April 14, 2022, The Tempe Chamber hosted the 2022 State of the District with Congressman Greg Stanton, presented by FOX Corporation. Attendees were welcomed by Tempe Chamber President and CEO Colin Diaz, who opened by thanking event sponsors, including host Rio Salado College.
Attendees were then greeted by President Kate Smith of Rio Salado College who spoke about the importance of continuing to work together with the Tempe Chamber and Representative Stanton to make education more affordable, more accessible and equitable for all. Danny O’Brien, executive vice president and head of government relations for Fox Corporation, then spoke about FOX’s new Technology Center at the ASU Research Center in Tempe and introduced Congressman Greg Stanton.
Congressman Greg Stanton began his address by acknowledging the importance of his collaboration with local cities and mayors, including the City of Tempe and Mayor Corey Woods. He highlighted economic growth in Arizona that would require additional investment in water infrastructure and public transportation. Stanton cited Congress’s response to COVID and spoke on the importance of avoiding worsened economic downturn with the passing of the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.
Representative Stanton finished his presentation stating, “Let’s continue to build our local economy higher. Let’s continue to work together to protect our water supply and modernize our infrastructure. Let’s continue to show that the federal government and cities can work closely together to lift up small businesses. Let’s keep at it and continue to show the nation how it’s done.”
The program was rounded out by a Q&A with Diaz and Congressman Stanton on topics ranging from public transportation to the Great Resignation and rising inflation.
