By Paulina Pineda | Arizona Republic
Former Chandler Mayor Coy Payne, the first African American mayor in Chandler and in Arizona, has died. He was 90.
Payne died on Sunday, according to a Facebook post from his cousin announcing his death.
He served on the Chandler City Council from 1982 to 1990 and as mayor from 1990 to 1994.
A longtime Chandler resident and community activist, Payne helped create the city’s housing authority and oversaw the expansion of parks and recreation programs.
He was known for his roles as a consensus builder and facilitator and helped lead the city as it underwent unprecedented growth in population and businesses.
