City of Tempe, AZ
Home MenuFederal and State Advocacy Review
Federal and State Advocacy Review
Start Date: Announced at the Dec. 11, 2025 Work Study Session
Chair: Councilmember Nikki Amberg
Subcommittee Members: Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid and Councilmember Randy Keating
Purpose: The Council Subcommittee on Federal and Legislative Advocacy Review is proposes to be established to evaluate, modernize, and realign the federal and legislative priorities presented to the Tempe City Council. It’s purpose is to strengthen the city’s policy framework, ensuring that local initiatives remain responsive to evolving federal mandates, legislative developments, and intergovernmental opportunities.
Through this work, the Council Subcommittee aims to position the city as a proactive and influential participant in the broader policy landscape: advancing local interests while fostering strategic alignment with state and federal objectives.
Background: Tempe’s ability to deliver our strategic priorities are influenced by state and federal legislation. The City advocates for preserving local decision-making, protecting existing revenue sources, maintaining flexibility in service delivery, and safeguarding local investments. The City of Tempe operates under its City Charter, which empowers residents to determine local policies through their elected Mayor and City Council. This local governance framework ensures that decisions are made closest to the people they impact.
Recently, state legislative trends in Arizona have increasingly challenged municipal authority, limiting cities’ ability to tailor policies to meet community needs.
State and federal policy considerations intersect with Tempe’s priorities in the following ways:
- Public Safety & Community Services: Legislation affecting police, fire, transit, and emergency services directly impacts the City’s ability to maintain safe and secure communities. Tempe supports policies that allow local control of enforcement, emergency services, and public safety training.
- Infrastructure & Growth: Federal and state infrastructure funding, economic development incentives, and land-use regulations influence Tempe’s capacity for sustainable growth and resilient development. The City prioritizes flexibility in planning and water/resource management, along with building code and environmental protections.
- Financial Stability & Revenue Authority: State policies on taxation, shared revenues, and regulatory mandates affect the City’s fiscal health. Tempe emphasizes preserving revenue streams, managing costs efficiently, and leveraging state/federal programs to enhance financial stability.
- Quality of Life & Equity: Human services, housing, climate action, and access to community infrastructure are impacted by broader legislative frameworks. Tempe advocates for equitable funding, inclusive policies, and support for mental health, workforce housing, and victim advocacy programs.
Public Meeting Information:
Feb. 20, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Tempe City Hall
31 E. Fifth St
Tempe, AZ 85281
Meeting ID: 246 966 149 135 31
Passcode: wo269wF7
Dial in by phone
+1 480-498-8745,,697806194# United States, Phoenix
Phone conference ID: 697 806 194#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: tempe@m.webex.com
Video ID: 112 749 608 9
Questions: Council Assistant: Melissa Westbrook 480-350-8635
Sign up to receive email updates about Tempe Council Subcommittees.