Phoenix residents may soon get the opportunity to apply for a municipal ID card. The proposal for a multi-use photo ID passed a City Council subcommittee this week.
If adopted, the card would allow city residents to use one photo ID card to access things like public transit and library services. Supporters of the idea say having one card to access several city services is more efficient and promotes civic pride.
Vice Mayor Jim Waring cast the one vote against the idea. He said the potential benefits of a municipal ID don’t outweigh the costs, citing the $5 million price tag New York City has reported for its program.
"We’re a city that’s going to be running in the red starting next year," said Waring. "Do we really need to be spending money on this when we have so many other pressing needs?"
Similar programs are already in place in nine other cities in the United States.
The subcommittee’s recommendation now goes to the full council for consideration.
