with Mayor Eric Orsborn
on Buckeye
3 5 8 the official publication of the city of Buckeye April 2025
A Thriving Business Hub
Game-Changer for Buckeye’s Future
Water: Securing our Future
Buckeye Cares
CITY OF BUCKEYE 530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326
623.349.6000
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
Tony Youngker, District 1
Jamaine Berry, District 2
Curtis Beard, District 3
Patrick HagEstad, District 4
Craig Heustis, Vice Mayor, District 5
Clay Goodman, District 6
A Message from the Mayor
As we reflect on the past year and look toward the future, I am proud to share the incredible progress Buckeye has made. Our city continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation and with that growth comes responsibility—responsibility to invest in our infrastructure, secure our water future, support economic development and ensure a high quality of life for our residents.
Buckeye is thriving because of our strategic vision and the dedication of our community. We have welcomed new businesses, made significant progress in securing long-term water resources and taken big steps to enhance public safety and transportation. These investments will ensure our city remains a premier destination for families and businesses alike.
Thank you for your continued support in shaping Buckeye’s bright future.
Mayor Eric Orsborn
Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center
Economic Development: A Thriving Business Hub
Retail & Grocery Expansion: More Choices, More Convenience
The economic momentum in Buckeye over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. With new restaurants, retail, services and employment centers, our city is thriving. Currently, more than 9.2 million square feet of development is either underway or in the planning stages, underscoring Buckeye’s rapid growth and bright future.
Our Economic Development team has been hard at work attracting top-tier retail and dining options that reflect our community’s needs and desires. In 2024, we celebrated the groundbreaking of SIHI’s (Sunbelt Investment Holdings Inc.) Buckeye Commons East, bringing essential services and exciting new businesses like Home Depot, Over Easy and Slim Chickens to our city. In 2025, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Vestar’s Verrado Marketplace, a 500,000-square-foot retail destination featuring Harkins Backlot, Safeway, Total Wine and a variety of sit-down restaurants. This development will transform the Verrado
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• Action Behavior Centers
• Angie’s Burgers
Asian Bistro
AZ Asthma & Allergy Institute
AZ Law Now
Barbon Asadero
• Black Rock Coffee
• Bobazona
• Bosa Donuts
• Casa de Leyva
• Chipotle
• Degino Coffee Bar
• El Classico Barbershop
• Foothills Sports Medicine
Therapy
• Good Vets
• Haymaker
• Manna Movement Pilates
• Marker Space
• Pacific Dental (Jackrabbit & Indian School)
• Peoria Foot and Ankle
• Pretty Q Nails
• Sherwin Williams
• Signature Barbershop
• Sonora Quest Laboratories
• Spooner Physical Therapy
• Studio Lenea Salon
• The Tack Room
• Thrive Bike & Swim
• West Rose Wine
• Westside Primary Care & Associates
• Wing Stop
• Womens Care
Way & I-10 corridor into a vibrant retail and dining hub. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that Sprouts Farmers Market will be coming to Roosevelt & Verrado Way, with construction set to begin later this year and additional retailers to follow.
Our long-awaited Fry’s Grocery Store is now under construction along Miller Road, bringing even more convenience to our residents in the western part of Buckeye. The growth doesn’t stop there! We’re also excited to welcome QuikTrip (QT) to Sun Valley Parkway, the first of several major developments planned for this corridor. This marks the beginning of new services and amenities in this growing area.
With every new project, Buckeye continues to solidify its position as a dynamic and thriving city. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we build for the future! To learn more, visit www.growbuckeye.com/pages/whats-new
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• Credit Union West Dip Nail Spa Five Guys Home Depot Jimmy Johns Nothing Bundt Cake Over Easy
• Pacific Dental (Verrado & Roosevelt)
• Panera Bread
• QT (Sunvalley Pkwy)
• Raising Cane’s
• Red Wing Shoes
• Sleep Number Mattress
• Slim Chickens
• Someburros
• Starbucks
• State Farm Insurance
• The Joint
• Verrado Hampton Inn & Suites
Downtown Buckeye: A Vision Coming to Life
Buckeye’s historic downtown is evolving. As we continue to fine tune the configuration of Monroe Avenue, the introduction of parklets and new businesses will enhance the area’s walk-ability and charm. These efforts are part of a long-term strategy to transform downtown into a vibrant hub for residents and visitors.
