Eye on Buckeye | April 2024 | State of the City

BECOMING THE COMMUNITY OF LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

with Mayor Eric Orsborn

3

The Charm of Downtown Buckeye

5

Safe & Sustainable Quality of Life

Buckeye Water Update

2024 General Obligation Bond

For more information on this publication, contact John O’Halloran at johalloran@buckeyeaz.gov or call 623.349.6976

BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL

Eric Orsborn, Mayor

Clay Goodman, Vice Mayor, District 6

Tony Youngker, District 1

Jeanine Guy, District 2

Michelle Hess, District 3

Patrick HagEstad, District 4

Craig Heustis, District 5

As we reflect on our journey since becoming Mayor in 2020, I am proud of the progress we have made. Buckeye’s smart and sustainable growth across our expansive 640 square miles has garnered attention from quality businesses and developers, resulting in an increase in employment opportunities in retail, restaurants and services. This attention continues to bring us closer to the full-service city that I envision for Buckeye.

Despite our achievements, we recognize that there is still much ground to cover as we continue to develop. With new employers and businesses emerging regularly, we are only 15 percent built out, leaving Buckeye with vast potential for future growth and prosperity.

The recent National Community Survey reaffirmed that we are on the right path, with nearly 75% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the quality of life in Buckeye. Additionally, high ratings were given for our city’s direction, your confidence in our local government and transparency with the public.

Your valuable feedback from these surveys guides our strategic planning efforts, ensuring that every department is focused on initiatives that directly enhance your daily life as a resident. This collaborative approach exemplifies our commitment to serving you as we navigate the journey of growing this great city together.

In the pages ahead I’ll show just how much the city has accomplished in the last year. Buckeye’s City Council thanks you for your continued support as we work together toward a brighter future for Buckeye.

Mayor Eric Orsborn discusses new businesses under construction with Economic Development Director Suzie Boyles.

Retail, restaurants and services

The economic growth we’ve witnessed in our city over the past year has been truly remarkable. With new restaurants, retail, services and employment centers, Buckeye is bustling with activity. Currently, there are over 10 million square feet of development either in progress or in the planning stages, showcasing our city’s massive growth trajectory.

Our Economic Development team has been diligently working to attract top retail and restaurant establishments that align with the desires of our community. In 2023, we celebrated the grand opening of Costco, a highly anticipated addition to our city. Moreover, we’re excited to announce commitments from other renowned retailers such as Target, Ross Dress for Less and the eagerly awaited Harkins Backlot, which will provide the city with some much-needed indoor entertainment. These additions will significantly enhance the landscape at Verrado Way and I-10, further solidifying Buckeye’s position as a thriving hub for the valley.

Responding to your feedback, we’ve welcomed a diverse range of dine-in experiences with the introduction of restaurants like Macayo’s, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers and The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen. Additionally, we’ve taken proactive steps to expand options related to fitness, automotive services and health and wellness within our community.

Buckeye recently welcomed an expansion of Abrazo Health to Verrado Way and Roosevelt. The first phase of construction is underway on a new 60,000 square foot medical campus that will provide convenient access to a diverse range of medical practices, prioritizing community healthcare accessibility. We’re also looking forward to an expansion from Banner Health in the area as well.

The charm of Downtown Buckeye

While major development typically targets commercial zones like the Interstate 10 corridor, we’re fully invested in revitalizing downtown Buckeye. With ongoing single and multifamily housing projects and notable businesses like Kore Power establishing themselves west of downtown, the revitalization process is gaining traction.

Following extensive engagement with stakeholders and residents, the Buckeye City Council recently approved the Downtown Specific Area Plan. This strategic document outlines a vision and goals for downtown development.

However, a plan is only effective if accompanied by action and the wheels are in motion to update downtown’s streetscape. Monroe Avenue will soon be modified to one lane in each direction with dedicated turn lanes. This will allow downtown businesses to use the extra space for patio-style dining or display areas. We will also be reassessing existing building codes to eliminate barriers to downtown development.

While we work to enhance downtown, I encourage everyone to come and see what downtown has to offer. Unique shops, restaurants and services make downtown a special place to be.

Innovative and High Performing Organization

Investing in our employees ensures that we are accomplishing our goal to make Buckeye a great place to live, play and work. A big internal initiative over the last year has been to update the city’s Vision, Mission and Values. Inspired by employee input from across all departments, the collaborative process defines what it means to be part of Team Buckeye— uniting us in our shared commitment to creating a vibrant, forward-thinking and inclusive city for all.

Vision: Be the community of limitless possibilities.

Mission: Provide exceptional services for a safe, thriving community, while honoring our history and innovating for the future.

