Vice Mayor Scott Somers
District 6 - Southeast Mesa
Scott Somers currently serves as Vice Mayor for the City of Mesa, representing District 6 in Southeast Mesa. Elected to return to Council in 2023, his current term runs through 2027. He previously served two terms from 2006 to 2015, including two years as Vice Mayor. During his earlier tenure, Somers spearheaded efforts to position District 6 as a hub for quality jobs and led the redevelopment of the former GM Proving Grounds into award-winning communities that now stand as a model of sustainable growth.
In his current term, Vice Mayor Somers remains focused on realizing the long-term vision for District 6: ensuring fiscal responsibility, attracting high-quality jobs and economic activity, and building vibrant neighborhoods that are safe, sustainable, and socially connected. His leadership reflects a consistent commitment to innovation, economic growth, and community resilience.
Prior to his public service in elected office, Somers served more than three decades in the fire service, including 20 years with FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Arizona Task Force 1.
Complementing his public safety career, Somers holds significant academic and research accomplishments. He earned a Doctorate in Urban Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs from Arizona State University and served as a Senior Fellow at George Washington University, where his work focused on resilience and infrastructure security. He is a recipient of the prestigious ASPA Louis Brownlow Award for peer-reviewed publication and was recognized by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) as one of 250 Public Service Champions for America 250.
Somers is a recognized regional and national leader. He chaired the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority and has served on the Boards of Directors for the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Visit Mesa, the Mesa United Way, and Mountain Vista Medical Center. At the national level, he chaired the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee and continues to serve as an active member. He also serves on the NLC’s Disaster Management Ad-Hoc Committee and has represented the organization on both the SAFECOM and FirstNet boards. Additionally, he has represented cities on the National Homeland Security Consortium and was twice appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
In addition to his Council role, Somers chairs Mesa’s Public Safety Committee and serves on the Audit, Finance & Enterprise Committee; the Community & Cultural Development Committee; and the City Benefits Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce Board.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Somers and his wife, Janell, have called Mesa home since completing their military service.
Council Committees
- Public Safety, Chairperson
- Audit, Finance & Enterprise
- Community & Cultural Development
National Boards & Committees
- National League of Cities, Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee - Second Term
- First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Public Safety Advisory Committee
Arizona Boards & Committees
- Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee
- Mesa Chamber of Commerce Board