Eye on Buckeye | April 2023 | State of the City

2023 Buckeye State of the City with Mayor Eric Orsborn

So many good things have happened in Buckeye this past year, it is difficult to know where to start. First, we hired some very talented employees that are taking us in the right direction to ensure Buckeye remains sustainable and the best place to raise your family.

In March of 2022, the Buckeye City Council selected Dan Cotterman as our new City Manager. Dan did not waste any time streamlining city processes and enhancing services for you. A perfect example is making Buckeye more accessible by expanding business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and still providing excellent services online too.

We also conducted our first Community Survey in several years. Your feedback helped create our strategic plan which addresses the results of the survey in five different focus areas:

• Fiscal Responsibility

• Infrastructure

• Economic Growth

• A Safe and Sustainable Quality of Life

• Innovative and High Performing Organization

In addition to the Community Survey, the city conducted an employee survey. We know investing in our employees and knowing they share the same values and goals for Buckeye as you do ensures our success.

City Manager Dan Cotterman

Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn

Economic Growth

The Buckeye Municipal Airport continues to evolve into a major economic engine for Buckeye. The airport is planning, envisioning and positioning itself as a significant contributor to the economy and transportation infrastructure in the area. Currently, there are three separate plans underway to help us shape the future of the airport.

• Airport Master Plan is a long-term, comprehensive approach to address the airport’s operations, development priorities and financial management

• Long Range Concept Plan is focused on planning for a robust cargo airport, military operations and a strong general aviation presence

• Specific Area Plan is focused on the land surrounding the airport and protecting the airport by ensuring there is compatible land use in the future

In addition, this past fiscal year, nearly 1,500 new jobs came online or were committed to after several employers announced they were relocating to Buckeye. Currently, more than 5 million square feet of employment and over 800,000 square feet of new retail and services are under construction, have opened, or have begun site work in this fiscal year. Here are a few great examples:

• APS HUBwest – opened – 250 jobs

• KORE Power – site preparations are underway and the first phase is expected to be operational in late 2024 or early 2025

• Ross Dress for Less distribution center – scheduled for completion in early 2024 with 1,300 jobs

• Verrado Marketplace – site preparations are underway for a 500,000 square foot center of retail shops, restaurants and entertainment with construction to begin early 2024

This past year, Buckeye had substantial growth in retail stores, restaurants, services and health care. New retail businesses and services recently opened or coming soon include:

AAMCO

Arlington Cattle Company

AT&T

Brakes Plus

America Fidelis

Guns & Ammo

Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers

Costco

Dollar Tree

Domino’s

Ebb & Flow

Filiberto’s (Miller)

Goodwill

Greulich’s

Automotive

Herbal Nail and Spa

Jack in the Box

Jersey Mikes

Jimmy Johns

Verra Nail Bar

MD Now

AZ Pet Vet

O’Reily Auto Parts

Popeye’s Salad and Go

Superstar Carwash (Miller)

Marriott Dual Brand Hotels

UPS Store

Dutch Bros (Verrado)

Macayos

Cuppa Yo

Taco’s Chilangos

Be on the lookout for a new Retail Survey coming in early 2024.

Construction is well underway for the future Costco in Buckeye.

APS HUBwest

Infrastructure

Water

Recent headlines may lead you to believe that Arizona is out of water, or not a good steward of water and that all development is coming to a halt. I have heard these concerns from my neighbors down the street to friends that live halfway across the country. Let me start by saying that Buckeye’s water future is secure. It is not in danger.

We currently have enough water resources to sustain our existing customers and the projected growth that already have certificates of assured water supply. Plus, Water Resources

staff have been working for years to diversify our water portfolio. Buckeye recently entered into a purchase agreement for one-acre of land in the Harquahala Valley, about 60 miles west, that includes nearly 6,000 acre-feet of water per year for the next 100 years.

Along with recharging 2,500 acrefeet of effluent each year, the city’s recently approved Drought Management Plan and strict water conversation codes for new development, help prepare us for the future. However, we are also

very aware there is a lot more work to accomplish.

There will not be one single solution to the water challenges. It will require time and collaboration with other cities and local and regional agencies. Buckeye will be there every step of the way to ensure our water future is safe and sustainable, securing our future and the future of the entire West Valley, Maricopa County and the great state of Arizona.

Public Safety

FIRE DEPARTMENT

• Designs for the new Blue Horizons Fire Station are nearly complete

• Construction is scheduled for completion by early 2025

• 15 firefighters are currently enrolled in the academy

POLICE DEPARTMENT

• Construction will begin soon on the new Police Communications Center

• Includes updated technology for 9-1-1 and dispatch operations

• Designed to grow with the city

Last year Buckeye recharged nearly 2,500 acre-feet of reclaimed water back into the ground.

Streets & Roads

Our Streets and Engineering staff have been doing their part on making the streets of Buckeye safer and easier to navigate.

• New traffic signals are operating on Miller Road at both Southern Avenue and Broadway Road.

• The bridge over Tuthill Wash at Thomas Road is complete, and the completion of Thomas Road is targeted for this summer.

• Improvements to Roosevelt Street between Verrado Way and Jackrabbit Trail includes a fourlane street with a new traffic signal at Jackrabbit Trail. Work is expected to be finished this fall.

The construction along I-10 will be wrapping up later this year with two new interchanges at Miller and Watson roads, plus an extra travel lane in each direction from Verrado Way to SR 85.

