Phx Council Mtg -Save Capitol Extension Light Rail
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⚆◟⚆◉‿◉˘▿˘*◟*The voter-approved Capitol Extension Light Rail (Cap Ex) is under threat and the Phoenix Council needs to hear from us in public comment‼️Please attend or call-in and submit a public comment.
Even though they largely support light rail expansion, the Phoenix City Council might scrap the Capitol Light Rail Extension and I-10 West projects out of fear of legislative Republicans and a possible future Republican Governor. This would go against Phoenicians who have voted four times in support (Transit 2000, 2004's Proposition 400, 2015's Proposition 104, and 2019's Proposition 105). The City Council has already voted several times on the route.
Our message is "keep the Capitol Extension on track, support Option 1." We strongly oppose "Option 2" which would "reevaluate" rail and pull Valley Metro out of line for federal funding, effectively killing both the Capitol Extension and I-10 West light rail route into West Phoenix and Maryvale. Option 2 would mean no light rail expansion into West Phoenix until the late 2030's at the earliest, even if the Indian School line is expedited.
Killing this project out of fear that someone else (legislators) might kill it does not make logical sense. Our City Council should not let legislators from Queen Creek, Peoria, and Scottsdale dictate the transit future of voters who have repeatedly voted for and are already paying sales tax for this investment.
Light rail has already led to a $20 billion return on investment according to Valley Metro, and light rail could turn the area around the capitol from a struggling neighborhood to one of the state's most dynamic, with housing and retail on the doorstep to downtown.
Background documents
Council Meeting Agenda (see Item 2): https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/cityclerksite/city-council-meeting-files/2026/1-27-26%20Policy%20Agenda%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Route Alternative Maps: https://phoenix.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15017945&GUID=D405E163-43B8-4775-AB4D-14B77A321FB2
Timeline: https://phoenix.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15017946&GUID=AC929F30-79CA-41CD-92FC-0714AB7C3430
Project cost: https://phoenix.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15017947&GUID=B47A860C-AE76-4836-8ACF-99BB0C13ECE1
Fox 10 Article on Light Rail's Positive Economic Impact: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/valley-metro-sees-20b-return-light-rail-investment
📢 This is a crucial moment to stand up and fight for our transportation future!
👉 Speak in person. Best practice is to register to speak at the Council Chambers by 1:30 p.m. or if virtually NOW or no later than 12:30 p.m. You'll be asked whether you support or oppose. This vote is a choice between Option 1 (keeps Cap Ex on track) and Option 2 (derailment, and decade + delay for rail westward), but feel free to select "Support" which may be interpreted as supporting Cap Ex. When asked "Speak Only If Necessary" select "No" (this indicates you definitely wish to speak). Instructions for speaking in-person are on page 2 of the meeting agenda: https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/cityclerksite/city-council-meeting-files/2026/1-27-26%20Policy%20Agenda%20-%20FINAL.pdf
👉 Speak online or on the phone, enter "Agenda Item 2," "support", and "No," as described above. Register NOW or no later than 12:30 p.m.: https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/cityclerk/programs-services/city-council-meetings/policy-session-request-to-speak-virtual.html
👉 This does not have the impact of an in-person or virtual/phone comment, but you can also submit a written comment here: https://phoenix.granicusideas.com/meetings/796-city-council-policy-session-january-27-2026/agenda_items/6972d53b4425383d1a003d9c-2-capitol-extension-and-i-10-west-light-rail-proje
SOMETHING YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW 👉 Complete this Valley Metro survey. Select option 1 on the first question and let them know you want the city to follow through with the Capitol Extension: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/capexsurvey
WATCH - Why is the Capitol Extension Light Rail at Risk? Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90988w66Lc4
Let’s do this! 👏
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