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Peoria Mayor

Mayor and City or Town Council In Arizona, most cities and towns operate under a council–manager form of government. The Mayor is the city or town’s chief elected official, providing leadership and policy direction. At the same time, a City or Town Manager, appointed by the Council, oversees daily operations and municipal staff. The Mayor typically presides over Council meetings, represents the municipality publicly, and serves as a voting member of the governing body. In most Arizona municipalities, the Mayor does not have independent veto authority; decisions are made collectively by the Council as defined by state law and local charters.The City or Town Council serves as the legislative and policymaking body. Council members adopt ordinances and resolutions, approve the annual budget and capital improvement plans, set local policy priorities, and oversee city operations. They also respond to constituent concerns through public meetings, correspondence, and coordination with city staff. Most Arizona cities and towns hold nonpartisan elections for Mayor and Council, and four-year terms are typical. Why You Should CareThe Mayor and City or Town Council make decisions that directly affect daily life in Arizona communities. They set priorities and allocate spending for essential local services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services; housing and homelessness programs; streets, transportation, water, sewer, and trash services; parks and recreation; zoning and development; and long-term infrastructure planning. These officials also represent their communities in regional planning efforts related to growth, transportation, water resources, and climate resilience. Voting in these local races gives residents a direct voice in how their city or town is governed and how public resources are used.For additional information:https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-mayorhttps://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-city-and-town-council-members

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  • Candidate picture

    Michael Finn
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Art Miller
    (Non)

Biographical Information

What are your fiscal priorities, and what policies would you support to promote sustainable economic and business growth?

How would you balance economic development with the preservation of green space and neighborhood quality of life?

What policies would you support to ensure a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the city?

What is your approach to zoning and commercial development near residential areas, and how would you address community safety concerns?

What steps would you take to improve transparency and accountability in City Council decision-making?

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Campaign Email art@millerformayor.org
Campaign Phone 602-419-4446
Public Policy Priorities fiscal responsibility beginning with an external forensic audit of the city's budget, restoring transparency and trust between City Hall and the community, supporting public safety, infrastructure and parks.
Qualifications and Experience I’ve spent my career serving communities across Arizona and California—and for the past seven years, I’ve proudly served the people of Peoria. As Police Chief, I focused on reducing crime and strengthening relationships with the residents, businesses, and schools that make this city so special. But leading a city goes beyond public safety. It requires fiscal discipline, vision, and the ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. That’s the leadership I’ve practiced throughout my career—from running departments with hundreds of employees to working side by side with elected officials and community groups. In 2021, I also served as Peoria’s Deputy City Manager. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Woodbury University. I’m also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the West Point Leadership Program, and served as an instructor for the California Supervisory Leadership Institute.
Endorsements Citizens for Smart Growth, AFSCME (American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees)
Community Service Board member for Heads Up (work with horses for therapy work with disabled youth), Big Brother for Greater Los Angeles, work with Corazone (a organization that builds homes for those in need in Mexico), Arizona Greater Special Olympics.
Education FBI National Academy, Graduate of West Point Leadership Program, Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Masters in Organizational Leadership, instructor for California POST for 8 years.
There is currently a lot of distrust where the city's money is being spent. I think the first priority is to get a clear understanding of where the city's money is being used through a forensic financial audit of the city's spending and accounts. Sustainable growth is important for a city's economic base, but it is essential that growth pays for itself and does not rely soley on taxpayer dollars. As Mayor, I would ensure that Peoria grows in a way that keeps our neighborhoods safe and livable, protects the desert and open spaces people value, uses water wisely, and makes sure new growth is affordable to serve and maintain over time.
Peoria is growing fast, but growth without a plan threatens the very character of our community. We must champion the right development at the right location. This means curating a balanced business portfolio, from beloved mom-and-pop shops to strategic industrial and commercial hubs, while protecting the peace, quiet, and traffic flow of existing residential neighborhoods. Irresponsible development can strain our resources and compromise our future. My plan will prioritize smooth transitions between commercial zones and homes, protect our water supply though conservation-first rules, and ensure that vital public infrastructure keeps pace with construction.
Peoria has been water conservation conscious for many years, storing water underground to protect for future generations. I would continue this practice and ensure that before any industrial or manufacturing enters our city that our citizens will be served with water resources first.
To protect our community, we must champion smart, intentional development. I will build a thriving local economy—supporting everything from trusted local business owners to high-value commercial hubs—without sacrificing the peace, safety, and flow of our residential neighborhoods. My commitment is simple: smart zoning buffers, proactive water conservation, and infrastructure upgrades that arrive before development, not after.
One of my top priorities is to rebuild the bond between City Hall and the people of Peoria, This is done by ensuring total financial clarity and living up to the promise of being a government that listens. We will use modern technology to show exactly how your tax dollars are spent through a forward-facing online dashboard, and will also put a greater focus on our boards and commissions to ensure every region and generation has a seat at the table.