Tempe, AZ – A limited number of homeless individuals in Tempe could get city jobs and assistance with daily living needs under a two-year pilot program called Tempe Works.

At its Sept. 18 Work Study Session, the Tempe City Council cleared the way for the concept of the program, which would be the first of its kind in Arizona. Partners in the effort include the city, Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), Tempe-based Corporate Job Bank, which is the city’s vendor for temporary employees, and Tempe First United Methodist Church, which coordinates a program for showers and meals for the homeless.

Tempe Works would open a maximum of four part-time city positions, performing functions within the Public Works Department such as repairing refuse cans and maintaining the purity of green organic compost by removing contaminants like plastic bottles. Participants will be paid the state's new minimum wage of $12 an hour and they would be provided assistance with housing, transportation, uniforms, medical care and daily living needs. Positions could have the possibility of becoming full time. 

The concept moves next to the Sept. 28 Regular Council Meeting for a City Council vote on a formal agreement between the city and its partners. If approved, Tempe Works would move forward to implementation and jobs could be filled by the end of 2017.

The idea was developed through a Tempe City Council working group proposed by Councilmember Randy Keating, after he heard of a smaller-scale City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, day worker program. Vice Mayor Robin Arredondo-Savage and Councilmember Joel Navarro also served on the working group to develop Tempe Works.

Keating said Tempe Works can easily be scaled up and possibly create dozens of jobs for Tempe’s homeless – both city jobs and positions at companies contracted with Corporate Job Bank.

“This is a community-based effort to address an issue that impacts our entire region,” Keating said. “I hope it can serve as a model for other cities in the Valley, specifically those that border Tempe, as they also look for creative solutions to our biggest regional problem.”

For more information on Tempe’s comprehensive initiative to end homelessness, visit www.tempe.gov/HomelessResources. 

I wanted to thank you all for your help during the campaign. Last night’s win wasn’t mine, it truly was obtained through a team effort. Our success was earned with the hard work of dozens of volunteers, contributions from hundreds donors, and the grassroots support of thousands of engaged people just like you. I am immensely proud of the strong and positive campaign we ran together. Thank you for making it possible.

I’d like to take the opportunity to specifically thank the campaign team:

Austin Stumpf was my campaign manager and did a fantastic job. Last night’s win puts his all-time campaign record at an impressive 3-0. Campaign manager is a tough job, it’s certainly not for everyone but once again Austin has proved he is more than capable.

Ethan Clay was our campaign intern/campus coordinator and he did a great job. He worked hard, was always there to help and kept a great attitude. Ethan is just starting out his political career, but if his effort in our race is any indicator, I think it’s safe to say he has a bright future.

Paige Reesor not only is my girlfriend but also one of my biggest advocates. She cooked breakfast for 10-20 volunteers almost every weekend from June 2014 all the way through Election Day. Paige more than anyone experienced the day-to-day ups and downs of life on the campaign trail, and her calming influence really helped me keep perspective.

Lauren Kuby and David Schapira have been there since my political beginnings. They’ve been close friends for years, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to call them colleagues. Their experience helped us run a smart, efficient, and effective campaign.

A campaign is hard, and as hard as it is on the candidate, it’s at least as hard on those closest to you. Thank you all, I couldn’t have asked for a better team or a better group of supporters!

Tempe, AZ – Today, long-time Tempe community leader, small business owner, and candidate for Tempe City Council Randy Keating announced the endorsement of Tempe City Councilmember Corey Woods.

"Randy Keating is an energetic consensus-builder who will work tirelessly on behalf of Tempe residents," said Woods. "Please join me in casting one of your three votes for the City Council for Randy on or before March 8."

“Councilmember Woods has played a vital role as a consensus builder and pragmatic leader on Tempe City Council,” said Keating. “His deliberate examination of the issues and his wiliness to do what is right in the face of exceptional pressure has made him an unmatched advocate for Tempe. If elected to the seat he is vacating, I will seek to carry his attitude, approach, and work forward. I’m tremendously proud to have his endorsement.”

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many Tempe circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe's MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy's nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received.

In addition to Councilmember Corey Woods, Keating's campaign has been endorsed by former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell, current Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe City Councilmembers Arredondo-Savage, Kuby, and Schapira, and by police and firefighters.

Tempe, AZ – Today long-time Tempe community leader, small business owner, and candidate for Tempe City Council Randy Keating announced the endorsement of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

“The Tempe Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Randy Keating due to his pragmatic sensibility and inclusive approach to tackling the issues that Tempe is facing,” said Tempe Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mary Ann Miller. “Randy’s thoughtfulness, honesty, and unique perspective as a both a business owner and community leader will serve him well in this non-partisan position.”

“I’m very pleased to have the backing of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce,” said Keating. “The Tempe Chamber has been an integral part of our city since 1908, and has played a key role in shaping Tempe through the decades. Their endorsement is highly coveted, and their foresight in giving it makes me very hopeful that Tempe will continue to find common ground between growth and quality of life.”

