Tempe holds neighborhood day at the Arizona State Capitol
Tempe holds neighborhood day at the State Capitol
Independent Newsmedia/Madeline Bates
In a boardroom of the Senate building at the Arizona Capitol building, members of the state Legislature recently hosted residents of all Tempe neighborhoods for education and discussion about topics surrounding voting, education, land use and more.
The discussion was mainly led by Tempe’s government relations director, Jonathan Shuffield, who presented several bills that were in movement through the legislature and where the city stood on each issue. He also allowed discussion and questions for all attendees.
Residents had concerns about the issues on a state and local level but enjoyed being able to come face-to-face with their representatives.
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In a boardroom of the Senate building at the Arizona Capitol building, members of the state Legislature recently hosted residents of all Tempe neighborhoods for education and discussion about topics surrounding voting, education, land use and more.
The discussion was mainly led by Tempe’s government relations director, Jonathan Shuffield, who presented several bills that were in movement through the legislature and where the city stood on each issue. He also allowed discussion and questions for all attendees.
Residents had concerns about the issues on a state and local level but enjoyed being able to come face-to-face with their representatives.
“I like to be able to visit with our legislators, I know that they’re busy but being on site here at the Capitol helps us see what they’re doing statewide,” said Rosetta Walker, a Tempe resident of over 30 years who has been to the past five neighborhood days at the Capitol.
Walker was one of around 30 neighborhood board members, residents and officials to spend the morning learning about the bills and resolutions that could impact voters in 2026.
State Senators Lauren Kuby, Kiana Sears, and Mitzi Epstein made an appearance, and Representatives Janeen Conolly, Patty Contreras, and Stacey Travers also appeared for a discussion with concerned residents.
“We want people to know that Tempe is a city that cares and that it is an honor to have residents take time to come down to the Capitol to learn about issues that impact them,” Councilmember Berdetta Hodge said after the event.
Neighborhood days happen annually, but the public is free to contact any state senator or representative to share their thoughts and ideas.
To learn more about the state legislature and issues that could affect communities in Tempe, visit https://www.azleg.gov/
To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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