Values: Embrace the New, Do Right, Lend a Hand, Find a Way, Enjoy Your Work, Celebrate Uniqueness

Meanwhile, the city continues to perform at a high rate. Here are a few examples of some of our major accomplishments and awards from the last year.

The Community Services Department continues to update its program and event catalogue, there’s really something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Our biggest event of the year, the Buckeye Air Fair and AOPA Fly-in held in February, was a major hit. This year’s event featured our first nighttime air show with fireworks and sky-high pyrotechnics making it one of the biggest and best shows yet.

• 30,000 event attendance for the weekend

• 663 aircraft operations (number of aircraft arrivals and departures during the event)

• 1,900 Aviation Academy attendees (our Field Trip Friday day focuses on bringing out students to participate in aviation-based STEAM activities)

• 197 volunteers gave over 856 hours of time

• 63 exhibitors attended with our partner organization AOPA, 31 food vendors and 23 novelty aviation-based vendors

• First night airshow with fireworks on Saturday

The Economic Development Department has enhanced retail, dining and employment options, earning recognition along the Buckeye Rail Corridor from WESTMARC’s Best of the West Awards. This strategic area supports our city’s rapid growth, serving as a gateway to the Greater Phoenix area. Significant developments are underway along the corridor including the Ross Dress for Less Western Distribution Center at over 1.7 million square feet, generating 1,300 jobs, and the Southern Industrial Center at 1.2 million square feet, the largest speculative building in Buckeye. Together, these projects represent a $675 million capital investment.

Public Works, Development Services, Engineering and Water Resources departments all received full accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA). This significant accomplishment underscores the city’s leadership and its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Buckeye residents. The accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that Buckeye is in full compliance with the management practices set forth by APWA.

From left to right: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director; Brian Craig, Development Services Director; Dan Cotterman, City Manager; APWA Representative; Eric Orsborn, Mayor; Scott Zipprich, Engineering Director; Brett Hodne, Public Works Director

Staff from the Development Services team from left to right: Adam Copeland, Keri Hernandez, Brian Craig (Director), Cathy Clemons and Ron Moll.

Safe & Sustainable Quality of Life

Y our safety and well-being are paramount. With over three quarters of residents commending our police and fire services in the most recent National Community Survey, we’re bolstering public safety by adding new positions and constructing state-of-the-art facilities.

The city has broken ground on two projects that will support our firefighters and officers:

• Fire Station 707, located in the Blue Horizons neighborhood, aims to improve response times and protect lives and property.

• Spanning 14,000 square feet with space for 12 firefighters

• Expected completion in early 2025

• The Buckeye Police Department Communication Center will serve as an advanced facility for city dispatchers.

• Equipped with updated technology and dispatch operations

• Expected completion in early 2025

Airport Upgrades

As our city evolves, so does the Buckeye Municipal Airport (BXK). Over the past year, BXK has experienced a significant increase in activity, with a 216% rise in operations, reaching a total of 95,222 in 2023. Currently, the airport serves various functions, including flight training, corporate flights, parachuting and military operations.

To ensure the airport’s continued growth and development, two important studies are underway: the Airport Master Plan and the Long-Range Airport Development Concept Plan. These studies will shape the future of BXK, positioning it as a key regional aviation asset.

In addition, Buckeye remains committed to sustaining the quality of life we have cultivated through updated policies and procedures. Our strategic plan outlines specific projects to achieve this goal, including:

• Implementation of a Public Safety Plan

• Updating the Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan

• Adoption of strict water management policies and acquisition of a Designation of Assured Water Supply

As we move forward, Buckeye continues to prioritize safety, sustainability and community well-being, ensuring a prosperous future for all residents.

In anticipation of future growth, we’ve made notable upgrades to the airport, including:

• Installation of a new Monument Sign and Entry Pavement

• Preservation of 5,700 Feet of Runway

• Construction of a 40,000 Square Foot Hangar and 200,000 square feet of ramp expansion

These improvements reflect our commitment to ensuring BXK remains a vital component of our city’s infrastructure.

Buckeye Police Department Communication Center under construction.

Farallon

CWater Update

I am pleased to share some important updates regarding our city’s ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable growth and water management. Buckeye has spent the last several months productively working with the Governor’s office and the Arizona Department of Water Resources to gain a pathway to an Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS), which will pave the way for sustainable long-term development in our city and allow for us to better control our own future.

As the population grows and the housing shortage continues statewide, Arizona’s housing needs and economic success cannot be accomplished without Buckeye. In the near term, it is crucial for Buckeye to sustain development momentum while expanding our water portfolio. Buckeye has demonstrated its commitment to acquiring diverse water supplies through various initiatives, including the expansion of our effluent recharge, pending purchase agreements for water from the Harquahala basin, contracts for NonIndian Agricultural Priority water and discussions to modify the Bartlett Dam and reservoir for conservation storage capacity.

