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Executive Committee Spotlight: Mayor Douglas Nicholls, City of Yuma
Name, title & city/town:
Douglas J. Nicholls, PE, RLS, Mayor for the City of Yuma
Year elected to office: 2014
Years served as mayor: 1st year
Years Served on Executive Committee: New member of the Executive Committee as of August 2014
Born: Oceanport, NJ
Grew Up: Yuma, AZ
City of Yuma
Incorporated: 1914
Population: 93,064
Elevation: 138 ft.
County: Yuma
Area within Limits: 112.42 Sq. Mi.
Why did you decide to serve in local government?
I was raised in Yuma and had a great childhood. After marrying my high school sweetheart, Danette, we were reflecting on raising our children and longed for the same childhood for our
children. So we returned to Yuma 15 years ago. Upon returning we made a commitment to be involved in the community we loved and to do our part to give back. Through many years of
philanthropy and creating our own business, the road naturally led to running for mayor, my first elected office.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city today?
While the economic health of the city is structurally sound, there are many parts of the community still looking for the strong economic engine to build a future. The city needs to keep
taxes and fees low while creating a welcoming environment to foster expansion and investment in our primary industries.
What opportunities do you see for your community?
The Yuma community is on the forefront of engaging our counterparts in Mexico to prepare our greater region for Mexico's projected economic growth. We are realizing that to be involved in
the global economy, the greater region must be working together and supporting each other to bring success. The opportunity centers around mutual economic prosperity for all in the region
to include port operations, industrial systems dependence, rail transportation infrastructure and active relationships.
What are you most proud of during your time in office?
The single thing I am most proud of is the ability to work together as a community. In working with the other mayors in Yuma County, we have a renewed and heightened sense of cooperation,
allowing us to move forward ideas together, like the United For Yuma campaign UnitedForYuma.com and the
Yuma Binational Coordinator position that provides a dedicated liaison to work directly with our partners in Sonora, Mexico. This working environment helps to bring out common issues in
effective means for the betterment of the whole region.
Why is the League important to cities and towns in Arizona?
The League provides the insight into the legislative process and on-going work happening at the Arizona State Capitol. Having eyes and ears at the Capitol is important for all of us. The
League is also able to articulate issues and speak for all the communities with one voice. Continuous presence at the legislature provides the greatest impact for our cities and towns.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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