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Tucson leaders and young residents came together at the Historic Pima County Courthouse for the inaugural Democracy Forum, an event hosted by the Southern Arizona Education Council in partnership with Tucson Young Professionals. The forum created space for open dialogue on policies shaping daily life, including public accountability, housing and transportation justice, the future of public schools, and community safety and health.

The evening began with a panel discussion featuring Tucson Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, Pima County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Jennifer Allen, Arizona State Representative Nancy Gutierrez, and Tucson City Councilwoman Miranda Schubert. Panelists discussed the importance of transparency, regulation, and local accountability in public decision-making, as well as the need for continued community engagement with elected officials.

Education emerged as a key focus of the discussion, with panelists addressing declining enrollment, public school funding challenges, and the impact of Arizona’s expanded school voucher program. Participants highlighted concerns about accountability and long-term effects on public education, while emphasizing the importance of sustained dialogue and policy solutions.

Following the panel, attendees participated in small-group discussions to further explore the four topic areas in an off-the-record setting, reinforcing the forum’s goal of fostering honest, community-centered conversations around civic participation and democratic engagement.