As we approach the end of another year, I am so grateful to every member of the South Mountain and Laveen Villages and to every member of our large community that we call Phoenix. Because the greatest things we achieved in 2006 were due to a great deal of public participation.

An undisputable highlight of this year was when voters overwhelmingly approved all seven propositions in the $878 million bond package. The bonds will improve our citywide infrastructure, strengthen our public safety efforts, and help expand ASU’s downtown campus to revitalize both the downtown and the Valley’s economic base. As one daily newspaper wrote the day after the election, “In 20 years, Phoenix will look back at Tuesday's vote and hail it as one of the transforming moments in the city's history.” My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every resident and organization that supported the bond campaign.

As with any year, in addition to the great achievements, in 2006 we also experienced times of great challenge. Phoenix endured the national spotlight when serial criminals terrorized our city. Innocent people suffered injuries, precious lives were lost, grieving families will be affected for the rest of their lives, and the entire Valley felt the tension from being on alert. But thanks to the members of this community – who stayed vigilant, reported a record-number of tips to Silent Witness and refused to live their lives in fear – suspects in both serial cases are behind bars. I have great thanks and respect for the residents of Phoenix for working together and standing strong during such challenging times.

I am convinced that these two examples of “the best of times, the worst of times” we experienced in 2006 show the power of public involvement.

By getting involved, by becoming engaged in the process, “the” government becomes “your” government. Especially at the city level, where you can be actively involved and make a real and immediate difference.

One of the frequent questions community members ask me is, “How can we become more involved in our city government?” If you are not already involved, I’d ask you to please consider becoming active in either the South Mountain Village Planning Committee or the Laveen Village Planning Committee. The City of Phoenix is divided into 15 Urban Villages, each with a committee that assists the Planning Commission in identifying needs related to implementing the General Plan; defining in greater detail the intended future function, density and character of sub areas of the village; and commenting on proposals for the new zoning districts or land use districts. The type and amount of work done through the Villages, a true grass-roots process, is significant.

Of course, that’s not the only option. Consider becoming a member of one of the city’s 71 boards and commissions. Or starting your own Block Watch program if one doesn’t already exist. Or participating in my Front Porch Bench program. You can get details on any one of these programs by visiting www.Phoenix.gov or calling or emailing my office at 206-262-7111 or Mayor.Gordon@phoenix.gov