Start Date:  Announced at the Nov. 13, 2025 Work Study Session

Chair: Councilmember Randy Keating

New Subcommittee Members: Vice Mayor Arlene Chin and Councilmember Bobby Nichols

Purpose: The propose of Council Subcommittee is to examine potential updates to Tempe’s election processes focused on mayor and council term limits, with the goal of enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in local government. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Arizona cities vary widely in their rules for mayor and council term limits and election processes. Mayors and councilmembers generally serve four-year terms. Some cities impose term limits, like neighboring Phoenix and Mesa, which restrict mayors to two consecutive four-year terms. Other cities apply similar limits to councilmembers—typically two or three four-year terms. In some cases, officials may wait four years before becoming eligible to run again, while others prohibit further service altogether. The City of Tempe currently holds no such term limitations.

The Tempe Term Limits Policy Review Council Subcommittee will evaluate the effectiveness of different term limit structures and assess whether current policies align with Performance Measure 2.15: Participation in City Decisions. Following this review, the Council Subcommittee may recommend maintaining existing policies or adopting new ones that “strengthen public involvement and collaboration between residents and city government.” If policy changes are recommended, the Council Subcommittee will also explore potential avenues for implementing a charter amendment, including the possibility of referring the matter to City of Tempe voters.

Questions: Council Assistant:  Keaton Hill (480)  350-8463

Subcommittee Update:
At the June 11, 2026 Work Study Session Councilmember Keating update the committee to also review additional election-related issues, including, but not limited to, exploring council districts and ranked-choice voting.  The new Council Subcommittee name is Governance, Representation and Elections Council Subcommittee.

Sept. 3, 2026 Councilmember Keating announced Council Subcommittee name change and new Council members.

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