For the past year, Buckeye has worked with the Maricopa Association of Government and ADOT to help with funding another travel lane from Citrus Way to SR 85. The good news is ADOT has already started the design plans and if all goes well, this project will coincide with the construction of a new interchange at Jackrabbit Trail and I-10.

Jackrabbit Trail and I-10

We feel the same way you do about this intersection. It is awful and very complicated. Buckeye has committed $5 million towards improving this interchange, which has an overall price tag of $70 million to complete.

For the past year, we have been working to secure additional funding at the state and federal level. On March 7, we reached a major milestone when the Arizona House of Representatives approved funding for this project. The bill is now in the Senate awaiting action.

Sundance Park Phase II

The expansion of Sundance Park is expected to be completed this fall and include a 3-acre fishing lake, shaded playground, additional ramadas and restrooms, splash pad and more sports fields for soccer and football. These great amenities will be ready to use once construction is complete, so get ready for a city-wide celebration!

Safe and Sustainable Quality of Life

Buckeye will continue providing quality programs and events for you and your family, along with opportunities to engage in the future of our city. Our goal is to protect Buckeye’s history and the environment, creating an engaged, healthy and active lifestyle.

The city’s Strategic Plan has specific and measurable guiding principles to be completed by the end of Fiscal Year 25/26 and include:

• Recruit, approve and begin GO Bond Committee and project selection

• Adopt comprehensive water management policies

• Update the Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan

• Create partnerships to expand and formalize a public art program

• Implement the 2030 Public Safety Plan

Despite uncertain economic times the past few years, Buckeye continues to provide the best housing values for your dollar. This is evident in the number of new homes and communities that continue to submit permits for single family homes, town homes, multi-family residences and apartments.

In 2022, over 2,100 single family residential permits were issued throughout the city, all of which come with a Certificate of Assured Water Supply. In addition, approximately 1,900 permits are in the works for multi-family units, and another 2,708 units are in the city’s review process.

Teravalis, the nation’s next premier master-planned community broke ground earlier this year and is expected to come online in 2025. This 50-year master-planned community will consist of 100,000 homes, 55 million square feet of commercial development, and will be home to over 300,000 residents!

As a growing community Buckeye needs all types of housing to meet the demands of the retail services and businesses opening soon so you can do your shopping, doctor’s appointments and other services closer to home. Having these services nearby, and qualified staff to operate them, saves you time and money, so you can spend more time with your family and friends.

110,000+ POPULATION (CITY 2023 ESTIMATE)

2,100+ RESIDENTIAL PERMITS FOR 2022

City Councilmembers participate in the ground breaking ceremony for Teravalis. Left to right: Tony Youngker, District 1; Craig Heustis, District 5; Eric Orsborn, Mayor; Clay Goodman, District 6; Michelle Hess, District 3.

Innovative and High Performing Organization

I nvesting in our employees is critical for the current and future success of Buckeye. Attracting and retaining a workforce that is committed to providing outstanding service to all residents and businesses is what you expect for your tax dollars. Below are just a few examples of how Buckeye employees are striving to perform to the highest standards.

The Development Services Department continues to innovate with virtual building inspections. Ensuring all new homes and businesses are safe and projects are completed in timely manner.

Development Services was also recognized by the American Planning Association for its one-of-a kind Wildlife Corridor Best Practices Guide. This guide makes sure Buckeye is growing responsibly while keeping our fragile desert ecosystem in mind.

The Community Service Department continues to improve quality of life throughout Buckeye with its amazing programs and amazing events, with record breaking attendance across the board. The 2023 Buckeye Air Fair held in February was the biggest yet with over 35,000 attendees. Thanks to our partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, visitors got to experience an incredible new air show, awesome exhibits and educational forums.

The Finance Department continues its stellar performance by winning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the fourth straight year. This award is only given to those with the highest standards in budgeting, including strong policies, financial planning, communication and operation guidance.

By making CPR instructions readily available and strategically placing AEDs in high traffic areas around the city, the Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department has earned the city a HEART Safe Designation.

The Buckeye Public Library continues its plans for a bright future with the Library Master Plan. This plan will guide the library for the next 10-20 years, making sure it remains an innovative place for residents to gather, learn and grow.

eye on buckeye

Planning and Zoning is spearheading the Buckeye Downtown Specific Area Plan. A revitalization effort to ensure that our downtown area thrives in the future and stands out as a destination in the Valley.

Fiscal Responsibility

Buckeye continues to maintain a strong, financial foundation to provide you with excellent city services. As of January 2023, our General Fund income exceeds our expenses by more than $21 million

We are also re-vamping our Capital Improvement Program to become more efficient. This means a leaner Program for a few years, but ensures we are able to complete critical projects on time and on budget.

Bond package (GO Bonds) to help build critical infrastructure such as new roads, libraries, fire stations and parks throughout the city.

GO Bonds are used to finance major capital projects. Similar to your home’s mortgage, GO Bonds let you finance larger purchases over time. The city obligates property taxes to repay them.

+$21,000,000

In 2024, Buckeye will be asking voters to approve a General Obligation

Even though the Bond package won’t be in front of voters until next year, we will need your help in the next few months as we select Bond Committee members to help us determine what projects should be included in the package.

Your Future

2023 is off to an amazing start with everything we’ve accomplished so far and the future is bright for Buckeye. As Buckeye grows into its footprint with quality businesses, jobs and developments, we will do so smartly and sustainably.

Be on the lookout for the next Community Survey coming soon as we track our progress and work to stay in line with your vision of Buckeye. As we pave the way for our future, we will continue to listen and work with our residents to make sure this is a city you are proud to call home.