About Hugh Hallman

Hugh Hallman is Mayor of Tempe, a position that relies upon his background as a public servant, economist and attorney to shape public policies that work for the people of his community. He is also an educator, currently serving as Headmaster of Tempe Preparatory Academy.

Hugh is a longtime activist, volunteer and lifelong resident of Tempe. After receiving endorsements from The Arizona Republic, Tempe firefighters and police and dozens of community residents, Tempe voters elected Hugh mayor in the March 2004 primary election. He was overwhelmingly re-elected to a second term without formal opposition in 2008. Hugh also served on the City Council from 1998 to 2002.

The Arizona Republic calls Hugh Hallman "one of those rare public officials who meticulously connects the dots."

Hugh has a law degree from the University of Chicago's law school and bachelor's degrees in economics and political science from Claremont Men's College. As a practicing business law attorney, Hugh has specialized in domestic and international finance and taxation. He represents an array of clients, from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

In 2009, Hugh put his law practice on hiatus to become Headmaster of Tempe Preparatory Academy, one of the state's most renowned public charter schools and where his three sons currently attend.

As an economist, Hugh has worked with many of the country's top economists at Stanford, Harvard, MIT and the University of Chicago in analyzing markets and competition in various industries.

As a professor and lecturer, Hugh has taught business law, economics and comparative government at East Kazakhstan State University and the Kazakh-American Free University, and has lectured on agribusiness policy at Arizona State University. He has written various texts and books, including "How to Do Business in Kazakhstan," published in 1999, with a second edition published in 2004.

And as a community volunteer, Hugh has devoted time to local charities like East Valley Habitat for Humanity, Assistance for Independent Living and Tempe Community Action Agency. He has served as Chairman of the Tempe Aviation Commission and as a board member on the Airport Noise Abatement Committee.

Hugh's combination of business expertise, community knowledge and involvement and commitment to governing the right way have helped the City of Tempe reverse budget deficits, better prepare for the current economic crisis, improve public safety, spark economic development and preserve key historic assets.

Hugh and his wife, Susan, are raising three sons: Louis, Eli and Marcus. They live in a north Tempe neighborhood where Hugh was raised.