Eye on Buckeye: 2026 State of the City edition

on Buckeye

the official publication of the city of Buckeye

May 2026

3

4

Opportunity & Growth

Investing in Infrastructure

Water: Securing our Future

8

Strengthening Public Safety

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

BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL

Eric Orsborn, Mayor

Tony Youngker, District 1

Jamaine Berry, District 2

Curtis Beard, District 3

Patrick HagEstad, District 4

Craig Heustis, District 5

Clay Goodman, Vice Mayor, District 6

As we reflect on another year of progress, I’m proud of the momentum happening across Buckeye.

Our city remains one of the fastestgrowing communities in the nation and that momentum was set in motion more than 20 years ago, when many of the master-planned developments now taking shape were first approved. With that growth comes a responsibility to plan carefully, invest wisely and ensure Buckeye remains a place where families, businesses and future generations can thrive.

Over the past year, we’ve expanded infrastructure, strengthened public safety, secured long-term water resources and welcomed new economic opportunities. Voter-approved bond projects are already improving mobility across the city, while new employers and retail destinations are bringing jobs and services closer to home.

These accomplishments are possible because of the strong partnership between our residents, businesses, city staff and community leaders who share a vision for Buckeye’s future.

Together, we are building a city that is stronger, more connected and full of opportunity.

Downtown Buckeye

Downtown Buckeye continues to grow as a destination, welcoming new shops and restaurants that add to the area’s unique local character. From gelato and authentic Vietnamese cuisine to Mexican, Italian and classic American favorites, downtown now offers more options than ever for residents and visitors.

As part of Buckeye’s ongoing revitalization efforts, the Monroe Avenue Restriping Project between Miller Road and Eason Avenue will bring important improvements this summer.

Following community input, Buckeye City Council approved a new three-lane configuration that will improve safety and traffic flow while maintaining the character of downtown. The design keeps one lane in each direction, adds a center turn lane and maintains parallel parking to support local businesses.

These improvements help advance the city’s vision for a safer, more walkable and vibrant downtown Buckeye.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Opportunity & Growth

Buckeye continues to attract major employers that bring careers, services and opportunity to our community, strengthening our position as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics and innovation.

Burlington is the latest major company to break ground, building a 2 million square foot distribution center near SR-85 and Broadway. The facility is expected to employ more than 1,000 people when completed in 2027.

A logistics company is taking over the distribution center at Southern and Apache, bringing additional jobs to the area.

Buckeye welcomes MayAir, the first semiconductor supply company to locate in the city. The company will occupy the Mission Park 10 building near Perryville and McDowell, with plans to begin operations with 30 employees.

The city’s Economic Development team is also advancing several large “mega site” opportunities. Buckeye remains one of the last places in the Valley where sites exceeding 2,000 acres are still available for major employment centers. These sites are uniquely positioned to become hubs for advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy development and other high-impact industries that drive job creation and long-term economic growth.

Retail and Dining

Retail and dining options continue expanding across the city. Developments like Buckeye Commons, Roosevelt Commons and The Mix on Roosevelt are bringing new restaurants, shops and services residents have long requested. The area known as The Landing continues to attract major investment, highlighted by the recent purchase of 272 acres on both sides of I-10, east of Verrado, by a commercial real estate developer, further fueling the area’s continued growth.

Looking ahead, Verrado Marketplace is scheduled to open in phases beginning this month, adding major retailers, restaurants and entertainment while creating more than 750 jobs.

Additional growth includes the new Fry’s shopping center at Miller and Broadway, a proposed shopping center near Canyon Springs and Sun Valley Parkway in Festival, and a new QuikTrip planned near Tartesso.

Together, these projects reflect strong confidence in Buckeye’s future and reinforce our reputation as one of Arizona’s most dynamic and promising communities.

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE

As Buckeye grows, investing in infrastructure remains one of the city’s highest priorities.

Over the past several years, millions of dollars have been invested to widen and reconstruct roadways across the community, improving safety and keeping traffic moving.

These projects are funded through Buckeye’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), regional and state partnerships, private development investment and the voter-approved 2024 General Obligation Bond program.

