The Economic Development Power of Clean Energy – Arizona Example

Originally aired May 15, 2021

Clean energy is transforming Arizona’s economic landscape — attracting major employers, generating billions in capital investment, and positioning the state as a hub for sustainable industry. This panel brings together Phoenix’s mayor, economic development leaders, and energy executives to examine how clean energy policy has become a competitive advantage for Arizona and what other states and regions can learn from the experience.

Speakers

Bill Brandt (Moderator)

Director of Strategic Integration, ASU LightWorks

Bill Brandt connects ASU’s LightWorks research enterprise with partners to support the discovery and invention of energy solutions to the world’s fuel, electric, and social challenges. He has a background in governance and strategic integration, and regularly facilitates dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders on energy and sustainability.

Mayor Kate Gallego

Mayor, City of Phoenix, Arizona

Kate Gallego is the second elected female Mayor in Phoenix history and was the youngest big-city Mayor in the United States at the time of her election. Before leading the city, she served on the Phoenix City Council focusing on economic development for the Salt River Project. As Mayor, she has prioritized diversifying the economy, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding Phoenix’s clean energy commitments.

Chris Camacho

President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)

Chris Camacho leads the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, one of the longest-standing public-private partnerships for economic development in the country. During his tenure, GPEC has attracted more than 400 companies to the Phoenix region, creating 74,000+ jobs and $11 billion in capital investment from companies including Apple, Deloitte, General Motors, and Amazon.

Kelly Barr

Associate General Manager, Chief Strategy, Corporate Services & Sustainability Executive, Salt River Project

Kelly Barr serves as Associate General Manager at Salt River Project, one of the nation’s largest public power and water utilities, where she oversees corporate strategy, resource planning, and sustainability. She is responsible for integrating long-term sustainability goals with SRP’s operational planning, logistics, analytics, and information systems.