City
Historic Day at Central and Baseline: South Phoenix Celebrates Light Rail Connection
Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Standing at the Central and Baseline terminus on Saturday, June 7, 2025, I witnessed more than just a ribbon cutting ceremony – I watched a community celebrate the end of decades of waiting and the beginning of a new era of connectivity. More than 5,000 community members, federal, state, and local officials gathered at this southern terminus to mark the opening of the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, transforming Valley Metro into Phoenix’s first-ever two-line rail system.
A Moment Decades in the Making
The energy at Central and Baseline was electric as speakers took the stage to commemorate this $1.34 billion achievement. What struck me most was how each speaker emphasized not just the infrastructure, but the human impact of finally connecting South Phoenix to the broader Valley.
Mayor Kate Gallego captured the significance perfectly: “The completion of this project marks an important new connection for residents and moves us closer to our goals as a sustainable and accessible city. This historic extension introduces the region’s first two-line rail system, creates safer streets and new bike lanes, and adds shade and public art– all while connecting more residents to jobs, education, entertainment and other amenities across the Valley.”
Her words resonated with the crowd because they spoke to something deeper than transportation – they spoke to equity, opportunity, and community empowerment.
Federal Partnership, Local Impact
U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton’s remarks highlighted the crucial federal-local partnership that made this project possible, with federal grants providing more than half of the $1.34 billion funding alongside Phoenix Transportation 2050 and regional Proposition 400 investments.
“Arizonans understand that these infrastructure investments make us more connected and more prosperous,” Stanton told the gathered crowd. “As we now look westward for future light rail expansion and anticipate the extensions of the streetcar line in the East Valley, we’re in a magical moment in Phoenix’s history, and we can only keep up this momentum if we keep investing in ourselves.”
His vision of continued expansion gave the celebration a forward-looking energy – this wasn’t just an ending, but a beginning.
@stmblog South Phoenix celebrates new light rail connection, marking a historic milestone in equity, transit, and community investment. SouthPhoenix, LightRail, TransitEquity, ValleyMetro, CommunityConnection www.stmdailynews.com ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews
Community Voices Finally Heard
The most powerful moments came when local council members spoke about what this extension means to their constituents. Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez’s excitement was palpable as she addressed the crowd:
“I am excited for the opening of the South Central Extension! The residents of South Phoenix and District 7 have waited a long time for light rail and I am excited for how this new extension will connect South Phoenix with the rest of the city. A robust public transportation and light rail are the future for our city and I am excited for how South Phoenix residents will benefit.”
Phoenix District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington delivered perhaps the most emotionally resonant speech of the day, speaking directly to the historical significance of this moment:
“This grand opening marks a transformative moment for South Phoenix. The South Central Extension represents direct access to local businesses and a community that has historically been disconnected and overlooked. South Phoenix deserves investment, inclusion and infrastructure that lifts everyone around it, and that is the vision of the light rail extension.”
Her words captured what many in the crowd were feeling – this wasn’t just about trains, it was about recognition, respect, and long-overdue investment in their community.
Valley Metro’s Vision Realized
Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller’s remarks tied together the technical achievement with the community impact:
“Today we are celebrating 5.5 new rail miles and the transformation of Valley Metro Rail into a multi-line operation, creating an important new connection to South Phoenix. We built this project with the community to achieve their vision, and we will continue to advance the community’s vision to connect to the West and East Valleys, and bring greater mobility and economic opportunity to more of metro Phoenix.”
Her emphasis on building “with the community” was evident throughout the project, from the 18 public art installations created predominantly by local artists to the Small Business Financial Assistance Program that awarded over 270 grants totaling more than $1.6 million to corridor businesses.
Beyond the Speeches: Community Celebration
While the speeches provided the official framework for understanding this achievement, the real story was in the community celebration surrounding them. The “Cruisin’ Central” procession brought over 250 community participants together, while the lowrider and classic car show, local entertainers, and more than 60 local business pop-ups created a festival atmosphere that truly reflected South Phoenix’s character.
Standing at that terminus, watching families explore the new station, seeing local business owners setting up their booths, and witnessing the pride on faces throughout the crowd, it was clear this project succeeded in its most important goal – bringing a community together and giving them a reason to celebrate.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The extension will add more than 8,000 daily riders to Valley Metro’s system, which currently serves 32,000 boardings per day. But beyond ridership, the project created over 5,000 local jobs, with more than 600 workers hired directly from South Phoenix communities. Eight new stations, enhanced bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, over 550 new trees, and comprehensive utility upgrades that replaced more than 30 miles of underground infrastructure represent a complete community transformation.
