Meet Nick

A person in a purple shirt speaking into a microphone on an outdoor stage at a public event, with a crowd of people behind them and modern architectural buildings in the background.

My name is Nick Willis, and I’m proud to be from West Mesa and running for City Council in District 4. My family has been here for five generations, and this community has shaped who I am. I’m a product of Mesa Public Schools and a proud Westwood High School alum. I met my wife at church here eight years ago, and we’ve chosen to make our life together in this neighborhood and city we both love. On any given night, you’ll find us hand in hand walking our rescue pup.

I’m running for City Council because I care deeply about the people, families, nonprofits, churches, and businesses that make West and South Mesa such a strong and diverse community. My parents didn’t go to college, but they gave me the support I needed to find my own path. For me, that included earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from ASU, working at a local insurance agency, in the emergency room at HonorHealth, the state senate, and now a business consultancy. I’ve seen how much it matters when people have access to opportunity, whatever form that takes. I want to help make sure Mesa stays a place where everyone feels welcome and has the chance to build a good life.

Two people and a mascot sitting on a brick ledge in front of a fountain, holding up peace signs. The mascot is in a football uniform with the number 1, flanked by a woman in a black blazer and plaid pants, and a man in a black jacket and jeans with a dog on a leash, all smiling at the camera. The background features a brick building and Valentine's Day paper hearts decorating the fountain.

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to give back in ways that make a real difference. For six years, I served on the Museum and Cultural Advisory Board, as chair the last two, helping promote access to the arts and public events that bring us together and support our local businesses. I’m part of the team that leads the 9/11 Day of Service with JustServe, organizing hands-on projects that support our important organizations like A New Leaf, Helen’s Hope Chest, Downtown Mesa Association, Millet House, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and idea museum. I also serve on the board of the Mesa Preservation Foundation, and am extremely proud of our partnership with the city to build the Neon Sign Garden. Finally, my most rewarding community work is mentoring high school students on civility and legislative process through the YMCA’s Youth and Government program, which I helped relaunch in Mesa.

Those service experiences have shaped who I am as well as the two years I spent in Mexico City as a missionary. Living and serving in a place different from home helped teach me how to listen, how to lead, and how to work across cultural and language barriers to build trust. That’s something I’ve carried into every role since.

Mesa is changing quickly, and I know change can be hard. We need steady hands and open ears to guide us through it. I’ll bring leadership that shows up, listens, and gets things done: committed to making sure no one gets left behind.