Speaking up for change: City Leaders at Work in Washington, D.C.

Published on March 12, 2024

A diverse group of five individuals in business attire sit around a conference table, engaged in discussion. Papers and folders are spread out, indicating a meeting.

Maricopa's Mayor Nancy Smith and Councilmembers Eric Goettl and Henry Wade recently took their passion for the city all the way to Capitol Hill. With a jam-packed agenda this past Thursday and Friday, they met with members of Congress and federal agencies in Washington, D.C., to push for support on key projects crucial for Maricopa's future.

"Bringing Maricopa's voice directly to the heart of our nation's capital is more than advocacy—it's about making connections, sharing our story, and securing the support Maricopa needs to thrive,” Mayor Smith shares.

At the top of that agenda is securing federal funding to support the improvements along State Route 347. With state funding on the line, city leaders hope to move the needle at the next level, spending time with Congressman Eli Crane of Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, Congressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, and Congressman Greg Stanton of Arizona’s 4th Congressional District.

Four individuals stand smiling in an office setting. They are dressed in business attire. A flag and a bookshelf are visible in the background.

Photo 1: Councilmember Wade, Congressman Greg Stanton, Mayor Smith and Councilmember Goettl

Four people stand smiling in front of an American flag indoors. Three men in suits and a woman in a black suit convey a formal, positive mood.

Photo 2: Councilmember Goettl, Congressman Eli Crane, Mayor Smith and Councilmember Wade

Four people stand closely, smiling in front of a window with wooden blinds. They're dressed in formal attire, suggesting a professional setting.

Photo 3: Councilmember Wade, Congressman Ruben Gallego, Mayor Smith and Councilmember Goettl

“Our meetings with Representatives Crane, Gallego, and Stanton are not just about asking for funding; they're about painting a vivid picture of the transformative impact these improvements along State Route 347 will have on our community,” Councilmember Goettl Explains. “We hear time and time again from our community members that something needs to be done, and that is why we are here working to make changes happen.”

In addition, time was spent with the staff of U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema and staff from both the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not only discussing SR 347 but flood control measures being taken around our community and the support needed at the federal level to continue projects.

The trip was rounded out by meeting with the staff of Congressman Juan Ciscomani of Arizona’s 6th Congressional District and Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs Arlando Teller himself. Conversations Mayor Smith is sure will bring positive movement to projects around our city and even neighboring areas.

Photo: City of Maricopa Intergovernmental Affairs Director Katy Proctor, Councilmember Henry Wade, Mayor Smith, and Councilmember Goettl take a meeting in D.C.

“We had some very long, but more importantly productive days in D.C.,” Mayor Smith shares. “We have seen what good these meetings have done for our community in the past, so I am excited to see what they continue to do for our community moving forward.”

In recent years, the city secured federal funding support for a pedestrian bridge to help reenergize the Heritage District, an aquifer recharge project, and a plan to expand waterline infrastructure to service the West side of the city.