Turning Conversations Into Action: Maricopa’s Bold Push in Washington

Published on March 11, 2025

Maricopa’s city leaders know that big changes don’t happen by waiting—they happen through action. And for another consecutive year, they took that action straight to Washington, D.C.

With critical projects on the table—like SR 347 widening— Mayor Nancy Smith, Councilmembers AnnaMarie Knorr, and Vincent Manfredi, along with the city’s Intergovernmental Affairs Director Katy Proctor arrived in the nation’s capital ready to turn conversations into results. One of the trip’s biggest priorities was the widening of SR 347, a project that will directly impact the safety and mobility of Maricopa residents for decades to come.

Four people stand in an office wearing formal attire, smiling. A world map and military photos adorn the wall, setting a professional tone.

Four people stand smiling in an office, wearing formal attire. Behind them is a large world map. The atmosphere is professional and friendly.

Four people stand smiling in an office space, flanked by U.S. and Arizona flags. A poster reads

Left to Right: Meeting with Congressman Eli Crane, Meeting with Congressman Andy Biggs, Meeting with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari.

Four people in formal attire sit at a meeting table with laptops and papers, engaged in a discussion. A digital screen displays news in the background.

A group of five people stands in front of a wooden door surrounded by a U.S. flag and an Arizona state flag. They are dressed in formal business attire and smiling, suggesting a positive, professional atmosphere.

Four people in professional attire sit at a conference table in a meeting room, attentively watching a wall-mounted screen. The atmosphere is focused.

Left to Right: Meeting with Senator Ruben Gallego's staff, Meeting with Congressman Paul Gosar, Meeting with U.S. Department of Transportation Staff.

A group of six people in business attire sits around a wooden conference table in a modern, glass-walled meeting room. They are engaged in conversation.

Meeting with Senator Mark Kelly's Staff.

The city’s leaders met with key members of Congress, including Maricopa’s Congressman Eli Crane, and Arizona representatives Congressman Paul Gosar, Congressman Andy Biggs, Congressman Greg Stanton, and Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari. Additionally, they engaged with staff from the offices of Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as Congressmen David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani.

“Every conversation we had in Washington reinforced that our federal partners understand Maricopa’s needs and are ready to help,” expressed Mayor Smith. “We’ve built strong relationships over the years, and this trip was about strengthening those connections to ensure real action. I’m confident that our work this week will translate into meaningful progress for Maricopa.”

Another major focus of the trip was advocating for the self-administration of federal project funds. Currently, federal funding for projects like the proposed pedestrian bridge connecting the two halves of the Heritage District is routed through state agencies such as ADOT, which can slow down the process and increse the cost of projects. Maricopa’s leaders are pushing for a system where the city can directly manage federal funds for projects, enabling faster completion times and greater cost-efficiency.

“The response from lawmakers and staff was overwhelmingly positive,” shared Mayor Smith. “I think we were able to show how this shift could significantly improve how federal funds are managed and distributed.”

Through these meetings, Maricopa’s leaders have set the stage for more funding, faster project completion, and a stronger, safer community. This ongoing effort to build relationships in Washington, D.C. is a testament to Maricopa’s commitment to its future—and to the importance of working together to make that future a reality.