The Phoenix City Council authorized the City Manager to acquire approximately 158.70 acres of real property from the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) for the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. The acquisition aims to expand the existing Mountain Preserve, protect natural desert vegetation, and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The acquired land will provide connectivity between the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve and the Deem Hills recreation trail system in northern Phoenix. The parcel is identified as Maricopa County Assessor's Parcel Number 201-10-987, located at 25250 N. 35th Avenue. The Council also granted an exception to Phoenix City Code 42-20, allowing the inclusion of indemnification and assumption of liability provisions in the ASLD's form documents.