Arizona Forward

A great evening of connection!

Last week, Arizona Forward members, partners, and sustainability professionals gathered for our Central Regional Mixer at Culinary Dropout in Tempe.

We loved reconnecting with familiar faces, making new connections, and welcoming our 2026–2027 Emerging Sustainability Leaders cohort!

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

ONE WEEK AWAY: Is Southern Arizona ready for the AI boom?

As AI and data center development accelerates, what will it mean for Southern Arizona’s energy, water and infrastructure?

Join Arizona Forward October 1 in Tucson for The Infrastructure Behind AI, featuring insights from ASU and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) on what this growth could mean for our region.

📅 Oct. 1 | 7:30 a.m.
📍 Arizona Inn | Tucson

Don’t miss this timely conversation—register today!
https://zurl.co/wFsXf

Arizona Forward is pleased to announce that nominations and applications are now open for the 2026 Rising Sustainability Star Award.

Now in its second year, this award recognizes an emerging sustainability professional who is making a meaningful impact in Arizona and helping advance a more sustainable future for our state.

Eligible nominees must be affiliated with an Arizona Forward member organization, have 10 years or less of professional experience in sustainability, and demonstrate measurable impact, leadership, and innovation in areas such as climate, energy, water, materials and circular economy, or other areas of sustainability.

Nominees may represent any sector, including businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, public agencies, utilities, education, and more. Self-nominations are also encouraged.

Deadline to Apply or Nominate: October 15, 2026

Finalists will be notified, and the winner will be recognized at Arizona Forward’s Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Program on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Learn more and submit a nomination or application: https://zurl.co/KGea9

We look forward to recognizing the rising leaders making a difference across Arizona.

We’re excited to introduce Arizona Forward’s 2026–2027 Emerging Sustainability Leaders cohort!

Now in its ninth year, the Emerging Sustainability Leaders program brings together rising professionals from across Arizona who are passionate about sustainability, leadership, and creating a stronger future for our state.

This year’s cohort represents a diverse range of organizations, industries, and areas of expertise, and we’re excited to welcome them into the Arizona Forward community.

We can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes over the coming year.

View the Emerging Leaders Year Book - https://zurl.co/b9zJx

🌟 Emerging Leaders Alumni Spotlight!

Congratulations to Lauren Click, Arizona Forward Emerging Sustainability Leader (’24), on being selected for the 2026–2027 Obama Foundation Leaders USA program!

Lauren, founder and executive director of Let’s Go Compost, is one of 50 leaders selected nationwide for the program, which brings together changemakers working to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their impact.

We’re proud to see an Arizona Forward Emerging Leaders alum continuing to grow her impact and represent Arizona on a national stage. Congratulations, Lauren! 👏

Last chance to register! 🎉

Join us tomorrow for Arizona Forward’s Central Regional Mixer!

Come connect with fellow Arizona Forward members, meet our new Emerging Sustainability Leaders cohort, and enjoy an evening of networking and conversation with leaders from across the Valley.

📅 Tomorrow, September 18 | 4:30-6:30PM
🤝 Connect. Meet. Mingle.

There’s still time to join us — register today and we’ll see you tomorrow!
https://zurl.co/XNdDF

Is Southern Arizona ready for the AI boom? 👀

AI and data center development is accelerating across Arizona, but what does that mean for Southern Arizona’s energy, water and infrastructure?

Join us October 1 in Tucson for The Infrastructure Behind AI, featuring insights from Sarah Porter and Kelly Barr of ASU and Chris Norman of Tucson Electric Power (TEP).

We’re going beyond the headlines to talk about what it actually takes to support AI growth—and how Southern Arizona can prepare for what’s next.

📅 Oct. 1 | 📍 Arizona Inn, Tucson

Register today! https://zurl.co/cZBcH

Join Arizona Forward in Tucson on October 1st for The Infrastructure Behind AI: Data Centers, Water & Energy in Southern Arizona.

As AI and data center development accelerates across Arizona, communities are navigating new questions around the energy, water, and infrastructure needed to support this rapidly growing industry. We will explore the realities behind data center and AI infrastructure, including energy demand, water use, utility planning, and what proposed development could mean specifically for Southern Arizona.

Hear from experts and local leaders as we look at how Southern Arizona can prepare for growth, balance resource needs, and plan thoughtfully for the infrastructure of the future.

Register Today: https://zurl.co/QNqSs

We’re excited to support PhiusCon 2026, taking place October 8-10 in Phoenix! Join us there for in-depth workshops, expert-led keynotes and technical sessions exploring the latest in passive building design and construction - https://zurl.co/EuNNh