Meet Katie Roe: Founder & Executive Director of Upper West Side PHX

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Roe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Our willingness to learn, evolve, try new things, push boundaries, and adapt along the way has been really important to our success. We are constantly implementing new practices and updating our strategic approach to meeting our goals. And of course, working our butts off!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Upper West Side PHX is a really unique concept, in that we act as “a voice for our community.” Often times local community members, residents, and consumers do not have a say when planning the future development of their community, simply because they do not know what is going on behind the scenes. They only get to express their expectations, desires, opinions, and concerns once a project is well under way and it’s too late to affect change. We work to keep the community updated on what is going on, as it is happening, so they can weigh in. We try to educate the community so they can make informed decisions without having to dig for information that is generally not easy to come by. Then we take the feedback we receive and present it to developers, city officials, businesses, etc. so they can take the community’s input into account when deciding how to move forward on a project. It has not been easy because typically the community does not have a seat at the table in these discussions and we’re trying to change that. Most stakeholders have a vested financial interest, whereas out interest lies in simply making our community the best place it can be. Beyond maintaining our personal property values, we do not have a vested financial interest, we simply want to improve the quality of life for our community. It has been an uphill battle to get some developers and businesses to listen. We have had to learn to work with them and compromise to create a give and take relationship. In the end, bringing in businesses that the community wants and supports will create success for all parties.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The northwest Valley has SO much to offer, as does the Phoenix metro area, and our state as whole! The last few times my best friend visited from the Midwest our itineraries looked something like this: -Hike at Thunderbird Park, Sunrise Mountain, and Lake Pleasant to enjoy the outdoors and views -Rent a boat for the day at Lake Pleasant because it is cool to be able to swim in the desert surrounded by the beautiful mountains and saguaros -Take a “narration cruise” at Lake Pleasant (are you sensing a theme here?) because it’s super relaxing and a fun little 2 hour adventure to float around the lake and learn about the wildlife, plants, etc. while sipping a cocktail -Take a day trip to Sedona to see the beautiful Red Rocks and have a fabulous meal with stunning views -Go see the Grand Canyon if your best friend hasn’t been there yet -Go to a Spring Training Game at Peoria Sports Complex -Go off-roading in our Jeep near Castle Hot Springs -Introduce them to great Mexican food at various places, including a hot buttered tortilla at Carolina’s, a killer margarita at Caramba, and an authentic dinner and drinks at Barrio Cafe or La Hacienda -Hit up some of our favorite Phoenix restaurants with great patios: Postino, OHSO, The Yard, The Henry, North, The Collins, LGO -Enjoy a weeknight cookout or meal close by at some of our favorite Northwest Valley spots (listed on our website) -Spend the day at the spa/pool at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, West Kierland, Farimount, or Omni Montelucia -And maybe wander around Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter, or Old Town if we have time

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The success of Upper West Side PHX is due in large part to the collaborative efforts of the community along with personal support from my husband, mom, sister, volunteer ambassadors, and two super supportive Community Coordinators/Project Managers along the way, Kristi Hunter and Amy Sap. All of them have put up with my crazy working hours, numerous calls/texts every day, outrageous ideas, and questions along the way. They act as my sounding board on almost every decision I make. Without my family, Kristi, and Amy this would not be possible and certainly would not be as successful as it is today. I also have to give a shoutout to my friend Amy Malloy, who I met through Upper West Side PHX. She has been a supporter since day one and a mentor to me on this journey. She is always available to listen and answer questions and she has taught me so much along the way.

Website: www.uwsphx.com
Instagram: @upperwestsidephx
Facebook: @upperwestsidephx

Image Credits
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