Expert Groups Look to the Future of the Discovery Triangle

Revolutionary ideas require innovative thinking. That’s why we’ve gathered more than 120 professionals in areas from sustainability and education to entrepreneurship and transportation to create a 20- to 30-year vision for the Discovery Triangle.  It’s an unprecedented assembly of professionals who have volunteered their time, leadership and expertise to look at the potential of the urban region.

Certainly the Discovery Triangle is a revolutionary idea. Our mission is to enable a vibrant, innovation-based economy by connecting, supporting and celebrating the most valuable assets and opportunities in the urban core between Downtown Phoenix, ASU Tempe and Papago Park. These expert groups are part of our new urban planning approach that creates opportunities for citizens, business owners, schools and other stakeholders in the region to participate and help shape the characteristics of their community.

What are these Discovery Triangle experts exploring? They’re searching for ways in which the natural environment can be enhanced. They’re contemplating policies that will attract the jobs of the future, yet balance employment with nearby, affordable housing. They’re examining techniques to enhance the performance of students and increase the number of students graduating from high school in the Triangle. They’re challenged to preserve the unique characteristics of existing neighborhoods in a time of urban transformation.

In essence, they’re searching for ways to improve the lives of the people who live, work, learn and play in the Triangle.

 

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A Nationally Recognized Urban Education Model

That is what Pearl Esau, the Education Expert Committee Chair, sees as the future for the Discovery Triangle. 

Pearl, the Executive Director for Teach for America, Phoenix is one of the Valley’s most passionate and talented young leaders.  She has recruited a committed group to focus on the future of education in the area.

Near Term GOALS

In the near term, the group is focusing three main goals:
1.  Catalyze regional collaboration with all 5 school districts, charter schools, and school boards, with a focus on STEM.

2.  Establish a birth-to-20 educational model in the DT that attracts out-of-state talent.

3.  Create an education model within the urban area to produce our own competitive talent and resources.

Education LEADERSHIP

Discovery Triangle experts partnering with Pearl include:

Pearl Esau, Teach for America, Chair
Amanda Burke, Center for the Future of Arizona
Andrea Stouder, ASU
Andrew Collins, Arizona Charter School Association
Antonio Sanchez, Wilson Elementary School District
Carl Zaragoza, Stand for Children
Charlotte Boyle, Creighton Elementary School District
Darcy Renfro, Science Foundation Arizona STEM
Eileen Sigmund, Arizona Charter School Association
Howard Paley, The Rodel Charitable Foundation
Janet Johnson, Rio Salado College   
Jeff Smith, Balsz Elementary School District
Jim Zaharis, Greater Phoenix Leadership
JoAnne Vasquez, Helios Education Foundation    
John Fisher, Teach for America  
Kent Scribner, Phoenix Union High School District
Leslie Barrett, Arizona School Boards Association        
Lynn Demuth, University of Phoenix   
Myriam Roa, Phoenix Elementary School District
Noreen Balos, ASU
Patrick Contrades, Arizona Business and Education Coalition     
Steve Adolph, Tempe Union High School District
Susan Carlson, Arizona Business and Education Coalition
Suzanne Schweiger-Nitchals, Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board
Vince Yanez, Arizona State Board of Education
 

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Relying on the Experts

We don’t know everything — but they do! While we do know a lot…we don’t know everything.  That’s why we rely on the experts … Ten groups of Valley industry leaders lead by the area’s best and brightest have been recruited to weigh in on the future of the Triangle and provide actionable next steps to [...]

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