Key Facts
Background
Jenn Duff received her Associate in Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Mesa Community College. In 1978, Duff began working as a buyer for Goldwater’s Department store. From 1984 to 1990, Duff was a professional Bass Angler and became the first American woman to compete professionally in Japan. In 1990, Duff started Jef International Inc., a trading business that specializes in sport fishing tackle, and is the president and owner of the company. She has completed several Leadership training programs throughout Mesa. [2]
In 2015, Duff was awarded Mesa Community College’s Hall of Fame Alumni Achievement Award. In 2018, she was elected to the Mesa City Council and was named Vice Mayor on January 11, 2021. The same year, Duff received the LISC Phoenix Annual Exemplary Advocate Award for her work supporting the Downtown Mesa community. In 2022, she was awarded the ATHENA Valley of the Sun Founders Award [2].
Key Issues
Public Safety
Duff wants to increase funding for Mesa police and fire departments [1].
Environment
Duff wants to increase efficiency in water use by the city of Mesa. Additionally, she wants to expand Mesa’s tree canopy and improve the city’s energy efficiency, specifically in its lighting. Furthermore, Duff wants to encourage a transition from gas vehicles to hybrid and electric cars to meet the demands of Mesa’s Climate Action plan [1]. She also wants to improve public transit to reduce CO2 emissions [4].
Housing
Duff wants to expand the preexisting “Off the Streets” Homeless Program. Furthermore, she wants to reduce commuting times by building housing in Mesa [1]. Duff hopes to expand access to housing by facilitating ways that owner-occupied homes can add secondary units, adding infill development, or fast-tracking affordable permits [4].
Infrastructure
Duff has the goal of prioritizing growth that maintains water stability. Furthermore, she wants to encourage the completion of projects such as the “Arts and Innovation” District [1].
Water
Duff hopes to manage and balance water needs of new growth, including potential policy changes to manage water users and work with commercial customers to implement water sustainability plans. She also wants to introduce water auditing to maximize efficiency in water operations. Duff hopes to use advanced technology to reduce water loss by detecting leaks, including increasing cost-efficient investment in the Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline. In particular, Duff wants Advanced Metering Infrastructure to monitor water use in real-time and to partner with water agencies to increase Lake Mead water levels [4].
Economy
Duff wants to reduce commute times for residents of Mesa and bring more employment options to Mesa. Duff wants to provide support for small businesses in Mesa using connections with ASU and Benecdtine University, The Studios collaboration space, and Mesa Small Business Lab.
Endorsements
IAFF Local 2260 Firefighters; Mayor John Giles; Councilmember Francisco Heredia; Councilmember Julie Spilsbury; Councilmember David Luna; Marcie Hutchinson; Dennis Kavanaugh; Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo; Gary Fenton; Equality Arizona
Sources
1 JenDuff4Mesa
2 MesaAZ
3 Jen Duff - Arizona List
4 Mesa election: Where City Council candidates stand on water, housing, job growth