After eight years of dedicated service on the Town Council — including four as Vice Mayor — incoming Cave Creek Mayor Kathryn Royer is prepared to take the reins of primary leadership.
Her decision to run was spurred by outgoing Mayor Bob Morris, who announced his retirement back in January.
“Bob Morris announced his retirement and asked me to succeed him, given that we were elected at the same time in 2018 and worked our way up through the Council over the last eight years,” Royer said. “We’ve covered many difficult issues together, along with the rest of the Council, and he knew I was poised and ready for primary leadership responsibility.”
Royer learned a lot from Morris that she plans to lean on as she takes over his role.
“Bob Morris is incredibly intelligent with a firm grip on infrastructure, engineering and budget management,” Royer said. “He and I shared knowledge and strategies of our water supply and infrastructure issues which resulted in a far more reliable water and wastewater utility system in Cave Creek. I respect and intend to emulate Bob’s ability to fully analyze situations to benefit the residents of Cave Creek.”
Morris has high praise for Royer as she ascends to the mayor’s role.
“Kathryn is totally dedicated to the fundamental principles Cave Creek residents want from its government,” Morris said. “She is a super networker who knows how to represent the Town in all power circles that the mayor must operate.”
Royer’s extensive background over eight years on the Council has provided a comprehensive grounding in municipal operations, from zoning and budgets to emergency services, road infrastructure, and water utility management.
Royer played a key role in recruiting Town Manager Grady Miller and has worked closely with staff and volunteers to advance town goals. This local experience seamlessly complements her 40-year career as a news reporter, corporate communicator, and government policy professional.
“It’s an enormous responsibility and I don’t take it lightly,” Royer said. “I will set the tone for leadership on our Council and our daily community life. I am quickly becoming the public face and voice of our town, representing Cave Creek in the media, at regional and state governmental meetings and events, and serving as a spokesperson at community functions.”
Her ascension to the office marks a notable milestone: becoming only the third female mayor in Cave Creek’s 40-year history.
She honors the path forged by her predecessors, Jacky Davis and Laura Cox. Davis, appointed shortly after incorporation in 1986, navigated environmental protections and resisted absorption into Phoenix, while Cox managed rapid commercial and residential growth in the 1990s alongside flood control battles and intense media scrutiny.
“It seems navigating transitional periods for Cave Creek is our common ground,” Royer said.
Upon taking office on Dec. 1, Royer’s immediate agenda highlights long-term water sustainability, completing the purchase of 4.005 acres of state land for open space preservation, supporting local business vitality, attracting and retaining Town Hall workforce talent, improving traffic safety, and upgrading town infrastructure — all while protecting Cave Creek’s unique southwestern culture.
Water sustainability remains one of the most critical issues facing the town. With 95% of Cave Creek’s water supply dependent on the Colorado River — facing imminent cutbacks via the Central Arizona Project in 2028 — Royer and Morris have proactively forged regional partnerships with neighboring cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Peoria, and Surprise to secure future supplies.
Drawing on her 20-year career at CAP, Royer championed a campaign platform in 2018 to bank excess Colorado River water underground through the CAP recharge program,
Cave Creek has successfully stored over 3,000 acre-feet of water credits, which can be exchanged for wet water as needed.
Royer’s professional relationships across the Valley and state water organizations continue to prove invaluable as the region navigates Colorado River allocation challenges.
Morris knows the challenges that Royer will face.
“Water issues will likely dominate much of the next two years due to the 30-year drought and Arizona’s efforts to craft water law and policy in response to lower CAP deliveries,” Morris said.
Miller has complete comfidence in Royer heading into both the water and state land issues.
“I have a high level of confidence in Kathryn providing leadership on both water and state land matters,” Miller said. “Kathryn has had a tremendous amount of professional experience at Central Arizona Project (CAP) and advising the town on water policy matters. Through her relationship with leaders at CAP and the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Town of Cave Creek received authorization to bank its excess allocation of water resources for several years.
“Along with the entire Town Council, Kathryn supported having town residents study and evaluate the possibility of Cave Creek acquiring 4,005 acres of State Trust land,” Miller added. “While there are more steps involved in the process to acquire the trust land, Kathryn will continue to display considerable leadership in proceeding with the State Land Department auction and purchase process.”
Looking ahead, Royer’s vision centers on humble, service-oriented leadership — guided by author Ken Blanchard’s principle that true leadership is about serving others.
Royer’s goal is to ensure a secure, vibrant future for Cave Creek’s residents and businesses within the Sonoran Desert habitat, supported by a high-functioning, transparent, and trustworthy town government.
“I did not go into this volunteer position on Council for my own benefit,” Royer said. “I knew that my years as a news reporter, corporate communicator and government policy work over the past four decades would be of value to my community.
“I have balanced my career and council membership with being a mother, grandmother and wife,” Royer added. “I cherish all of those roles. I think this community knows that after 30 years in Cave Creek, I apply all of my skills and experience to make the best decisions on behalf of all of us who live, visit and work here.”
Meet Jeff Jeff Wendt started at Independent Newsmedia in January 2023, after 25 years working for Gannett and The Arizona Republic. Started as a high school sports scoretaker, worked up to reporting high school sports and then became an associate high school sports editor in 2002. Also worked in the Design Studio as a copy editor.
Community: Jeff serves on the Board of Elders at his local church.
Education: Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
Random fact: Attended Game 2 of the 2001 World Series.
Hobbies: Playing video games (yes still the kid in me), watching reality TV, playing poker.
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