A Foundation for the Future
As the ribbon cutting ceremony concluded and the first official rides began, it was clear that Saturday’s celebration at Central and Baseline represented more than just project completion. With the A line now running east/west and the B line traveling north/south, creating a true network with 12-minute weekday service before 7 p.m., Phoenix has built the foundation for continued expansion and economic growth.
The speeches from our elected officials weren’t just ceremonial – they were promises. Promises that South Phoenix would no longer be overlooked, that investment would continue, and that this extension would be the first of many connections that bind our community together.
Standing at that terminus, surrounded by thousands of neighbors celebrating this long-awaited achievement, I couldn’t help but think about all the daily journeys that will begin and end at this very spot. Every commute to work, every trip to school, every visit to family – they all represent the fulfillment of a community’s dreams and the power of persistent advocacy.
The rails are laid, the stations are open, and South Phoenix is finally connected.—
Source: Valley Metro
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The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
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Urbanism
Celebrating World Urbanism Day: Building Livable Communities
World Urbanism Day: Celebrating livable communities and the role of urban planning. #WorldUrbanismDay Celebrating World Urbanism Day
Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Rod Washington
Celebrating World Urbanism Day
On November 8th, we commemorate World Urbanism Day, a moment to acknowledge and advocate for the significance of urban planning in shaping livable communities. Also known as World Town Planning Day, this occasion highlights the interaction between inhabitants and their built environments in urban areas.
Urban planning focuses on creating healthy and vibrant communities that offer a high quality of life. By ensuring orderly development and preserving the economy and environment, planners strive to enhance the well-being of residents. The key elements of a livable city include plentiful opportunities for a high quality of life, diverse housing options, accessible public transportation, ample green spaces, and essential amenities like schools, grocery stores, and recreational facilities.
Cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, and Zurich exemplify healthy and livable communities, while Tripoli, Algiers, and Lagos face challenges in this regard. It is essential for us to engage in urban planning discussions, attend local council meetings, and explore ways to improve our communities. Let’s celebrate World Urbanism Day by spreading awareness, connecting with public health networks, and championing the creation of livable cities through #WorldUrbanismDay.
Check out our articles about urbanism: https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/
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News
Phoenix to Get I-17 Flex Lanes: How They Work and What Drivers Can Expect
Arizona is completing the I-17 flex lanes project, introducing reversible lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance travel efficiency for commuters and tourists.
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
PHOENIX, AZ — After years of planning and construction, Arizona is nearing completion of one of its most ambitious highway improvements to date: the addition of flex lanes along Interstate 17 between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. The project, led by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), introduces the state’s first-ever reversible lanes—an innovative traffic solution designed to ease congestion on one of Arizona’s busiest travel corridors.
What Are Flex Lanes?
Flex lanes, also known as reversible lanes, are two dedicated lanes built alongside the existing southbound I-17 lanes. These lanes can change direction depending on traffic flow, allowing more capacity where and when it’s needed most.
For example, during heavy northbound travel—typically on Saturdays and holidays when Valley residents head north to Prescott, Sedona, or Flagstaff—the flex lanes will carry northbound traffic. On Sundays or during peak return periods, the lanes will reverse to serve southbound drivers heading back to Phoenix.
According to ADOT, the reversible design allows the state to expand capacity without blasting through mountain terrain or widening the highway in areas with steep geography—reducing both cost and environmental impact.
How the System Will Work
The flex lanes stretch approximately eight miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point and feature:
- Automated swing gates and barriers to control direction and access
- Dynamic digital signs showing which direction is open
- Concrete and net barriers to prevent wrong-way entry
- Cameras and sensors monitored by ADOT’s traffic operations center
- Crossover lanes at each end for safe entry and exit
Drivers will simply follow signage to access the flex lanes, and once direction is established, it will be clearly indicated with overhead markers.
Timeline and Opening
The I-17 Improvement Project began in 2022 and includes both the flex lanes and a third general-purpose lane in each direction between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City—a 15-mile stretch that opened earlier in 2025.
Currently, the flex lanes are being used in a limited capacity as part of a temporary northbound detour during ongoing work. ADOT expects full reversible operation to begin by the end of 2025, once all safety and control systems are fully operational.
Benefits of the Flex Lanes
- Reduced Congestion: Reversible lanes give ADOT the ability to respond to real-time traffic needs, particularly on weekends and holidays.
- Shorter Commutes: More efficient traffic flow means less time sitting in mountain backups.
