Tempe City Council Meeting – July 1, 2026: Oath of Office and Vice Mayor Election
Tempe City Council Meeting – July 1, 2026
Oath of Office and Swearing-In Ceremony
The regular city council meeting on July 1, 2026, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The primary order of business was the swearing-in of new and returning council members. Councilmember Arlene Chin (returning), and newly elected councilmembers Brooke St. George and Bobby Nichols each took the oath of office administered by the city clerk. The council recognized numerous distinguished guests in attendance, including state and local elected officials.
Key Outcomes
- Oath of Office Administered to Councilmembers Arlene Chin, Brooke St. George, and Bobby Nichols, beginning their new terms of office.
- Vice Mayor Election: Councilmember Arlene Chin was unanimously elected Vice Mayor by a roll-call vote of 6–0 (motion by Vice Mayor Garland, seconded by Councilmember Keating).
- Next Regular Meeting scheduled for August 31, 2026.
- Reception honoring the new council members held immediately after adjournment in the Don Cassano Community Room at the Tempe Transportation Center.
Councilmember Comments
- Vice Mayor Chin thanked her campaign team, family, city staff, and residents, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration and service.
- Councilmember St. George credited her upbringing in Tempe and the support of a broad community network, vowing to listen and make informed decisions for the city.
- Councilmember Nichols expressed gratitude to progressive and labor groups, his family, and partner, reaffirming his commitment to governing as a democratic socialist focused on working people and social programs.
- Councilmember Keating praised the new members’ integrity and empathy, noting his confidence in their leadership.
- Councilmember Garland highlighted Councilmember St. George’s authenticity and Councilmember Nichols’ policy passion.
- Councilmember Amberg welcomed the new members, noting her excitement to work with them.
- Mayor Woods congratulated all, emphasizing Councilmember St. George’s transportation role and Councilmember Nichols’ advocacy for vulnerable communities. He also acknowledged Vice Mayor Chin’s preparedness and guidance.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
Sure. My God, his giant. Yes, yes. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Tempe City Council regular council meeting. Item number one is called to order. Council meetings can be watched in real time via Cox Cable Channel Eleven and at Tempe.gov slash Tempe Eleven. Members of the public may also attend the meeting virtually through Microsoft Teams. I'd now like to invite everyone who is able and willing to stand to join me in a moment of silence. I'd now like to ask everyone to remain standing if you already are for the posting of the colors by the police and fire honor guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Please feel free if you are in the audience tonight that I recognize you to stand and be recognized by the audience. Salt River Project Board Vice President Casey Klaus. Constable Karen Lathan. City of Phoenix District 7 Councilwoman Ana Hernandez. City of Glendale Cactus District Councilmember Lupe Conscious. Arizona District 8 Representative Brian Garcia. Arizona District 12 Representative Stacey Travers. Arizona District 8, Senator Lauren QB. Tempe Union High School Governing Board President Armando Montero. Tempe Union High School Governing Board Member Nicole Gutierrez Miller. The Honorable Sean Bowie. The Honorable Debra Dardozi. And the Honorable Sarah James. Is there anyone that I missed this evening? Oh, the Honorable Lady Sears. Yes, how are you? Yes. Thank you so much, each and every one of you for being here this evening. With that, we're going to get right to the heart of the program here with item number five, the oath of office, swearing in of new city council members and returning council member. Which means I'm going to start with who's listed here is item five A, Councilmember Arlene Chin. It's my pleasure to invite Councilmember Chin to join our city clerk, Cara de Arastia at the front of the dais for the administration of the oath of office. Yes. Well, first start off by talking about how everyone for taking their oath of office this evening. This will be your first official act for your new term. All elected public officers in the state of Arizona are required to take a solemn oath to the community as a whole and to uphold the constitution's laws and governing documents that define the duties and obligations entrusted to them by the voters. Councilmember elect Arlene Chen, please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I Arlene Chen. Do you solemnly swear? Do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution. Of the United States. And the Constitution and Laws. And the Constitution and Laws of the State of Arizona. Of the state of Arizona. And the Charter Codes and Ordinances. And the Charter, Code, and Ordinances. Of the City of Tempe. Of the City of Tempe. That I will bear true faith. That I will bear. True faith.
openpublica.com