Ashley Harder
Candidate for Phoenix City Council – District 4
Phoenix · District 4 (Central Phoenix)
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Statement
The main thing I want voters to know is that I’m not going anywhere. I’ve lived here my entire adult life, built my business here, and invested my time and energy in this community for decades. I’m not a politician. I’m a neighbor and a small business owner who loves Phoenix and wants to bring my experience to serve our community.
Biography
Ashley Harder is a real estate developer whose company, Harder Development, renovates neglected buildings into shops, restaurants, and offices. She has lived in Arizona since 2005. She serves on the boards of the Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation and Phoenix Community Alliance, has served on several Urban Land Institute Arizona technical assistance panels, and co-founded the Treeo art gallery. She is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As of June 30, 2026, she had raised about $273,000, including a $150,000 loan to her own campaign, the second-largest total in the race.
Positions
Issue Stances
Water Policy
SupportsHarder says conservation alone won’t secure Phoenix’s future. She wants the city to invest in new supplies and modern infrastructure, expand advanced water purification and reuse, and become a hub for water technology companies.
"Water conservation will always be important, but conservation alone won’t secure Phoenix’s future."
Education Funding
No official stance on record.
Border Security & Immigration
No official stance on record.
Housing Affordability
SupportsHarder’s housing plan centers on “preserve and build”: increase supply by updating zoning to allow more condos, duplexes, and small-scale infill, while preserving existing housing and neighborhood character. On homelessness, she calls for enough shelter capacity to get people off the street, better access to behavioral health services, more permanent supportive housing, and more prevention.
"We need to expand housing opportunities by increasing our housing supply, updating zoning policies, and supporting a wider range of housing choices, including condos, duplexes, and small-scale infill."
Election Integrity
No official stance on record.
Healthcare Access
No official stance on record.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice
SupportsHarder wants neighborhoods that are safe from crime, with faster response times along corridors like 19th Avenue. She told Axios the Phoenix Police Department needs more independent oversight.
Energy Policy
No official stance on record.
Economic Development & Jobs
SupportsHarder wants the city to value and support locally created businesses and to turn years of planning for the 19th Avenue corridor into investment. She would not pause data center approvals but supports a rigorous review process.
Reproductive Rights
No official stance on record.
Transportation & Infrastructure
SupportsHarder supports ending the 7th Avenue and 7th Street reverse lanes with a careful transition plan, public education, and attention to traffic safety. She also wants more shade, lighting, and infrastructure investment along the 19th Avenue corridor.
"I support ending the reverse lanes, and I’m ready to build the Council consensus necessary to get it done responsibly."
Government Spending & Taxation
No official stance on record.
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
No voting record on file.
Voting records are only available for candidates who have held legislative office.
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
Coverage