Hi, I’m  Ashley Harder

I’m a longtime business owner and community leader, and for more than 20 years I’ve worked to strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses, preserve historic places, and expand housing across District 4.

As the founder of Harder Development, I began revitalizing vacant and underused commercial buildings during the Great Recession—transforming them into active hubs for shops, restaurants, and offices while preserving their character and prioritizing deep neighborhood engagement. Projects like 335 Commons, the Henry M. Campbell House, Carline Center, and CLIO on McDowell have helped activate the Central City, Grand Avenue, McDowell “Miracle Mile,” and Roosevelt corridors.

I bring that same practical, community-first mindset to public service. I regularly speak at City Council, Planning Commission, and Budget hearings, and I work alongside residents, city staff, and developers to address Phoenix’s housing challenges. I serve on the boards of the Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation and Phoenix Community Alliance, and previously led the historic preservation nonprofit Preserve Phoenix. My focus is increasing housing opportunity while ensuring neighborhoods have a real voice and projects are thoughtful and forward-looking.

Art and culture are central to how I think about city-building. I help lead La Flor Del Pueblo—one of the largest mural installations in the Southwest—grounded in neighborhood oral histories that honor Grant Park’s heritage. I also work with artist Jim Covarrubias to exhibit local art and co-founded Treeo gallery. I was appointed by Governor Hobbs to the Arizona America250 Commission to help plan statewide commemorations of our country’s 250th anniversary.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve long advocated for equality—signing the ONE Community Unity Pledge, supporting marriage equality, and opposing discriminatory legislation at the state level.

As your City Council member, I’m focused on delivering results: expanding housing, protecting historic homes, investing in our local economy, supporting healthy neighborhoods, and building a City Hall that truly listens. From day one, my priority will be putting community first.