As Mayor Phil Goode’s second term comes to an end, he has reflected on his years of public service in Prescott. In a statement, Goode highlighted the progress made during his time as mayor, city council member, and planning and zoning commissioner.
Goode emphasized efforts to increase transparency in city government. He noted that early in his first term as mayor, he requested the City Council to implement an Open Call to the Public at council meetings. More recently, the Finance Office launched the OpenGov platform, which allows residents to view city expenditures in real time.
Addressing water management issues, Goode said he created the Ad Hoc Water Policy Monitoring and Implementation Committee. This committee developed a comprehensive policy for city water use and allocation designed to balance growth with available services.
Goode also formed a Charter Review Committee that recommended 13 amendments to the City Charter. According to Goode, “12 of 13 were approved by a vote of the citizens.”
The Mayor’s Ad Hoc Veterans Commission organized eight outreach programs that served more than 400 veterans living in local homeowners associations. The city also entered into an agreement with Yavapai County and Prescott Valley for open space acquisition, which contributed to establishing Glassford Dells Regional Park.
In 2024, voters approved Proposition 478 after being asked by the City Council to address delayed fire station construction and police facilities. Goode stated: “The voters approved this resoundingly, and less than a year later, we have two fire station locations designated, along with a Police evidence facility and sub-station.”
Public safety improvements during Goode’s tenure included support for body cameras and a new incident command vehicle for police officers, as well as acquiring a new ladder fire truck and implementing a performance-based EMS contract with Lifeline Ambulance service. He also supported optimizing signal light timing on Willow Creek Road and other main streets to improve traffic flow.
Goode cited work at Prescott Regional Airport among his priorities. He supported Essential Air Service contracts with SkyWest Airlines connecting Prescott with Denver and Los Angeles, along with building a modern terminal in 2019. The city secured funding for shifting the primary runway as well as extending it for firefighting aircraft operations and commercial air service needs.
Efforts were made to protect airport operations through avigation easements in Deepwell Ranch residential areas—measures intended both to prevent noise complaints against the airport and enhance disclosure requirements for homebuyers. The implementation of an Airport Vicinity Overlay district aimed at limiting residential encroachment while encouraging aviation-related development nearby.
Summing up his service, Goode said: “I’m proud of the accomplishments the City achieved during my years of public service. It has been an honor to serve the Citizens of Prescott.” He extended congratulations to incoming Mayor Cathey Rusing and newly elected council members: “Congratulations to Mayor Cathey Rusing and all the newly elected Council members. I wish them much success as they continue to serve our great City.”
