During the Tempe City Council's regular session on January 9, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding compliance with open meetings laws, particularly in relation to directives from the Arizona Attorney General. A resident, identified as Mr. Martinez, accused the city of conducting three illegal meetings under the leadership of Mayor Corey Woods, claiming that public resources were misused. He emphasized the need for transparency, urging the council to disclose details from executive sessions that he believes should be made public.

Martinez referenced a letter from the Attorney General dated October 9, which outlined the city's obligations, including completing training on open meetings laws by December 9. He expressed frustration over the lack of compliance and the absence of communication from the city regarding these issues. Martinez criticized Woods for being evasive and not taking responsibility for the situation, insisting that the Mayor and Council should be accountable for the actions of city officials.

In response, Mayor Woods acknowledged the concerns but redirected the discussion to the City Attorney and City Clerk, stating that they handle public meeting records. He claimed that training had been conducted and that the necessary information would be provided to Martinez. However, Martinez countered that the required steps had not been completed in a timely manner, reiterating the importance of public access to information regarding how taxpayer money is spent.

The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between city officials and residents regarding transparency and accountability in local governance. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the issues raised by Martinez reflect broader concerns within the community about the adherence to open meeting laws and the need for improved communication from city leadership. The council's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen, as residents continue to seek clarity and compliance from their elected officials.