Community Engagement & Connection

Start Date: Announced at the Sept. 4, 2025 Work Study Session

Chair: Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid

Subcommittee Members: Councilmember Arlene Chin and Councilmember Nikki Amberg

Purpose: The purpose of this Council subcommittee is to examine the City’s methods and activities related to community engagement and connection. Its objectives is to focus on strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration to achieve positive outcomes, such as increasing participation in Tempe’s Boards and Commissions, expanding community involvement, and building stronger partnerships. These efforts directly influence the overall health and wellness of the community by creating a more connected, engaged, and supportive environment.

Background: Tempe has long been committed to building and maintaining strong community relationships. Public meetings, surveys, and Boards and Commissions have served as key communication pathways for engaging with the community and gathering valuable feedback on city programs, projects, processes, and budgets. While these methods have evolved over time, the focus is on what further actions can be taken to broaden our community engagement efforts, increase interest in serving on commissions, improve neighborhood stewardship, and foster civil public discourse, while creating a stronger sense of belonging for all residents. This Council subcommittee serves as the method to analyze and explore ways to achieve those goals.

Public Meeting Information:

Most recent meeting was Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4 p.m. at the Tempe Public Library, Willow Room, 3500 S. Rural Rd.

Public Input Sessions

A connected and engaged community is healthier, happier and more involved with improving the city. Share your ideas on how to empower our active and involved community and improve overall engagement opportunities for everyone. Results will be shared with the Community Engagement Council Subcommittee.

Each date will offer the same information to discuss. If you cannot attend, please take the survey at tempe.gov/forum.

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.
North Tempe Multi-Generational Center
1555 N. Bridalwreath St.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Escalante Multi-Generational Center
2150 E. Orange St.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.
Kiwanis Recreation Center
6111 S. All America Way

Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.
Tempe Public Library
3500 S. Rural Road

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.
Svob Park
2600 W. Vineyard Rd.

Questions: Council Assistant: Parrish Spisz 480-350-8599

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