The Veterans Commission:

• develops and promotes benchmarks, as outlined by the Arizona Coalition for Military Families and the United States Department of Labor Hire Vets Medallion Program to assist the City of Tempe and its business community earn recognition as "Arizona Veteran Supportive Employers";

• assists in creating and supporting a community connection point to inform, guide, and direct military veterans seeking personal and professional enhancement services that may include education, mentoring, workforce support, and health and wellness;

• advises on supportive affordable housing projects for veteran families; and,

• suggests to the Mayor and City Council qualified and interested persons eligible for appointment for Commission vacancies.

The Veterans Commission is composed of 11 members, including two At-Large Veteran Members, one of whom resides in the City, and two  At-Large Members, one of whom resides in the City. For positions where residency is not required, preference shall be given to applicants who are residents of the City or who work or provide services within the City. It is intended that Commission membership reflect Tempe’s diverse demographics and include a range of lived experience, professional backgrounds, and perspectives relevant to veterans, service members, and their families. Members shall be selected based on experience, knowledge, or demonstrated involvement in areas including, but not limited to, the following existing United States Military and Veteran Service Areas: 

• Tempe Veterans Service Organization;

• Veteran Supportive Business or Government Agency;

• Pat Tillman Veterans Center at Arizona State University or designee;

• Maricopa Community College District or designee;

• Veteran supportive service organization;

• Veteran health and wellness organization;

• Veteran housing advocacy and assistance.

If, after diligent efforts have been made to solicit candidates, no individual within a specified category as listed above agrees to serve or is available for appointment, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, may appoint an individual from outside the specified category, provided that the individual possesses relevant expertise or qualifications that would contribute meaningfully to the work of the Commission. The City Council shall continue to actively seek qualified individuals from the categories outlined above to fill any future vacancies in those categories. Upon the occurrence of the next available vacancy, the Commission shall make diligent efforts to appoint a member from the appropriate category. If no qualified candidate from that category is found, the Commission may again appoint a member from outside the category. 

The changes to the Veterans Commission composition, powers and duties, outlined in Ordinance No. O2026.11, were adopted by City Council on April 16, 2026 and became effective on May 15, 2026.

The Veterans Commission typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m., at the Tempe Public Library, Second Floor Hackberry Conference Room, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, or virtually on Microsoft Teams.

Michael Garrison, 480-350-8387
Kristen Scharlau, 480-350-2969
Karla Flores, 480-350-8396

https://publicdocumentarchive.tempe.gov