What if we could invest in the future of Tempe simply by enjoying it?
The Wash is a third space for community gathering, learning, and funding. Our mission is to support the creative potential of young people around Phoenix to shape healthy cities.
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody”
Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Youth participation in public life is often limited to civics classes or community service requirements. If they’re lucky, youth receive a survey or get invited to a focus group about the city’s general plan. But ideas about how to improve our cities don’t start only after someone turns 18. So we asked ourselves: Why don’t youth have more meaningful ways to influence urban development?
How it works
The Wash uses public space to support three key activities:
Gathering
a dedicated meeting space where people across generations can relax, snack, and sip, but also imagine, make, and discuss.
Learning
by operating The Wash, we’ll get to hear directly from residents of all ages about what makes a healthy city
Funding
purchases made at The Wash will go to fund creative civics programs, like summer camps and workshops for youth
Current Status
As of fall 2026, we’re testing the idea of The Wash by taking it on a tour to get feedback from folks around the Valley. Look for our cargo bike at neighborhood events: we’ll be handing out idea booklets, hosting creative activities, and raising money so that we can launch a pilot and make this thing real!
Goals
Our goal is to raise $10000 by August of 2027. We’ll use this funding to pay for a few start up costs: park permits, equipment, food and drink, etc. You can find out budget estimates here.
Background Story
Started by a Tempe resident, who is also a design professor at Arizona State University, The Wash is part local watering hole and part civic engagement space.