Advancing Phoenixs Regenerative Food Systems Local Food Economy and Development Strategies

The City of Phoenix, Arizona, is working to strengthen its local food economy and better integrate food systems into urban development as part of its broader commitment to building a regenerative, climate‑resilient food system. The FUSE Executive Fellow will conduct two critical analyses: a comprehensive food supply chain study and an evaluation of developer incentives to support food system integration.

Together, this work will help Phoenix identify opportunities to support regenerative agriculture and local production and distribution networks, and embed food systems into the built environment in ways that restore environmental health and community resilience. Ultimately, this work will help Phoenix identify key gaps in its food system, align development practices with sustainability goals, and create a more resilient, connected, and equitable regenerative food ecosystem for all residents.

Fellowship Dates:
October 26, 2026 – October 22, 2027

Salary: 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…