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Phoenix City Council Plans To Postpone Vote On Phoenix Suns' Arena Renovation

A vote on the future of Phoenix’s downtown arena will likely be postponed. The City Council was expected to decide on a $230 million renovation proposal between the city and the Phoenix Suns. 

Less than three hours before the meeting was supposed to start, the city’s communications office alerted the media to a change of plans.

Mayor Thelda Williams and Councilwomen Debra Stark and Laura Pastor want to postpone the vote. If their colleagues agree, the renovation proposal will return to the agenda in late January. And, before then, the city will schedule two public meetings so taxpayers can learn more and share their input.

Although city leaders and the team have been negotiating for years, the proposal was only publicly released six days ago. The deal calls for the city to cover $150 million in initial costs and the Suns to cover $80 million.

"We have learned that a request has been made to continue the agenda item on the arena renovation until a council meeting on Jan. 23," Suns president and CEO Jason Rowley said in a statement to KJZZ. "We very much look forward to publicly discussing the many ways in which Talking Stick Resort Arena benefits Downtown Phoenix and our community at large, and answering any questions the Council and their constituents may have about the arena and the proposed renovation. Our priority remains being in Downtown Phoenix long term, and we're excited about the opportunity that lies ahead."

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As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.