District 1 Councilmember Ann O'Brien

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien is a results-driven leader who turns vision into action. Known for her pragmatic approach, O’Brien focuses on solving problems, delivering measurable outcomes, and ensuring Phoenix’s growth strengthens both its economy and its neighborhoods. Councilwoman O'Brien chairs the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee and serves on both the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee and the Community Services and Education Subcommittee. In 2025, the Arizona Capitol Times recognized O’Brien as a "Woman Achiever of Arizona" for her transformative work across housing, economic development, and public safety.

Housing and Homelessness

Understanding that stable housing is the foundation for thriving families and neighborhoods, Councilwoman O'Brien champions comprehensive, data-driven approaches.

• Housing Solutions Plan: Unveiled in August 2025, her plan contains 31 proposals to increase diverse housing options through innovative local policies, regional partnerships, and strategic state and federal-level advocacy.
• Homeless Solutions Plan: Released in June 2023 with 52 action items, O’Brien’s plan has seen more than 60% of solutions implemented or in progress.
• Community Court: Spearheaded creation of an alternative court system that addresses homelessness with compassion and accountability, offering individualized plans to help people end their homelessness.
• Eviction Prevention: Supported a pilot program providing civil legal aid for residents facing eviction, preventing homelessness before it occurs.  

Economic Development

As Chair of the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee, Councilwoman O'Brien works to keep District 1 and Phoenix competitive and welcoming for employers and residents.

• Critical Infrastructure: Helped secure $300 million in federal funding for critical projects, including funding for the North Gateway Advanced Water Purification Facility.
• Transformational Development: Serves as Phoenix’s liaison to its Sister City Taipei, Taiwan, and represents a district that is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and a fast-growing technology hub that creates good-paying jobs and positions Phoenix as a global leader.
• Smart Growth: Working with residents, businesses, developers and City departments, to ensure the nearly $1 billion investment into The Metropolitan will provide diverse housing options and significant public benefits at the site of former Metrocenter Mall.
• Public Art: Leading the effort to increase public art in private developments across Phoenix.

Public Safety Innovation

Councilwoman O'Brien is committed to ensuring Phoenix residents have access to responsive, modern public safety services while supporting the first responders who serve our community.

• AI-Powered Non-Emergency System: Championed implementation of an AI-enabled system for the non-emergency line (602-262-6151). Available in 36 languages, it directs residents to the most appropriate resources and  frees up 911 dispatchers to focus on urgent incidents.
• Emergency Lockbox Program: Partnered with Phoenix REALTORS and Phoenix Fire Department on a citywide program that gives first responders secure access to the homes of seniors and residents with mobility challenges without causing property damage.
• Advanced Technology: Ensured public safety personnel have access to cutting-edge tools, including drones for field operations and real-time operation centers, enhancing first responders’ abilities to respond safely and quickly.
• Community Innovation: Championed Phoenix's first drone light show, providing an inclusive alternative to traditional fireworks that benefits families, pets, and wildlife. 

Education

Councilwoman O'Brien's commitment to education runs deep. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for WestEd, a nonpartisan research agency focused on improving learning opportunities for children and adults. Previously, she served two terms on the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board including as Board President. She supports programs like Read Better Be Better's "Pathways to Civic Leadership" and regularly speaks to young people about the importance of education and local government.

Community Roots

An Arizona native and proud ASU Sun Devil, Councilwoman O’Brien cherishes time with her husband, Terry, their two adult children, and granddaughter.

About District 1: Powering Phoenix’s Future

District 1 is at the center of regional mobility and commerce and anchored by some of the most significant economic development projects in Arizona.

Located in northwest Phoenix, District 1 is bounded by Northern Avenue to the south to just north of New River Road on the north. District 1 shares its western boundary with Glendale and Peoria, while its eastern boundary aligns with Interstate 17. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19^th Avenue and includes Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101.

$165 Billion: TSMC Arizona is the largest foreign direct greenfield investment in U.S. history.

$7 billion: Halo Vista will support the TSMC campus with manufacturing, research, retail and residential development.

$850 million: The Metropolitan is A 64-acre mixed-use destination project.

15,000 homes: NorthPark is a mixed-use master-planned community which includes 2,100 acres of open space donated to the City to expand the Sonoran Preserve.

$500 million annual economic impact: Located 15 miles from downtown, Deer Valley Airport is one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports and handles private, corporate and training flights.