Melissa Harlan for SRP Board — District 8
I’m running for the Salt River Project Board in District 8 to bring transparency, fairness, and practical leadership to decisions that affect our water and power.
SRP elections are different — and many eligible voters don’t realize they can vote. My goal is to make this election clear, accessible, and grounded in the real needs of our community.
What You Need To Know - SRP Election
This is the election most people focus on regarding rates and renewable energy.
AZ Voter Registration Required
The Rule: Voters must be qualified, registered Arizona voters (standard state registration).
The Last Day to Register: March 9, 2026 (by 11:59 p.m.).
The Action: If someone isn’t registered to vote in Arizona, they must register by this date to participate in the District election.
Important SRP Election Dates
March 11, 2026: Early ballots begin to be mailed out to those on the SRP Permanent Early Voting List.
March 27, 2026: The last day a voter can request a one-time early ballot (must be requested by 5 p.m.).
April 7, 2026: Election Day. Ballots must be received by SRP by 7 p.m.
Volunteer Tip: Remind voters that being on the County permanent early voting list does not automatically put them on the SRP permanent list. They often have to request their SRP ballot specifically at srp.net/elections.
Why This Election Matters
SRP decisions affect your daily life — from rates and reliability to long-term water and energy planning. Here are three reasons this election matters.
RATES & INVESTMENTS
SRP Board decisions impact what you pay and what gets built.
The Board sets policy that influences water rates, energy costs, and long-term infrastructure investments across our region.
WHO CAN VOTE
This election is different, many eligible voters don’t realize they qualify.
Eligibility depends on where you live and your voting status. I want District 8 voters to have clear, easy information.
TRANSPARENCY
Clear, practical leadership keeps decisions accountable and community-focused.
Our community deserves transparency and fairness while balancing affordability, sustainable clean energy, and reliability.
Top Priorities for District 8
AFFORDABLE RATES
SRP decisions should keep water and power affordable for families, seniors, and small businesses.
RELIABLE & PRACTICAL CLEAN ENERGY
We need a balanced energy transition that improves air quality without sacrificing reliability or driving up costs.
PROTECTING OUR WATER FUTURE
Long-term planning, conservation, and infrastructure investment are essential to protect Arizona’s water supply.
Meet the District 8 Candidates
Meet your District 8 neighbors. They are all dedicated to affordability, investing in clean reliable energy and conserving our water resources.
Melissa Harlan - District 8 Board
Melissa Harlan is a small business owner, sustainability leader, and community advocate running for the Salt River Project (SRP) Board in District 8. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, she brings a values-driven, people-first approach to public service centered on transparency, accountability, and long-term stewardship.
Melissa is the founder of Drink Me! Tea Room in Tempe, a WBENC-certified woman-owned business and certified Green Business recognized for its commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and composting. She serves as a Commissioner on the City of Tempe Sustainability & Resilience Commission and is an active leader in Tempe Leadership, a nonprofit focused on engaging residents in civic leadership.
Nicole Brown - District 8 Council
Nicole Brown is a trusted leader, educator, and small business owner committed to protecting working families and strengthening communities. As an independent agent with Primerica, she helps families prepare for the unexpected through education and financial protection—work grounded in her belief that everyone deserves stability and peace of mind.
Nicole also serves as an educator at Rio Salado College, where she teaches insurance and entrepreneurship, equipping students with practical, real-world skills. With nearly three decades of professional experience, she brings both hands-on knowledge and a deep understanding of how policies and systems impact everyday lives.
Regina Guiterriez - District 8 Council
Regina Gutierrez is a candidate for the Salt River Project Council representing District 8 because she believes everyday people deserve a voice in the decisions that affect their lives, including the cost of electricity and the future of our water and energy resources.
Randy Miller - District 8 Council
Randy Miller has served on the SRP Board in at-large seat 14 since 2018 and is seeking re-election in 2026 for SRP Council, Voting Area 8. He is a Software Engineer with over 25 years of professional experience and has spent his entire professional career working locally in Arizona.
Randy completed his Master’s of Science in Computer Science from Columbia University in New York, NY and his Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. He is an advocate for solar and other forms of renewable energy. He has been driving an electric vehicle since 2012 and had solar panels installed on his home in 2010.
Harlan for SRP - Campaign Endorsements
