Advancing Phoenix's Regenerative Food Systems Local Food Economy and Development Strategies

Fellowship Dates

October 26, 2026 – October 22, 2027

Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual salary of $95,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. This amount is not representative of market‑rate salaries for the experienced professionals in our program but is intended as compensation for a year of public service.

FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to work more effectively for communities. We embed private sector executives in city and county agencies to lead projects that improve public services and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 400 projects in 58 governments across 26 states, impacting a total population equivalent to 1 in 10 Americans.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and community stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward high‑priority local needs. Projects address today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including affordable housing, economic mobility, climate resilience, public safety, infrastructure, technology, and more.

FUSE conducts a full executive search for each individual project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the community being served.

Executive Fellows are embedded in government agencies working with senior leaders for at least one year of full‑time work. Prospective responsibilities may include thorough data analytics and research, developing enhanced operations and financial models, building change management and strategic planning processes, and/or building broad coalitions to support project implementation efforts. Executive Fellows are data‑driven and results‑oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects.

They build strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, foster alignment within and across various layers of government, and build partnerships between governments and communities.

Throughout the fellowships, Executive Fellows receive training, coaching, and professional support to help achieve their project goals.

Urban food systems are a vital part of advancing climate resilience, economic opportunity, and equitable access to healthy food. Strengthening local food systems can reduce dependence on imported goods, lower environmental impacts, support local producers, and improve access to fresh food in underserved communities. These efforts are especially important in cities experiencing rapid growth and development pressures, where land use decisions and infrastructure investments significantly shape long‑term food access and sustainability outcomes.

In Phoenix, Arizona, extreme heat, water constraints, and rapid development create both challenges and opportunities for building a resilient local food economy. Despite being located within a major agricultural region, much of the food consumed in Phoenix is imported, and there is limited visibility into how food moves through the local supply chain. At the same time, ongoing development across the city presents an opportunity to better integrate food assets, such as urban agriculture, community kitchens, and food retail and distribution hubs, into new projects.

Still, the City lacks a clear understanding of the barriers and incentives that influence developer decision‑making.

The Office of Environmental Programs (OEP) is leading the development of the City’s 2030 Food Action Plan, which prioritizes strengthening local food systems, improving access to nutritious food, and advancing sustainability goals. Two key components of this plan, a citywide food supply chain analysis and an evaluation of developer incentives, require dedicated capacity to advance. Phoenix will partner with FUSE to support this work.

The FUSE Executive Fellow will conduct in‑depth research, stakeholder engagement, and analysis to deliver actionable recommendations that inform the City’s strategy and guide future…