AZ League Connection

The League's Monthly Online Newsletter

Issue 182: June 2018

League Staff to Travel the State to Give Legislative Update

League staff will be traveling the state to meet with our member cities and towns to provide an overview and recap of the major issues from the 2018 legislative session and their impact on cities and towns.

We will also discuss League services, upcoming events and trainings, and how we can better serve our cities and towns.

Wednesday, July 11
2:00 p.m.
Sierra Vista City Hall

Council Chambers
1011 N. Coronado
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Monday, July 16
10:00 a.m.
Prescott Public Library

Founders Suite (located on bottom floor of library)
215 E. Goodwin Street
Prescott AZ, 86303

Tuesday, July 17
10:00 a.m.
Sedona City Hall

Auxiliary Meeting Room
102 Roadrunner Drive
Sedona, AZ 86336

All city and town staff and local elected officials are invited to attend.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling or e-mailing League staff at 602-258-5786 or league@azleague.org. Make sure to let them know which date and location you plan to attend.

League Legislative Update

League Legislative Director Retires After 20 Years Serving Cities 

Patrice Kraus

After three years as Legislative Director with the League, and more than 20 years in service of local governments, Patrice Kraus is embarking on a new adventure – retirement! Prior to coming on board in December 2015, Patrice served as the intergovernmental affairs coordinator with the City of Chandler, a position she held for more than 20 years. She also previously worked in policy and staff positions with the Arizona State Senate and the governor's office.

While with the League, Patrice led the legislative team through three sessions and worked relentlessly to fight on behalf of our 91 cities and towns.

The League is incredibly grateful for Patrice’s time as director and for her many years of service and dedication to local government. We wish her well in retirement!

League Welcomes New Legislative Director

Nick Ponder

Nick Ponder has been named the new Legislative Director for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Ponder previously held the position of Pension Policy Analyst with the League. Prior to joining the League, he was with the Arizona State Retirement System as Government Relations Officer and worked for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Pension Bureau. He joined the League a year ago as a specialist in pension issues, primarily PSPRS, as well as carrying a lobbying portfolio that included public safety issues, HURF funding, local control issues and digital goods. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in International Relations.

"Nick has done an excellent job at the League in working with cities and towns to make sense of their PSPRS pension obligations and manage this costly budget item. He also proved effective in negotiations on complex bills and earned credibility with a number of state legislators," said League Executive Director Ken Strobeck.

"I look forward to working with all cities and towns across the state to make their voices heard in the legislative process. Local government provides essential services such as public safety, utilities, streets and roads, parks and other amenities that enhance our quality of life and create a positive environment for Arizona's citizens and businesses," Ponder said.

 

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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
Email: newsletter@azleague.org