City Hall is where day-to-day problems are solved and opposing visions for the future are discussed and debated before they take final shape. As mayors, having productive conversations—especially with people we disagree with—is how we get things done. In our Council meetings, we have rules of order to keep debates fair and constructive, but there’s no such rulebook for disagreements at your family reunion or in line at the grocery store. 

It’s not easy to keep conversations civil. A Pew Research Study showed that more than 65% of Americans say they often feel exhausted when thinking about politics and 55% said they feel angry! 

It’s no wonder. Politicians today are rewarded for using bad behavior and name calling to grab national headlines. Outrageous statements, divisive insults, and outright lies get valuable airtime and distract from the hard work of governance. Political disagreements are destroying important relationships and community connections today.

It doesn’t have to be that way. 

We can all do better. We can ignore the vitriol, assume the best of our friends and neighbors, and do our part to find common ground. 

And really, when you think about it, we have more in common than we don’t. Most of us agree that teachers should be paid more, that Social Security is a good thing, and that our government leaders should compromise more to get things done. 

It’s important to keep that in mind. Our cities are expected to function smoothly and efficiently regardless of a mayor’s political affiliation. Essential services like public safety and infrastructure transcend partisan lines. As the old saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a Democratic or Republican pothole.”  Our Valley cities are closely connected. Elected officials often come together to work on projects that impact several communities, like transportation, affordable housing, and homelessness. 

That’s why we are crossing city limits and even party lines to start Disagree Better Arizona. Inspired by the 2023 National Governor’s Association Initiative, Disagree Better Arizona is a free online toolkit to help us all avoid the pitfalls of the election season online, at home and in your community.

A presidential election presents the perfect opportunity to raise the bar on civility. By revisiting the basics of common courtesy, all Arizonans can stay engaged and contribute to the democratic process in meaningful ways. 

Disagree Better Arizona isn’t about abandoning your values or ignoring a problem. It’s about focusing on respect, listening to how people feel and having valuable discussions that can bridge the distance. If we forget how to agree to disagree, we stand to lose much more than an election. 

Let’s seize this opportunity to transform how we engage in political discourse, not only for ourselves but for future generations. Together, we can learn to disagree better and create a more inclusive future that benefits all Arizonans. Visit disagreebetteraz.com to access our toolkit, view upcoming events, and join the movement.

Corey Woods is the Mayor of Tempe. John Giles is the Mayor of Mesa.