CONNECTED 2025: We're Building the Regional Smarter Future, Together
- The Connective
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
CONNECTED 2025 marked our second annual gathering of civic leaders, technologists, and regional partners for an afternoon of insight, collaboration, and innovation.
Hosted by The Connective, the event took place at Venture Café Phoenix and highlighted how Arizona continues to advance its vision of a more connected, responsive, and resilient smart region.
City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego helped open the event with remarks about the region’s growing reputation for innovation. She highlighted Phoenix’s leadership in emerging technology, including being the only city in the world where residents can take an autonomous vehicle to the airport, as well as investments in technology to advance drinking water, traffic safety, transportation, and infrastructure.
When government works together with the private sector and universities, we really can get big things done. We’re really proud of what we’re doing, and we’re excited to work with The Connective to continue that great progress.” - City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
CONNECTED 2025 showcased the real progress our region is making toward a smarter, more connected future. What was once a vision is now taking shape in practice. City leaders and partners are implementing shared platforms, integrated data systems, and collaborative service models. Cities across the region are delivering real results through collective action.
Here are five takeaways that capture the themes, conversations, and commitments that shaped this year’s event:
1. Cities Across Greater Phoenix Are Collaborating More Than Ever
Cities across Greater Phoenix are working beyond their physical boundaries. CONNECTED 2025 featured active examples of inter-city alignment, knowledge exchange, and replication of smart city solutions. This collaboration has become a core operating principle. Regionality is a shift toward shared learning and alignment across municipalities helps reduce duplication, speeds up innovation, and ensures that no city is solving the same problem in isolation.
“The CONNECTED event encourages our cities’ innovation and collaboration. It’s a unique platform that helps keep each city’s innovations top of mind with the rest of us in the region." -Jeff Sheetz, City of Avondale
2. Innovation Is the Best Response to Uncertainty
In today’s unpredictable environment, cities and organizations must lead with innovation. Speakers shared how they are developing creative, scalable solutions—even when resources are limited. Innovation, they emphasized, is the way to remain resilient. Whether driven by budget constraints or shifting demographics, local governments are recognizing that legacy systems can’t meet future demands. Innovation isn’t just about adopting new technology—it’s about finding creative ways to serve the needs of our communities.
“CONNECTED 2025 is the kind of gathering that showcases the power of regional collaboration at its best. It’s not just about technology; it’s about impact and what happens when organizers show up with care, when the right voices are at the table, and when the community is invited to be part of building what’s next.” -Melissa Armas, AZ Collab
3. Smarter Operations Start With Strategic Optimization
Cities are rethinking how they optimize operations. Rather than defaulting to cuts, they are prioritizing solutions that preserve impact and efficiency. Whether they’re implementing automation, refining internal processes, or forming regional partnerships, city leaders are choosing to work smarter—not just leaner. Optimization today means reevaluating how we deliver services—not just with fewer resources, but with smarter systems, better data, and partnerships that extend capacity without compromising quality.
As one attendee put it, “Optimizing city operations starts with asking not what to eliminate—but what to elevate.”
4. Listening Is Leadership
Leaders across the region are placing renewed emphasis on listening. They are using feedback loops, digital engagement platforms, and co-creating solutions with community members. Residents expect to be heard in real time, and modern cities are responding by embedding listening into every stage of service design.
“Adoption comes from value, and value comes from solving real problems. And solving real problems comes from listening to the end customers.” -Asong Suh, Managing Director of Sand Technology
5. Citizens Expect Digital Services That Match Their Daily Lives
Citizens now expect public services to reflect the on-demand, digital-first world they live in. Whether they’re accessing permits, asking questions, or submitting service requests, they want seamless access—available on mobile, responsive in real time, and aligned with the standards set by today’s best digital experiences.
Remember, the participating citizens of tomorrow include entire generations who have never known a world without the internet. They’re not just digitally fluent—they’re comfortable navigating multiverse and metaverse environments in ways that outpace many public systems. To meet their expectations, cities must think beyond digital access and deliver experiences that feel intuitive, responsive, and modern.
“Today's customer isn't the same as yesterday's. Are you building the government of tomorrow—or the government of yesterday?” -Jake Taylor, The Connective
Looking Ahead
CONNECTED 2025 left a lasting impression. As Harry Meier of the City of Mesa stated, “The connections made here on the floor will resonate through the rest of this year… and beyond.”
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors—AZ Collab, Sand Technologies, and CyberCity 3D—and to our member cities: Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe. Your leadership and support continue to drive our shared mission.
Stay connected with us as we look toward CONNECTED 2026—and the partnerships, projects, and people that will shape the future of our region.