Adding to this momentum, new multifamily developments on both sides of downtown will provide much-needed housing options, attracting more residents and supporting local businesses. As more people choose to live near downtown, the increased foot traffic will help sustain shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Stay up to date on the latest happening in downtown Buckeye at buckeyeaz.gov/streetscape.
New Employers Bringing Jobs and Growth
Buckeye continues to attract major employers, bringing new, high-quality jobs and strengthening our local economy. This year, we welcomed:
AMAZON
distribution hub with more than 700 new jobs
REHRIG PACIFIC
a sustainable logistics solution company with more than 100 jobs
BLUE POLYMERS
a cutting-edge sustainable materials comany with 60 jobs
ROSS
distribution hub with more than 1,300 new jobs
These companies not only create jobs but also position Buckeye as a key player in innovative industries.
Rehrig Pacific
Rehrig Pacific
The Landing: A Game-Changer for Buckeye’s Future
B
uckeye is shaping The Landing into the West Valley’s premier destination for recreation, shopping, dining and business. Spanning 2,100 acres just south of I-10 along Verrado Way, this vibrant district will integrate entertainment, diverse housing and cutting-edge health, research and education spaces.
A key component of The Landing’s vision is the introduction of mixed-use development, which blends residential, commercial and recreational spaces to create a walkable, connected community. This approach fosters a vibrant environment where people can live near where they work and shop, enhancing convenience and quality of life.
The Landing Area Plan will guide development, and community input is key to shaping its future. With thoughtful planning, The Landing will drive economic growth, create jobs and offer a dynamic space where residents and visitors can live, work and play.
Learn more about the development at buckeyeaz.gov/thelanding.
Healthcare Expansion: Building a Healthier Buckeye
Access to quality healthcare is a top priority. The Abrazo Medical Campus on Verrado Way and Roosevelt Road is well underway, with a full acute care hospital coming soon. Additionally, Banner Health has announced plans to expand its facility on Verrado Way and McDowell Road with a comprehensive medical center and hospital. These new facilities will ensure our residents have access to top-tier medical care without having to leave Buckeye. Furthermore, the Buckeye Medical Plaza is now operational, bringing in essential services to further support the health and wellbeing of our community.
Buckeye Municipal Airport: Preparing for Growth
The Buckeye Municipal Airport is a vital asset in our city’s growth. With the Airport Area Plan and an improved development process, we’re working to attract aviation and industrial businesses that will help the airport take off as an economic driver for the city.
Air traffic at the airport is also on the rise, with total operations increasing from 95,000 in 2023 to 122,000 in 2024. This growth highlights the airport’s expanding role in regional transportation and the need for continued investment.
We’re also addressing the high demand for hangar space—our extensive waitlist and economic growth in the West Valley highlight the need for expansion. Plans are underway to engage private development to increase capacity and better serve our aviation community.
Of course, Buckeye Municipal Airport plays host to our annual Buckeye Air Fair and AOPA Fly-In, and 2025 was our most successful yet, drawing a record-breaking 36,000 spectators. This event continues to showcase the airport’s potential as a premier regional transportation hub.
Buckeye agrees to manage Joe Foss Shooting Range
Buckeye City Council approved a 20-year agreement with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation to manage the Joe Foss Shooting Range at Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The city will oversee operations, maintenance and improvements, ensuring the facility meets all safety standards for both law enforcement training and public use.
The range is set to reopen in this fall, with potential for expanded hours Friday through Sunday. The Buckeye Police and Community Services departments are finalizing reopening plans, with more details to come.
Located 10 miles south of I-10 along SR 85, the range features a 50-yard pistol range and a 200-yard rifle range with 40 covered stations for up to 80 users.
Stay tuned for updates on the official grand opening!
