2021 State of the City Address

On November 5, 2021, The Tempe Chamber’s Annual State of the City, presented by Edward Jones, brought together Tempe’s business, civic and community leaders. The State of the City Address, featuring Mayor Corey Woods and the Tempe City Council, explored how the City of Tempe is working with the business community, nonprofit partners, and educational institutions to positively impact the physical, economic and social factors that impact the community’s health and well-being.

The program began with a request from Mayor Corey Woods for everyone to stand up and dance to celebrate returning to in-person events. Following a brief dance, attendees watched a video of Mayor Woods “riding” around Tempe on a stationary Peloton bike. The video celebrated Peloton coming to Tempe, opening its office in January of 2022. 

Councilmember Doreen Garlid then spoke about how the City of Tempe is planning for future traffic flow with new, sustainable transportation options. Through a Transportation Demand Management Program, the city aims to create mobility hubs and expanding access to electric vehicle charging. Councilmember Lauren Kuby spoke about Tempe’s Climate Action Plan and sustainability efforts. She spoke about how the CAP was created to reduce carbon emissions and create a city that is more resilient to the challenges of climate change. 

Councilmember Arredondo-Savage explored small business efforts and accomplishments while at Oats Overnight, a fast-growing new, healthy food being manufactured in Tempe. She emphasized that businesses still needed support post-pandemic. Vice Mayor Keating spoke about some of the new hotels, including The Westin, Best Western’s Vib Tempe and the Omni Tempe ASU Hotel & Conference Center. He also reviewed developments and welcomed businesses that are coming soon, including the 100 Mill development and new offices for Deloitte, Carvana, Vitalant and Peloton. 

Councilmember Adams provided information about opportunities for people to improve their financial futures, featuring many of the programs available at Rio Salado College. Councilmember Navarro showed how Tempe Fire and Tempe Police are working together to save lives with Narcan, partnering with CARE7 and more.