Strengthening Phoenix’s future during D.C. meetings

Kesha Hodge Washington

Submitted photo/City of Phoenix

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on early education and housing in Phoenix? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — I was in Washington, D.C., recently to advocate on behalf of Phoenix and District 8 residents. We held several productive meetings with the Arizona congressional delegation and representatives of national organizations and federal departments. 

As chair of the city’s Community Services and Education Subcommittee, I met on issues from early education to housing.

A meeting with the National Head Start Association involved the administration’s proposed rule changes and coordinating a response. If enacted, the changes would have a negative impact on the city’s Head Start programs and its young learners. Review more information and submit a comment by Oct. 6 asking the Department of Human Services to protect Head Start.

I also connected with leaders from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to advocate for more housing choice vouchers and to discuss how passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help us. The new law will give cities stronger tools to build housing faster, reduce barriers and support families who are being priced out or pushed out.

On several panels, I spoke with Arizona business leaders and utility-industry professionals. I shared the city’s plan to secure our water future, as well as our collaboration throughout the region to meet that goal, including my role as a board member of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. I emphasized that my focus is to ensure both reliable and affordable water and energy. I am making sure we do our part to guarantee that Phoenix has a bright energy future. 

I went to D.C. for new ideas to bring back. From affordable housing to reliable energy, I am looking forward to these innovative approaches. The week was about building relationships, advocating for our residents and new ways to continue building a stronger Phoenix together.

Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington represents District 8 on the Phoenix City Council. This was distributed as part of her newsletter. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.