Water: Securing our Future
ADAWS & Sustainability Efforts
Water is our most valuable resource, and Buckeye is taking proactive steps to secure it. We are in the process of applying for the newly developed Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS) in the White Tank service area which includes the Tartesso development. This move will allow us to expand renewable water supplies with a $12 million investment from the state to enhance infrastructure, increasing reuse efforts and ensuring a sustainable future for our city.
Harquahala Water Transportation Agreement
In collaboration with the Governor’s Office and the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), Buckeye continues to work toward securing nearly 600,000 acre-feet of water from the Harquahala Valley. This acquisition will help ensure a stable water supply, supporting long-term growth and development.
Farallon Water Campus
Buckeye is preparing for future water demands with the Farallon Water Campus, which will be operational this summer. This facility is designed to expand our water infrastructure and support the needs of our community.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Investments
Major Infrastructure Upgrades
The passage of Buckeye’s General Obligation Bonds allows us to invest in critical infrastructure projects that improve traffic flow and enhance public safety. These projects, combined with our fiveyear fully funded Capital Improvement Program (CIP), will ensure the important infrastructure projects that our residents have been asking about the most get done in a timely manner.
Jackrabbit Trail and I-10 Updates
One of Buckeye’s most requested infrastructure projects, the Jackrabbit/I-10 interchange upgrade, is well into the planning stages with ADOT. With funding from Proposition 479, the project will be going out to bid for construction later this year.
The planned improvements include:
• Reconstructing existing traffic interchange and adding traffic signals.
• Widening the interchange ramps to provide additional turn lanes.
• Removing & reconstructing 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.
MILLER – Added Lanes and New Pavement from Durango to Lower Buckeye Under Construction
ROOSEVELT – New Traffic Signal & Roadway Connection from Jackrabbit to Verrado Under Construction
JACKRABBIT & VAN BUREN – New Traffic Signal Construction: 2025
MCDOWELL – Added Lanes & Roadway Connection from Jackrabbit to Verrado Construction: 2025
CANYON SPRINGS –Reconstruction at the Sun Valley Parkway entrance Construction: 2025
JACKRABBIT – Added Lanes & New Traffic Signals from McDowell to Thomas Construction: 2025/26
JACKRABBIT - Fiber Extension up to Indian School Construction: 2025/26
WATSON ROAD – Added Lanes from Durango Street to Lower Buckeye Road Construction: 2026
APACHE ROAD – Added Lanes from Watkins Road to Yuma Road Construction: 2026
VERRADO & YUMA –Intersection Improvements Construction: 2026
SOUTHERN AVENUE –Reconstruction from Ross Distribution Eastbound to S. Rainbow Road Construction: 2026
PALO VERDE ROAD –Reconstruction from I-10 Southbound to Canal Construction: 2026
SUN VALLEY PARKWAY –
Lighting Improvements Near Tartesso Construction: 2027
RAINBOW & SUNDANCE –
New Traffic Signal Construction: 2027
Public Safety Enhancements
Capital Improvement
Buckeye Bond 2024
Fire Station 707
New station in Blue Horizons, opened in February, improving emergency response times Completed
Westpark & Victory Fire Stations
Expanding coverage for growing neighborhoods Construction: 2027
530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326
Buckeye Cares
Dementia Friendly Buckeye Key Initiative
B uckeye is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of all residents through an expansion of social services. Led by the Community Services Department, the city provides essential resources, including educational programs, legal aid, health services and family support, ensuring accessibility for residents of all ages.
A key initiative is Dementia Friendly Buckeye, a community-driven effort to support individuals and caregivers affected by memory loss. The Buckeye Memory Café, held monthly at the Buckeye Senior Center, offers a welcoming space for connection and support.
Through strong partnerships with Maricopa County and the Salvation Army, Buckeye extends its reach to provide housing assistance, utility relief, emergency food programs and veteran services. These collaborations help create a more resilient and thriving community for all.
As Buckeye continues to expand, your support and engagement are crucial in shaping our future. We remain committed to smart growth, sustainability and ensuring that Buckeye remains a wonderful place to live, work and play. Stay connected with us for the latest updates and projects at buckeyeaz.gov and follow us on social media.
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