Building the West — An Energy & Economic Development Forum
Western Way Action Presents

Building the West

An energy & economic development forum for the Western officials shaping our region's future.

November 11–13, 2026 Scottsdale, Arizona Spouses Invited

You're not the only one facing these decisions

Across the West, county commissioners, supervisors and local elected officials are being asked to weigh the same high-stakes questions on energy and economic development — generation, battery storage, transmission, data centers, siting, and private property rights — often without a background in the technology or a network of peers to turn to. Building the West brings those officials together from six states to compare notes, learn from experts and industry, and build relationships that last well beyond the conference.

Two and a half days built around you

Meet your counterparts

Sit down with commissioners and local leaders from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming who are hearing the very same concerns from their communities.

Get grounded in the issues

Expert panels translate fast-moving, technical topics into practical knowledge you can take straight back to your county and your next hearing.

Learn from experts & industry

Hear directly from technical experts, state policy leaders, and leading developers on siting, community benefits, and responsible development.

Build a bench you can call

Leave with peers across six states you can reach out to when a difficult project or a contentious hearing lands on your desk.

Strengthen local decisions

Better-informed officials make better decisions — protecting property rights and advancing responsible economic development at home.

Bring your spouse

A dedicated Power Partners track recognizes the real responsibility public service places on families and the people who support you.

What we'll dig into

The program pairs expert panels and candid roundtables with plenty of time to connect. Sessions in development include:

Opening & closing elected-officials roundtables Power Partners session for spouses PR, crisis communications & the media Energy storage — BESS, long-duration & pumped hydro Transmission siting Enhanced geothermal Nuclear energy Data centers & digital infrastructure Responsible siting & developer best practices Landowner perspectives & private property rights Using AI in public office Networking receptions & dinners

A full agenda with speakers and session times will follow closer to the event. Topics above are in development and subject to change.

Dates & schedule

Begins
Wednesday, Nov 11Opening roundtable at 3:00 PM, followed by a welcome reception & dinner
Full Day
Thursday, Nov 12Panels and sessions throughout the day, with an evening reception & dinner
Concludes
Friday, Nov 13Closing roundtable, wrapping by 11:00 AM

Plan to join us for the full program. Lodging is arranged for two nights — Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12 — with checkout on Friday.

Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains

Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains resort at dusk, overlooking the golf course

Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains · North Scottsdale, Arizona

Set against the desert scenery of North Scottsdale and framed by championship golf, this all-suite resort is a relaxed, comfortable home base for the conference — with room to work, connect, and unwind.

16770 North Perimeter Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

  • Spacious two-room executive suites with desert and mountain views
  • Heated outdoor pool with private cabanas and palapas
  • On-site dining: Agave Bar & Grill (Southwestern), The Wanderer poolside bar, and Starbucks
  • Complimentary fitness center
  • Minutes from TPC Scottsdale and North Scottsdale's championship golf
  • Near Scottsdale Quarter & Kierland Commons shopping and dining

Let us know you're coming

Complete the short form below and we'll follow up with lodging and travel details. Questions? Reach out any time.

Will a spouse or guest be joining you? *
Will your spouse or guest join for all meals?

Breakfasts, lunches, receptions & dinners across the conference. If they'll join for only some, let us know which in the notes below.

Two-night stay *

The conference includes lodging for both nights — Wednesday, Nov 11 & Thursday, Nov 12.

Would you like to reserve a room at our group rate before or after the event? If so, let us know below and we can provide the group code for you to book extra days. The group rate is good for 3 days before and 3 days after the event.

After you RSVP, we'll reach out with travel details.

We'll only use your information to plan and follow up about Building the West.

BUILDING THE WEST

Hosted by Western Way Action · Scottsdale, Arizona · November 11–13, 2026

westernwayaction.org