National League of Cities Recognizes…

Chandler, Ariz. - Chandler Councilmember Angel Encinas has been recognized by the National League of Cities as the organization celebrates achievements of local elected officials under the age of 40. The Under 40 Impact Awards spotlights young, diverse elected leaders from across the country who have positively impacted their communities through their dedication to public service, effective governance and community development.

Councilmember Encinas began serving on the Chandler City Council in January 2023. His first term as a councilmember will continue through January 2027. He serves on the council subcommittees for community safety, neighborhoods and sustainability and technology. He also serves on the Chandler Chamber of Commerce committees for education and workforce development as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

Encinas has put collaboration at the forefront of his community engagement efforts. One project that highlights his leadership is with the downtown neighborhood, Pueblo Viejo. He worked with community members to organize neighborhood meetings so residents could connect with needed services as well as receive city information and share their input. His involvement fostered communication and relationships to amplify the voices of residents so that the neighborhood's needs could be understood and addressed.

Encinas' innovative approach to engagement is grounded in his family background in community advocacy, being a downtown resident since childhood and his involvement in Chandler public schools as a student and alumni. Other accomplishments include:

• He championed Chandler's first pride flag raising event in June.
• He engaged local teens through high school MEChA clubs, honors society and student councils as well as hosted student visits at City Hall to hear from elected and appointed officials, tour City Hall and learn about local government.
• He engaged the Latino community by working with city staff to coordinate Somos Collective, a platform for community leaders, businesses and residents to share information, collaborate and get involved in Chandler.