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many Tempe circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe’s MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy’s nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received.

In addition to the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Keating’s campaign has been endorsed by former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell, current Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe City Councilmembers Arredondo-Savage Kuby, and Schapira, and by police and firefighters.

Tempe, AZ – Long-time Tempe community leader and small business owner leads a crowded field in his first financial report alongside 5 other candidates running for Tempe City Council. In his first reporting period, Keating out raised incumbents and challengers alike reporting a total of $38,176.63 in contributions from 170 donors.

"When I decided to run, I knew I would have a lot of community and institutional support, but my main concern with regards to viability was fundraising," said Keating. "I remember telling some of my closest friends that I was seriously concerned over the prospect of fully funding a campaign." Keating added, "What I didn’t account for is the power and generosity of a whole lot of folks who want you to be successful. Needless to say, I’ve been completely humbled by their support."

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many Tempe circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe’s MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy’s nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received.

Keating’s campaign has been endorsed by former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell, current Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe City Councilmembers Kuby, Arredondo-Savage, and Schapira, and by police and firefighters.

Tempe, AZ – Today, long-time Tempe community leader, small business owner, and candidate for Tempe City Council Randy Keating announced the endorsement of Tempe City Councilmember Robin Arredondo-Savage.

"I’ve gotten to know Randy over the course of his campaign, and I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic as well as his ability to look beyond the moment and towards a longer vision for Tempe,” said Arredondo-Savage. “He has led with a consistent pragmatism that will suit him well as a Tempe city councilmember. I'm happy to give him my endorsement, and my vote.”

"Robin's reputation as an advocate for Tempe and a thoughtful leader is unparalleled," said Keating. "Her dedication to our community, her service to Tempe, and her foresight have made her an outstanding councilmember. I'm very happy to have her support."

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many Tempe circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe's MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy's nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received.

In addition to Councilmember Arredondo-Savage, Keating's campaign has been endorsed by former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell, current Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe City Councilmembers Kuby, and Schapira, and by police and firefighters.

Tempe, AZ – Today, long-time Tempe community leader, small business owner, and candidate for Tempe City Council Randy Keating announced the endorsement of the Arizona Police Association.

"Randy has demonstrated a unique understanding of the necessity for continuous and earnest dialogue between law enforcement and the public we serve,” said Arizona Police Association Executive Director Levi Bolton. “He appreciates the demands and complexities of modern policing and that trust and legitimacy are the corner stones for those relationships to develop and flourish. He is an exemplary candidate for Tempe City Council."

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been endorsed by the men and women of the Arizona Police Association,” said Keating. “These brave individuals put their lives at-risk on a daily basis, and serve as a fundamental pillar of our society. I feel honored to have their support.”

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many Tempe circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe’s MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy’s nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received. 

In addition to both the police and firefighter associations, his campaign has been endorsed by former Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell, current Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe City Councilmembers Arredondo-Savage, Kuby, and Schapira.

Tempe, AZ - Today, long-time Tempe community leader and candidate for Tempe City Council Randy Keating announced the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona.

"Randy's commitment to a livable, workable, and sustainable Tempe make him the clear choice for the Tempe City Council,” said Professional Firefighters of Arizona President Bryan Jeffries. “He understands just how vital Tempe's employees, especially its firefighters, are to its livelihood and he will honor them with his robust vision for Tempe's future. We are thrilled to offer him our support."

"I’m extremely proud to have the support of hardworking and dedicated public servants such as our firefighters," said Keating. "The most critical role of city government is to help ensure public safety at every level, and we absolutely could not do so without the brave men and women who are our professional firefighters."

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many Tempe circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe’s MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy’s nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received. He is an employee of Avnet Technology Solutions based in south Tempe, as well as a small business owner. The city council race is his first run for office.

Tempe, AZ - Today, long-time community leader Randy Keating announced his candidacy for Tempe City Council.

"Ever since I moved to Tempe over 12 years ago, the people and city have given me so much. I feel it's time to give back in an even more substantial way," said Keating. "Tempe is a shining example of effective civic governance and responsible foresight. If elected, I will work to ensure that Tempe continues to lead the Valley in livability, workability, and sustainability."

Former US Congressman and Tempe Mayor, Harry Mitchell, will serve as chairman of Keating's campaign.

"I've known Randy since my days in Congress and have been impressed with not only his body of work in the community, but the alacrity in which he has accomplished so much," said Mitchell. "Given his energy, enthusiasm, and seemingly endless drive to improve the lives of those around him, it's no surprise to me that he enjoys support from Tempe's most notable leaders both past and present. I know he will make an outstanding councilmember, which is why I'm happy to chair his campaign."

Randy Keating is a respected leader in many community circles. In 2015, he was awarded the City of Tempe's MLK Diversity Award for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of all Tempeans in the civic process. Randy's nomination received 17 letters of support from the community, more than any nominee has ever received. He is an employee of Avnet Technology Solutions based in south Tempe, as well as a small business owner. The city council race is his first run for office.