The idea for Tempe Works was brought to the City Council by Councilmember Randy Keating in 2017; he and Councilmember Joel Navarro and Vice Mayor Robin Arredondo-Savage led a City Manager’s Working Group to develop the idea.

Tempe Works was approved by the City Council in 2017; the first program participants were selected in 2018. The two individuals were hired to work in Public Works with duties such as maintaining compost piles and serving as vehicle wash bay attendants. They received minimum wage and assistance with housing and transportation.

The program continues to evolve and in September 2021, the city hired the first dedicated coordinator to enhance and expand the program. 

Individuals are referred to the program and placed in temporary employment positions with Public Works at the City of Tempe, or with other partnering employers. Short-term housing options are available for participants of Tempe Works and after completing ninety days of stable employment, participants are presented with permanent housing options. Once participants attain stable employment and permanent housing, they graduate from the program and are presented with advanced employment options as available.

Tempe Works regularly partners with employers located in Tempe who are willing to provide temporary and permanent positions to Tempe Works participants.

Employers interested in partnering with Tempe Works should have:

• Temporary and permanent positions available
• Daily supervision processes in place
• Consistent mentorship strategies for Tempe Works participants
• Opportunities for promotion for Tempe Works graduates

For more information about Tempe Works or how to become a partner or employer, contact: tempeworks@tempe.gov.