Join Arizona Forward for our annual Statewide Sustainability Summit at the SRP PERA Club, a half-day event bringing together leaders from business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector to explore the ideas and partnerships shaping Arizona’s future.

Through thought-provoking keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, attendees will examine the opportunities and challenges facing our state while exploring innovative solutions that advance sustainability, resilience, and economic prosperity.

Registration is now open, reserve your spot today!

Thank You To Our Summit Sponsors

Summit Agenda

Thrive in 2035: Leading Arizona Through Uncertainty. A day of conversations exploring the decisions, partnerships and solutions that will shape Arizona over the next decade.

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration + Networking Breakfast

Start the day by connecting with leaders from across Arizona's business, government, nonprofit, academic and sustainability communities.

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Welcome

Arizona Forward will set the stage for a day focused on the decisions, partnerships and solutions shaping Arizona's future.

Welcome Remarks
Lori Singleton – President & CEO, Arizona Forward
9:40 – 10:20 AM

Leading from the Ground Up: Arizona's Mayors on Building Resilient Communities

Arizona's cities are on the front lines of growth and change. Mayors from across the state will discuss how communities are navigating infrastructure, housing, economic development, extreme heat, transportation, water, energy and sustainability while preparing for the future.

Panelists
Mayor Kate Gallego – City of Phoenix
Mayor Mark Freeman – City of Mesa
Mayor Corey Woods – City of Tempe
Mayor Becky Daggett – City of Flagstaff
Mayor Regina Romero – City of Tucson
Moderator: Rae Ulrich – Arizona State University
10:20 – 11:00 AM

Powering Arizona's Future: Energy, Infrastructure & Growth

As Arizona grows and attracts new industries, demands on the state's energy system are evolving quickly. Utility leaders will explore how Arizona can support economic growth while maintaining reliable energy, strengthening infrastructure and preparing for increasing demand.

Panelists
Bobby Olsen – Salt River Project
Jacob Tetlow – Arizona Public Service
Erik Bakken – Tucson Electric Power
Moderator: Kelly Barr – ASU Global Futures Laboratory
11:00 – 11:40 AM

Arizona at a Crossroads: Growth, Resilience & the Future

Explore how Arizona's leaders are navigating growth, shaping policy and building a more resilient and sustainable future for communities across the state.

Panelists
Blaise Caudill – Deputy Director of Resiliency, Arizona Office of Resiliency
Mayor Mila Besich – Town of Superior
Supervisor Stephen Miller – Pinal County
Moderator: Dan Stellar – The Nature Conservancy
11:50 AM – 12:30 PM

Networking Lunch

Continue the conversation over lunch and connect with leaders and organizations working across sectors and communities throughout Arizona.

1:10 – 1:45 PM

Arizona's Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders

Emerging leaders from across sectors will share new ideas, changing expectations and their vision for Arizona's future — from water and infrastructure to sustainability, government, business and community leadership.

Panelists
Lauren Click – Let's Go Compost
Chelsea McGuire – Water Infrastructure Finance Authority
Moises Gomez – Local First Arizona
Anthony Mirabito – Salt River Project
Moderator: Colin Tetreault – EY
1:45 – 2:25 PM

Nature, Risk & Resilience

Wildfire, extreme heat, drought, flooding and rapid growth are changing how Arizona thinks about risk. Leaders will explore how planning, natural systems, infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen resilience and prepare communities for future challenges.

Panelists
Jacob Roberts – Arizona Department of Emergency & Military Affairs
Alek Mendoza – Arizona Public Service
Adam Copeland – City of Buckeye
Haley Paul – Audubon Southwest
Moderator: Maggie Soffel – Arizona State University
2:25 – 2:30 PM

Closing Reflections: Arizona's Next Step

We'll close the Summit by reflecting on what we heard throughout the day and looking ahead to how Arizona's leaders, organizations and communities can turn conversation into meaningful action.

Agenda and speakers are subject to change.

Mobilizing Change: Topics From Past Summits

2018

Reshaping the Rio Reimagine Project

2019

Statewide Sustainability Roadmap

2021

Climate Action For Arizona

2022

Clean Transportation for Arizona

2023

Ensuring A Clean Energy Future For Arizona