About Councilmember Keating

Randy Keating's commitment to Tempe is not just a personal journey; it's a mission to enhance the quality of life for every resident. Since his move to Tempe in 2003, Randy's passion for community service has evolved into a series of impactful initiatives aimed at addressing the diverse needs of the city.

Background and Early Years

Originally drawn to Tempe by the vibrant atmosphere and the allure of Mill Avenue, Randy quickly realized the unique character of the city. Studying physics and astronomy at Arizona State University, he immersed himself in the community, recognizing the potential for positive change.

Dedication to Community Service

Motivated by a desire to be the change he wished to see in the world, Randy transitioned from a budding physicist to a dedicated community servant. His commitment to justice and equality was evident when he received the City of Tempe's MLK Diversity Award in January 2016, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the community. He also pushed to create the desert conservation board to oversee plans and proposed changes to Tempe’s desert parks which include Tempe’s portion of the Papago Park Preserve and the Hayden Butte Preserve. Currently, he remains active with the Kiwanis Club of Tempe and the Tempe Diablos Foundation; both organizations dedicated to serving and investing in the youth of our community.

City Council Leadership

Randy's journey from a concerned citizen to a City Council member is marked by a series of accomplishments that reflect his dedication to addressing critical issues. His record speaks volumes:

• Adaptive Parks: Advocated for inclusive and accessible playground experiences for all children, regardless of ability.
• Affordable Housing Opportunities: Pioneered housing solutions for individuals and families caught in the gap between subsidized programs and market-rate housing, including the introduction and passage of a new ordinance to ban source of income discrimination in housing
• Youth Suicide Prevention: Developed and implemented initiatives to target suicide prevention in Tempe schools, working to reduce the rate of attempted or completed suicides among the youth.
• Tempe Works Homeless Work Program: Led the establishment of the groundbreaking Tempe Works jobs program, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with jobs, housing, and resources.
• Out-of-State Medical Leave: Cemented a policy change with the city manager and human resources to grant medical leave for employees who may need to travel out-of-state for certain procedures and medications.
• Opioid Awareness and Abusive Prevention: Developed a comprehensive local response to the growing opioid epidemic through education, awareness, treatment, and community wellness.
• Workforce Readiness and Livable Communities Council Committee: Co-Chairs a council committee with Councilmember Berdetta Hodge aimed at evaluating the creation of employment opportunities and quality of life improvements for all Tempeans.

A Vision for a Better Tempe

Randy's vision extends beyond the present, encompassing a multitude of projects designed to shape Tempe's future. From bike safety and arts in the parks to desert conservation and renewable energy goals, he is dedicated to creating a city that thrives in all aspects.

As a leader, Randy is not just invested in addressing immediate concerns; he actively seeks innovative solutions, as seen in his work on gentrification, public art initiatives, and workforce opportunities for people with disabilities.

Program highlight

In 2017, Randy led the effort to establish the city's Tempe Works jobs program for people who are unsheltered. A first-in-the-nation program, Tempe Works connects people with jobs, housing and resources to help end their homelessness. Businesses interested in partnering with the city can learn more in this video.

Randy Keating's journey from newcomer to community advocate to City Council member is a testament to his enduring commitment to making Tempe a city that works for everyone. Through his leadership, Randy continues to shape Tempe's future and foster a sense of community that extends far beyond city limits.

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