Arizona State Rep. Chris Lopez, one of two Republicans representing Maricopa in the House, participated in the 2025 Western Legislative Academy, marking the program’s 25th anniversary year.
Lopez was one of 52 legislators chosen from more than 100 applicants for the competitive leadership program, which is hosted by The Council of State Governments West and is open to lawmakers in their first four years of service.
The academy was held Dec. 16–19 in Colorado and brought together legislators from across the western U.S. for focused training on lawmaking, ethics, negotiation, communications and consensus building. Participants were selected by the CSG West Executive Committee based on public service records and interest in strengthening legislative institutions.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Western Legislative Academy during its 25th anniversary year and to learn alongside legislators from across the West,” Lopez said. “The candid conversations on leadership, communication and problem-solving were especially useful. I’m returning with lessons I can apply as I work to deliver results for rural Arizona and protect taxpayers.”
CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves state legislators and legislative staff in Western states and Pacific Island governments. It is the western regional office of The Council of State Governments, which was founded in 1933 to support effective state governance.
Arizona Reps. Junelle Cavero (D-Phoenix) and Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye) were members of the CSG West’s class of 2024.
