Arizona List proudly endorses Arlene Chin, Berdetta Hodge, and Jennifer Adams for Tempe City Council.
Arlene Chin is serving her first full term on the Tempe City Council. In 2019, she was selected to fill a council vacancy from over 50 contenders. In 2022, she won her first election to the Tempe City Council, securing the most votes. Arlene Chin is currently running for re-election to the Tempe City Council. She launched her re-election campaign on March 2, 2025, with a crowd of around 100 in attendance. She remains committed to public service, being accessible, focusing on solving problems, and delivering real results for Tempe residents that make their lives better.
Arlene Chin has been a Tempe resident for over 50 years, attending Kyrene and Tempe Union public schools. She is a longtime community volunteer with organizations such as Tempe Sister Cities, Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce, Tempe Community Council, Tempe Leadership Class XXII, and the Downtown Tempe Authority.
Arlene has a Master’s degree in Education from NAU and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication from ASU.
Arlene’s progressively responsible positions have developed strong collaboration, relationship development, and leadership skills. She takes pride in supporting and assisting people in reaching their goals, working with diverse groups, and collaborating on complicated issues respectfully.
Check out more on Arlene’s website here!
Sign her petition on Equal! https://go.azsos.gov/2gdr
Berdetta Hodge has been a resident of the city of Tempe for over 40 years. She was raised in Tempe and graduated from Tempe public schools. From a young age, Berdetta sought to become a transformative leader in our city. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She has been a lifelong contributor to community well-being through public service and a passion for community-building.
In 2022, Berdetta made history when she became the first African American female elected to the Tempe City Council. Six years prior, in 2016, Berdetta made Tempe history, becoming the first African American woman elected to public office in the City of Tempe by being elected to the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board.
Throughout her tenure, Berdetta brings experience managing one of Arizona’s highest performing school districts. She has had the privilege of serving as both the President and Vice President of the governing board. In her role, she has stood as a champion for the needs of students, educators, staff, and working families. During her tenure on the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board, Berdetta has developed skills critical to public service. She takes pride in her ability to bring people together and to set goals and strategies for community success.
Berdetta is no stranger to operating community institutions responsible to tens of thousands of Tempe residents. She has received accolades for her responsiveness and proactive approach on community relations. She also knows what it takes to work with the local business community to ensure that it also has a role making Tempe the best place to work, learn, and thrive in Arizona. Berdetta enjoys strong working relationships with fellow municipal leaders, as well as county, state, and federal elected officials.
Berdetta takes a great deal of pride in her two sons, Jevin and Jazin, who are both graduates of Tempe schools and lauded community leaders. In her free time, Berdetta volunteers with student groups in Tempe, such as the Teenage Pregnancy Program (TAPP), where she serves as a mentor and assists with community engagement efforts.
Berdetta attended Arizona State University.
Check out more on Berdetta’s website here!
Sign her petition on Equal! https://go.azsos.gov/2gdr
Jennifer Adams is a dedicated public servant who has spent her career improving the lives of Tempe residents. Originally from Nebraska, she earned her Master of Social Work from ASU in 1989 and spent 29 years working for the City of Tempe. During that time, she managed multi-million-dollar budgets and led key departments like Human Services and Public Works. Her leadership earned her roles such as President of the Arizona APWA and Chair of its national Diversity Committee.
Elected to the Tempe City Council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Jennifer served as Vice Mayor from 2022 to 2024.
She led major initiatives including the revitalization of north Tempe’s County Island, the construction of a new recreation center at Clark Park, and a significant expansion of the city’s pavement restoration program. A strong environmental advocate, she supports green building codes, energy efficiency upgrades, and expanding Tempe’s shade canopy.
Jennifer serves on the Valley Metro Board, YMCA, Tempe Tourism, and the National Democratic Municipal Officials Board. She’s active in community groups like Habitat for Humanity and the Kiwanis Club.
Jennifer lives in Tempe with her family and rescue pets. Re-elect Jennifer Adams to keep Tempe thriving for all who call it home.
Check out more on Jennifer’s website here!
Sign her petition on Equal! https://go.azsos.gov/2gdr