- Safety Improvements: Modern monitoring systems and barriers help reduce the risk of accidents in high-traffic areas.
- Cost Efficiency: The design avoids costly and environmentally challenging mountain expansions.
- Economic Boost: Easier travel may encourage tourism and smoother freight movement along the northern corridor.
Potential Drawbacks
- Learning Curve for Drivers: It may take time for regular travelers to adjust to the new system and signage.
- Maintenance and Operation Costs: Monitoring and maintaining automated barriers and systems adds long-term operational expenses.
- Incident Management: In the event of a crash or stalled vehicle within the flex lanes, emergency response can be more complex due to the limited access points.
- Schedule Adjustments: The direction of the flex lanes will generally follow weekend travel patterns, but unexpected traffic surges may require manual schedule changes.
Why It Matters
The I-17 flex lanes represent a modern, adaptive approach to traffic management—one that reflects Arizona’s growth and the need for smarter infrastructure. For the millions of residents and tourists who travel between Phoenix and the high country, the project promises to transform one of the state’s most congested routes into a more efficient, flexible, and safer highway experience.
Visit https://www.improvingi17.com/flex-lanes/ for more details on the project
Related Links
- Arizona Department of Transportation – I-17 Improvement Project
- ADOT Blog: Arizona’s First Flex Lanes Are Coming
- Improving I-17 Project Information Page
- ABC15 News: I-17 Opens Third Lane Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
- ADOT Press Release: Temporary Northbound Traffic Shift Ahead for I-17 Improvement Project
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expo
Debbie Gibson Inspires at the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
Pop legend Debbie Gibson headlined the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo in Phoenix, inspiring thousands with her story of resilience and creativity.
Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff
News You Can Use This Moment! | STM Daily News
The 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo lit up downtown Phoenix last month with an empowering mix of celebrity inspiration, local entrepreneurship, and creative energy. Held September 28–29 at the Phoenix Convention Center, this year’s expo drew thousands of women from across the Southwest to explore, connect, and celebrate.
Among the weekend’s standout moments was the appearance of pop icon Debbie Gibson, whose presence on the main stage brought both nostalgia and inspiration. The singer-songwriter, who rose to fame in the late 1980s with hits like “Only in My Dreams” and “Lost in Your Eyes,” shared her personal journey through the music industry, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Attendees were treated to an intimate and uplifting conversation, followed by meet-and-greet sessions and photo opportunities — including one lucky attendee who met Gibson personally and captured the moment with several photos.
A Weekend of Empowerment and Discovery
The Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo, part of a national event series produced by the Ultimate Events Group, featured more than 400 exhibitor booths and dozens of workshops across health, finance, fashion, and wellness. Visitors explored everything from skincare innovations and artisan goods to self-development seminars and business networking lounges.
Sponsors and partners have historically included Chevrolet, Humana, Mary Kay, Massage Envy, and the Arizona Republic, reflecting a diverse mix of corporate and local support. The 2025 edition once again sold out exhibitor space, signaling renewed enthusiasm among small businesses and women-led ventures in Arizona.
Record Attendance and Growing Momentum
While official numbers haven’t been released, estimates place attendance at over 20,000 visitors — a notable increase from roughly 17,000 in 2024. Organizers cited record booth sales and packed speaker sessions as evidence of the event’s continued post-pandemic growth.
Phoenix’s event mirrors a broader trend of rising participation in women-centered expos nationwide, as more entrepreneurs and creators seek in-person opportunities to share ideas, products, and inspiration.
Why It Matters
The Women’s Expo is more than just a shopping or networking event — it’s a platform for women to connect, elevate one another, and rediscover their voices in business and life. Whether through a celebrity keynote, a local business success story, or a spontaneous encounter on the expo floor, attendees leave with a sense of empowerment that lasts long after the weekend wraps up.
As Debbie Gibson reminded the crowd:
“Reinvention isn’t about starting over — it’s about owning every version of yourself.”
🖼️ Photo Gallery: Moments from the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
(Captured by Rebecca Jo Washington, a contributors to STM Daily News)
(Editor’s note: Photos courtesy of STM Daily News contributor Rebecca Jo Bigham. If you attended this year’s expo and would like to share your images, please email them to editor@stmdailynews.com for feature consideration.)
🔗
Related Links
Explore more stories from STM Daily News and around the web:
- Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo – Official Site
- Phoenix Convention Center Events Calendar
- Debbie Gibson Official Website
- Women’s Business Success Stories – STM Daily News
- Empowerment Events & Lifestyle Features – STM Daily News
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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