The Undergraduate Student Government Tempe has worked to promote dialogue between students and Tempe officials through forums, efforts to improve campus safety and support for recent legislation.
USGT Student Body President Rishik Chaudhary, a senior studying supply chain management and business, said the student government is working toward building a stronger connection between ASU and the government of Tempe.
Chaudhary said USGT regularly hosts events for students to engage informally with city leadership, including Mayor Corey Woods and members of the City Council. These events are designed to foster open dialogue between students and officials.
Ryan Cantrill, the USGT chief of staff and a senior studying communication and political leadership and history, said USGT's goal is "to bring the government to the people."
Cantrill said USGT communicates what's happening at Tempe City Hall with students through its campus newsletter.
READ MORE: New Tempe development to bring affordable housing, a grocery store
USGT also provides opportunities for students to work with the city government to improve safety on campus through anonymous reporting forms and safety walks, Cantrill said. Students can raise concerns that are then reported to city officials through USGT.
"That is a collaborative effort between the University student government and the city of Tempe to ensure that students feel safe here on campus, but in the local campus life as well," Cantrill said.
During the process of passing the drink spiking ordinance in Tempe, numerous University students voiced their opinions on the legislation. Among them was Nathan Edlebeck, the USGT director of university affairs and a senior studying business.
"(They're) welcome to having the younger voices, especially student voices, come in, get involved," Edlebeck said. "They're very patient with you, too, as everyone's learning the ins and outs and whatnot."
READ MORE: Tempe drink spiking ordinance to require drink testing kits, signage in bars
Edlebeck said he got involved with the Tempe City Council after connecting with Councilmember Randy Keating, the sponsor of the drink spiking ordinance. He said it's important to reach out to councilmembers about issues students care about.
"Go reach out to one of them and say, 'Hey, this is an issue I'm worried about,' and you'll be able to get connected pretty much instantly," Edlebeck said.
Edlebeck also organized a "Turn Down the Heat" event, which he said included Woods, Tempe Councilmember Nikki Amberg and former Mesa Mayor John Giles, to promote civil discourse.
With tens of thousands of students living, studying and socializing in the city, local officials work to incorporate student perspectives into policymaking, Edlebeck said.
Chaudhary said joining a city commission is a great way to get involved with the city of Tempe.
"There's a bunch of different commissions that students and members of the city can join, whether that be zoning, youth engagement, energy and water," Chaudhary said. "That's one of the biggest ways that we can get involved right now as students."
While Chaudhary won't be student body president next year, he said he wants to set his replacement up for success by introducing them to Tempe officials.
USGT hopes to continue to build a relationship with the city government, Edlebeck said.
Upcoming events aim to increase dialogue between students and city officials. Cantrill said an April forum hosted by USGT will focus on civic engagement in Arizona, offering guidance on how students can participate in local politics and public service.
"Local government is where the most change is able to happen," Edlebeck said. "If you're a student and you want to create change, why not go start there, where everyone's welcoming and willing to help you get it done."
Edited by Carsten Oyer, Jack McCarthy and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at ksmitten@asu.edu.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
