Tempe City Council Approves Controversial Special Event Permit Ordinance Amid Protests

The Tempe City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance requiring permits for all public events on city-owned property, including parks, with fees ranging from $50 to over $3,000 depending on the event size and duration. The ordinance mandates permits for gatherings of more than 30 people and aims to create a clearer, tiered system separating large-scale events from smaller gatherings, with officials citing public safety and responsible use of city property as motivations. Despite the council's assurances that the ordinance is not discriminatory, it faced significant opposition from residents and activists who argue it restricts First Amendment rights and disproportionately impacts people experiencing homelessness and those providing aid to them. Protesters expressed concerns that the changes effectively privatize public parks and make it financially challenging for community members to hold events or distribute necessities like food and water to the homeless. Mayor Corey Woods emphasized that the new rules are intended to simplify and clarify the permitting process, not to discriminate or exclude any group. The ordinance takes effect August 1, 2025, and violators face fines if they hold events without permits.