OPINION - From February 2021 to October 2025, I had the privilege of serving in the Town of Fountain Hills’ Community Services Department. During that time, I worked alongside dedicated teams focused on enhancing the wellbeing of our community.
As part of my master’s in public administration, supported through the town’s tuition reimbursement program, I completed a capstone project on improving public safety communication. That experience reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible, transparent and effective local government.
One ongoing challenge is the high volume of non-emergency calls received by the 911 dispatch center. Many residents aren’t sure where to turn for non-urgent issues such as noise complaints, street concerns or community questions. My research found that outdated or conflicting contact numbers are frequently posted in various places, often leading to calls going unanswered. In these cases, residents may default to calling 911 out of frustration, placing additional strain on emergency services.
