Arizona Lawmaker Joins Regional Leadership Program

Investing in the Next Generation of State Leadership

In a time when state legislatures are shouldering increasing responsibility on issues that directly affect daily life, leadership development inside those chambers matters. That is the focus of the Western Legislative Academy, a competitive program that brings together early-career lawmakers from across the western United States for intensive, skills-based training.

This year, Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez was selected to participate in the Academy’s 2025 class, which also marked the program’s 25th anniversary. The selection places Lopez among a small group of legislators chosen for their public service record and interest in strengthening the legislative process.

A Competitive Program Focused on Legislative Effectiveness

Hosted by The Council of State Governments West, the Western Legislative Academy is open to lawmakers in their first four years of cumulative service. Participants are selected by the CSG West Executive Committee following a competitive application process.

For the 2025 class, 52 legislators were chosen from more than 100 applicants. The Academy was held December 16–19 in Colorado, bringing together lawmakers from across the western region for several days of focused, in-person training.

The program is designed to sharpen the practical skills legislators rely on every day, including lawmaking, communication, ethics, negotiation, and consensus building. Sessions are interactive and led by faculty with academic, nonprofit, and legislative backgrounds, creating an environment that emphasizes discussion, problem-solving, and relationship-building.

Learning Across State Lines

One of the defining features of the Western Legislative Academy is its regional perspective. Legislators from different states, political environments, and district types are brought together to learn from one another’s experiences. That structure allows participants to step outside their own statehouses and engage with peers who may approach similar challenges from different angles.

According to Lopez, that exchange was one of the most valuable parts of the experience. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to participate during the Academy’s 25th anniversary year and to learn alongside legislators from across the West. Lopez noted that the candid conversations on leadership, communication, and problem-solving stood out as particularly useful.

He added that he is returning with lessons he can apply as he works to deliver results for rural Arizona and protect taxpayers.

Strengthening the Institution, Not Just the Individual

CSG West describes the Western Legislative Academy as an investment not only in individual lawmakers, but in the institution of the legislature itself. Participants are evaluated not just on ambition, but on their dedication to public service, desire to improve legislative effectiveness, and commitment to the long-term health of state legislatures.

That emphasis reflects the broader mission of The Council of State Governments, founded in 1933 to support effective state governance. CSG West serves as the western regional office of the organization and provides nonpartisan resources to legislators and legislative staff across Western states and Pacific Island governments.

The Academy’s curriculum is structured to give participants tools they can immediately apply in committee hearings, floor debates, constituent communication, and bipartisan negotiations. The goal is not theory, but practical improvement in how legislatures function.

Representation from Rural Arizona

Lopez is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing Legislative District 16, which includes portions of Pinal and Pima Counties. His participation ensures that rural perspectives are included in conversations about leadership and institutional improvement, particularly as legislatures face complex policy decisions and growing public scrutiny.

Programs like the Western Legislative Academy are designed to equip lawmakers early in their careers with the skills needed to navigate those pressures while remaining focused on constituent service and responsible governance.

A Milestone Year for the Academy

The 2025 session marked the Western Legislative Academy’s 25th year, underscoring its longevity and continued relevance. Over the years, the program has built a broad alumni network of state legislators who have gone on to hold leadership roles within their chambers and beyond.

The Academy is supported through contributions from the El Pomar Foundation and private sector partners, allowing it to remain accessible to lawmakers while maintaining a rigorous, high-quality curriculum.

Applications for the 2025 class are now closed. Legislators interested in future participation can be added to the outreach list for the 2026 application cycle, which is expected to open in early January of next year.

Developing Leaders for What Comes Next

While headlines often focus on policy outcomes, the work that happens behind the scenes to prepare lawmakers for effective leadership is just as important. The Western Legislative Academy operates on that principle, emphasizing preparation, perspective, and the skills required to govern well.

For Rep. Chris Lopez, participation in the Academy represents an opportunity to bring new insight back to Arizona, informed by collaboration with peers from across the region. For the program itself, the 25th anniversary class reinforces its ongoing role in shaping thoughtful, capable state leaders at a time when state government continues to play an increasingly central role in American life.