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STRATEGIC OUTCOMES |
ACTION |
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Department: |
☐ Safe & Prosperous |
☐ Motion |
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City Administration |
☐ Active & Appealing |
☒ Resolution |
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☒ Respected & Responsible |
☐ Ordinance - Introduction |
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Division: |
☒ Connected & Engaged |
☐ Ordinance - Adoption |
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☐ Unique & Creative |
☐ Public Hearing |
TITLE: t
Resolution of Support: Gary Knight Memorial Highway
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SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: Summary Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council formally and publicly support the proposal to name a segment of United States Route 95, from milepost 31 to milepost 38, as the Gary Knight Memorial Highway in honor of former Councilmember Gary Knight’s dedicated service to the City of Yuma and his contributions to the region. (Administration) (Jenn Reichelt)
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STRATEGIC OUTCOME:
Honoring Gary Knight’s legacy fosters civic pride and strengthens community identity by being Connected and Engaged, and by recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on Yuma. This action demonstrates City Council’s Respected and Responsible strategic outcome by honoring dedicated public servants and ensuring their contributions are acknowledged and remembered.
REPORT:
The Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names is seeking public comment on a proposal to rename a segment of United States Route 95, from mileposts 31 to 38, as the Gary Knight Memorial Highway. The Board is responsible for determining appropriate names for places in Arizona per A.R.S. § 41-835 through § 41-838.
Gary Knight served as a City of Yuma Councilmember from 2014 to 2024 and was deeply involved in advancing transportation and economic development projects for the benefit of Yuma and the surrounding region.
For the past 10 years, Knight served on the Executive Board of the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization (YMPO) and served as chairman in 2017 and 2023. During his tenure with YMPO, he played a key role in several regional projects such as:
• The widening of U.S. Highway 95 between Yuma and the Yuma Proving Ground
• The construction of the Fortuna Wash Bridge
Through YMPO, Knight also served as a member of the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council (RTAC) Executive Board, which protects and promotes rural and small metropolitan transportation interests in Arizona. During Knight’s service on the board, he helped secure $39 million in funding for construction on U.S. Highway 95, which greatly benefited the Yuma area.
In 2018, Governor Doug Ducey appointed Knight to the State Transportation Board (STB) for a six-year term, representing District 6, which includes Yuma, La Paz, Mohave, and Yavapai counties. Knight served as Chairman of the STB in 2023 and was still actively serving on the Board prior to his passing.
By supporting the renaming of this highway segment, the City of Yuma formally recognizes and honors Gary Knight’s legacy of public service, leadership, and commitment to transportation improvements in the region. The proposed renaming aligns with the City’s vision of respecting and preserving the contributions of civic leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Yuma community.
The Council’s endorsement of this resolution will be submitted to the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names as part of the public comment process.
FISCAL REQUIREMENTS:
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CITY FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
BUDGETED: |
$ 0.00 |
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STATE FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
AVAILABLE TO TRANSFER: |
$ 0.00 |
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FEDERAL FUNDS: |
$ 0.00 |
IN CONTINGENCY: |
$ 0.00 |
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OTHER SOURCES: |
$ 0.00 |
FUNDING: ACCOUNT/FUND #/CIP |
TOTAL $ 0.00
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To total; right click number & choose “Update Field” |
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FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
NONE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS NOT ATTACHED TO THE CITY COUNCIL ACTION FORM THAT ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK:
NONE
IF CITY COUNCIL ACTION INCLUDES A CONTRACT, LEASE OR AGREEMENT, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTING THE DOCUMENT FOR SIGNATURE AFTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL?
☐ Department
☒ City Clerk’s Office
☐ Document to be recorded
☐ Document to be codified
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Acting City Administrator: |
Date: |
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John D. Simonton |
02/24/2025 |
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Reviewed by City Attorney: |
Date: |
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Richard W. Files |
02/23/2025 |