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Jennifer Adams is a dedicated public servant with deep roots in Tempe and nearly three decades of experience working within city government. Originally from Nebraska, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Nebraska in 1987 before moving to Arizona to complete her Master of Social Work at Arizona State University in 1989.

Her commitment to service was shaped early on by her parents—her father, a mayor in her hometown, and her mother, a lifelong community volunteer—who instilled in her the importance of giving back.

Jennifer spent 29 years working for the City of Tempe, serving in Human Services, Public Works and Internal Services. In these roles, she managed multi-million-dollar budgets, led large teams and helped deliver critical city services.

Her leadership extended beyond Tempe. She served as president of the Arizona chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), founded the organization’s national Young Professionals Committee, chaired its national Diversity Committee and contributed to its Sustainability Committee. She also served as president of the Tempe Employee Council.

Tempe City Council Service

After retiring from the City of Tempe, Jennifer followed in her father’s footsteps by winning a seat on the Tempe City Council in 2018, and was re-elected in 2022. She served as Tempe's Vice Mayor from 2022 - 2024.

Today, she serves as a full-time councilmember, using her deep institutional knowledge to advance policies and projects that improve quality of life for Tempe residents.

Key Accomplishments

Jennifer has led and supported initiatives that strengthen Tempe’s neighborhoods, infrastructure and sustainability efforts. Highlights include:

• Annexation of a portion of the County Island in north Tempe to support revitalization and development
• Advancing a new recreation center and pool at Clark Park
• Bringing back Tempe’s Park Ranger program
• Securing significant funding increases for the city’s pavement restoration program
• Launching the Trees for Tempe program to expand the city’s urban canopy and combat extreme heat
• Promoting sustainability through green building practices, energy-efficient city facilities and expanded shaded bus shelters

Leadership & Regional Involvement

Jennifer plays an active role in both local and national leadership:

• President, National League of Cities LGBTQ+ Local Officials Constituency Group
• Board Member, Democratic Municipal Officials
• Member, National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Federal Advocacy Committee
• Vice Chair, Valley Metro Board of Directors
• Chair, Valley Metro RPTA Board
• Member, Valley Metro Audit & Finance Subcommittee
• Board Member, Tempe Tourism
• Member, Kiwanis Club of Tempe

 

Several times a year, Councilmember Adams hosts "Join Jennifer" events, which highlight programs, businesses, and activities available in Tempe, as well as offers opportunities for residents to bring their questions and concerns to the table and have their voices heard.