Our city remains dedicated to responsible growth, balancing the needs of the present and future generations. We believe that an ADAWS tailored to Buckeye’s unique potential and circumstances is essential for achieving this goal.

Given the proper water allocation and sufficient time to implement new water supplies, we are confident that Buckeye will continue to meet the needs of our residents and contribute to the wellbeing of Arizona for the next 100 years and beyond.

Water Campus

onstruction of the first phase of the Farallon Water Campus project commenced late last year. This project will meet the future demands of growth and development in the area west of Miller Road to MC-85.

This project provides numerous benefits for increased potable water production, by:

• Extending the city’s water system further west

• Installation of three miles of water transmission lines for the connection of new groundwater wells

• Establishing a new 20-acre water campus with the ability to:

• Provide future water treatment on site

• Deliver 19 million gallons of water per day (19 mgd) at buildout

Covering nearly 4,900 acres, the Farallon Water Service Area aims to provide essential potable water infrastructure to facilitate residential, commercial and industrial development. Anticipated for completion in early 2025, this first phase represents a significant step towards meeting the evolving needs of our growing community.

Sundance Park Phase II

Sundance Park Phase II opened last summer and it is a must-visit, if you haven’t been yet. Amenities like basketball courts, a playground, sports fields and a 3.5-acre fishing lake are all great new additions to the park. The lake was stocked with trout, sunfish and bass through the cooler months and will be getting stocked with catfish through the summer. Our city’s first public splash pad reopened on April 1, providing a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures that are starting to settle in.

Streets and Roads

Jackrabbit Trail and I-10 Updates

We’ve been working tirelessly with our partners on the state and county level to get this interchange upgraded. The interchange is currently in the design phase with planned improvements to include:

• Reconstructing the existing traffic interchange and adding traffic signals.

• Widening the interchange ramps to provide additional turn lanes.

• Removing and reconstructing the existing I-10 bridges over Jackrabbit Trail.

• Widening Jackrabbit Trail to three lanes in each direction south of McDowell Road and north of Van Buren Street.

Funding for this project is identified in Proposition 479, the extension of the half-cent sales tax in Maricopa County, which will be presented to voters in the November 2024 election.

Widening of I-10 from Citrus Road to SR-85 is also in the design phase and should be construction ready by the spring of 2025. This project will extend the HOV lane from Citrus to SR-85, close the median and add lighting to this section of freeway.

McDowell Road is set to undergo construction between Verrado and Jackrabbit Trail, where it will be upgraded to feature one lane in each direction along with a dedicated middle turn lane. The construction is slated to begin this fall.

Buckeye will be extending Roosevelt Street all the way to Jackrabbit Trail, with plans to include two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane. Additionally, a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection with Jackrabbit Trail. Construction is scheduled to kick off this summer.

Roosevelt Road

Fiscal Responsibility

Buckeye continues to perform with a strong financial foundation rooted in the work done by the Finance Department. As of February, our General Fund income exceeds our expenses by more than $38 million.

For the fifth consecutive year, Buckeye received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the highest form of recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting. The Finance Department has also worked hard to earn an exceptional AA+ Municipal Bond Rating.

Many factors are considered in the assessment of a bond rating, including the city’s tax base, overall economic health, financial adaptability and the city’s management practices and policies. This rating equips Buckeye with the ability to secure the most favorable interest rates possible when implementing essential capital projects, which play a pivotal role in advancing critical infrastructure such as buildings, roads, parks and other assets.

These ratings are also used to price bonds the city sells to fund bond packages, like the one Buckeye is exploring for the General Election in November 2024. General

Obligation Bonds signify an investment in our city’s future, funding vital projects in transportation, public safety and parks. A Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee, consisting of community volunteers, is in the process of evaluating and prioritizing potential projects. If recommended, voter approval will be sought this November, allowing you to shape Buckeye’s future.

Learn more about the bond process and rate the potential projects for yourself now at buckeyeaz.gov/bond.

Looking Forward

Buckeye is steadily progressing towards its vision of being the city of limitless possibilities, with 2024 off to an amazing start. Our focus on attracting top-tier businesses and fostering development tailored to Buckeye’s needs continues to drive our progress. Looking ahead, let us stay committed to building a sustainable and thriving community. By engaging with you and valuing all voices, we will shape Buckeye’s future as a place of opportunity for every resident. Thank you for your dedication and support as we work together toward a brighter tomorrow.

Artist rendering of potential Fire Station 708