-in-business-66223737.html

# # #

Public Hearings Regarding the Use of CDBG Funds

Apache Junction, Arizona…………………………………………October 28, 2009

The City of Apache Junction is expected to receive an estimated $280,000 in FY 2010 federal CDBG funds from the Arizona Department of Housing Regional Account (RA). The City of Apache Junction may also apply for up to $300,000 in FY 2009 and FY2010 CDBG funds from the State Special Projects (SSP) account. CDBG funds must be used to benefit low-income persons and areas, alleviate slum and blight or address urgent need. Public hearings will be held at the following locations, dates and times to gather citizen input on the use of the CDBG funds.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Apache Junction City Conference Room
(North of the Police Department)
1001 North Idaho Road
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Apache Junction City Council Chambers
Regularly scheduled City Council Meeting
300 East Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Proposed projects will also be discussed during a City Council Work Session scheduled for:
Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Apache Junction City Council Chambers
300 East Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Examples of possible projects include the following:
1) public infrastructure (e.g., water, wastewater, street improvements);
2) community facilities (e.g., parks, health clinics, libraries, senior or youth centers);
3) housing (e.g., owner occupied or multi family rehab, new housing constructed by a non-profit),
4) public services (e.g., purchasing a van to transport persons with disabilities, equipment and rent to start a new job training program); and
5) economic development (e.g., a loan to a business for job creation, acquisition of land for an existing business expansion).

For more information about the public hearings, the City’s grievance policy, the CDBG program, or to receive technical assistance prior to November 29, 2009, to formulate prospective project ideas for presentation at the hearings, please contact:

Heather Patel
300 East Superstition Blvd.
Apache Junction, Arizona 85119
Phone (480) 474-2635
Fax (480) 474-5102
TDD (480) 983-0095
hpatel@ajcity.net

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations may contact the Human Resources Office at (480) 474-2617 or (480) 983-0095 (TDD) at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

# # #

View for updated information on the City's progress in obtaining Recovery Funding. [Updated info...]

City offices will be closed November 26-27, 2009 in observance of Thanksgiving Holiday.

CENSUS BUREAU NOW HIRING
- PAY GENERALLY STARTS AT $15 HOUR

Apache Junction, Arizona………..........………………………………December 23, 2008

The US Census Bureau is now hiring for full time, temporary positions for both the office and in the field. The local Census Offices will hire hundreds of local residents in the Spring of 2009 to update address lists. As census activities progress through 2009, the Census Bureau will hire hundreds of additional part-time workers to interview residents who do not mail back their census questionnaire in 2010.

The toll free number to call to qualify for a census job is (602)427-0680. Testing is being conducted in Apache Junction, and those interested in this employment should call the above number as soon as possible.

According to Apache Junction Community Relations Manager Patrick Brenner,” The census requires a lot of workers to get the job done locally. Our Key Strategy ten years ago with the census was to transmit as many names of eligible persons as possible to work for them. And, it worked. We sent them over 250 names as referrals.” Also, the more local people are hired the better since these persons know the City of Apache Junction and its myriad neighborhoods.

Each person does really count. For every person missed in the count the City will lose out on $1,300 in state and federal shared revenues – each year for the next ten years!

With just 500 missed persons in an under count, a very conservative estimate, the City would lose $650,000 annually for the next ten years. These are dollars some one else will receive that we could use to hire police officers, improve our parks and open space, pave our roads, and supply our library with new materials.

Call the census today at (602)427-0680 for some good temporary employment.

# # #