The Florence Teen (Dean) Symposium drew praise from elected officials Tuesday as town staff and volunteer liaisons described a larger, more organized event in its second year that featured student leadership and regional participation.

"This day, we've come a long way in a very short period of time," Mayor Keith Eaton said, commending students who helped choose speakers, introduce presenters and run staging. Ian Newcomb, identified in the meeting as a team liaison, said organizers worked with speakers in advance to avoid overlapping topics and to create a seamless program.

Community services staff member Steven Gallagher outlined four areas of focus for youth programming: activation of the team council and local teams; recreation and special events; workforce training and mentorship (including lifeguard and junior lifeguard pipelines); and grant and sponsorship pursuit. Gallagher said the town is exploring grant opportunities including those offered through the governor’s youth office and regional partners such as the Pinal County Open Space and Trails program.

Council members emphasized the symposium’s regional draw and educational value. "When we had mayors from other towns asking ‘what is your secret?’ it confirmed how well your team did," Council member Bedford said. Council members Benford and Maldonado volunteered to help with fundraising and outreach.

Staff opened a preliminary discussion about sending team council members to National League of Cities programs and the league’s youth events in Washington, D.C. (spring) and fall conferences in cities such as Nashville and Houston. Staff provided an estimated per-attendee cost of roughly $7,500 that would include registration (about $450) and airfare (about $400) plus additional incidentals. Proposed fundraising strategies included sponsorships, merchandise sales, school-based fundraising and grant applications.

Council members expressed broad support for pursuing travel and fundraising. "There can be no greater growth than going out and meeting people outside of state," one council member said, urging organizers to prepare a plan for how many students would attend and how funds would be raised.

Next steps identified during the meeting included developing a fundraising plan with the team council and school district, pursuing first-time attendee grants, and returning to council with a costed proposal and timeline. Staff and council members said they would involve the team council in planning and outreach so students can help lead fundraising efforts.

Speakers listed during the discussion included Mayor Keith Eaton; Ian Newcomb, team liaison; Steven Gallagher, presenter (community services); and several council members and team council students who participated in public remarks and Q&A. No formal appropriation or authorization to spend town funds for travel was taken at Tuesday’s meeting; council asked staff to return with a detailed plan.

Council and staff said they view the symposium and expanded team programming as a long-term investment in civic engagement and workforce development, with mentorship and lifeguard programs singled out as potential near-term priorities.