The bond program is already delivering results, accelerating major transportation and public safety projects throughout the city.

Completed & Active Roadway Projects

Roosevelt Street: Jackrabbit Trail to Verrado Way

Roadway connection and traffic signal

Completed 2025 – Developer Project

Jackrabbit Trail & Van Buren Street

New traffic signal

$2 million – Completed 2026 – CIP

McDowell Road: Jackrabbit Trail to Tuthill Wash

Road widening & roadway connection

$10 million – Completed 2026 – CIP

Festival Ranch Roadway Improvements Pavement repairs & foundation stabilization

$1 million – Completed 2025 – GO Bond

218th Drive: Dean Road to Ripple Road

Roadway reconstruction

$370K - Completed 2025 – GO Bond

Shepards Trail: MC-85 to Narramore Avenue

Roadway reconstruction

$400k - Completed 2025 – GO Bond

Southern Avenue: Rainbow Road to 231st Avenue

Roadway reconstruction

$1.1 million - Completed 2025 – GO Bond

Miller Road: Durango Street to Lower Buckeye

Road widening project

$13 million – Completed 2025 – CIP

Roosevelt, Edison & Eason Avenues:

Miller Road to 4th Street

Roadway reconstruction

$1.3 million – Construction Underway – GO Bond

Durango Street: Miller Road to Yuma Road

Roadway improvements

$9 million – Construction Underway – CIP

BVerrado Way at Lost Creek

Bridge widening & reconstruction

$5 million – Construction Underway –Developer Project

ROADWAY PROJECTS COMING SOON

uckeye is preparing to launch nearly $150 million in major roadway improvements this year designed to support future growth and improve regional connectivity.

• Monroe Ave. & 9th St.

HAWK pedestrian signal

$670k – Construction 2026 – CIP

• Watson Rd.: Durango St. to Lower Buckeye Rd. Road widening and pinch-point removal

$4.5 million – Construction 2026 – CIP

• Watson Rd. & Broadway Rd.

Major intersection improvements

$12 million – Construction 2026 – CIP

• Apache Rd.: Yuma Rd. to Lower Buckeye Rd. Road widening and pinch-point removal

$2.5 million – Construction 2026 – GO Bond

• Verrado Way: Yuma Rd. to Van Buren St. Road widening and intersection reconstruction at Yuma

$16 million – Construction 2026 – CIP

• Jackrabbit Trail: McDowell Rd. to Thomas Rd. Road widening and new traffic signal

$24 million – Construction 2026 – CIP

• Jackrabbit Trail & Interstate 10 Interchange

Major interchange upgrade

$88 million – Construction 2026 – ADOT Project

Additional safety improvements, including lighting along Sun Valley Parkway near Tartesso, will further enhance visibility and safety along key corridors.

WATER: SECURING BUCKEYE’S

Water security is one of the most important issues facing communities across the Southwest, and Buckeye continues taking proactive steps to ensure a sustainable water supply for generations to come.

Every home built in Buckeye must have a 100year Certificate of Assured Water Supply, ensuring development only occurs when a long-term water source has been verified. Because of this commitment, Buckeye has the water resources needed to continue growing in a smart and responsible way.

A great example is the new Teravalis community, which celebrated its grand opening this year and has secured enough assured water supply to support approximately 8,500 homes.

Agricultural-to-Urban Water Conversions

Another important tool for Buckeye’s water future is the conversion of agricultural water rights for municipal use, known as AG-to-Urban.

In December 2025, the first AG-to-Urban application in Arizona was approved for a project in Buckeye through the Governor’s Office. The project converts 210 acres of agricultural land near Miller and Broadway into a residential community that will use about 80% less water than the land currently consumes in agricultural production.

This program is completely voluntary. The city is not forcing anyone to sell their land, and these conversions occur through agreements between private property owners and the state.

FUTURE

Across the Phoenix Active Management Area, the AG-to-Urban program is expected to conserve about 7.1 million acre-feet of water over time.

Harquahala Valley Water Supply

Buckeye has also secured one of the most significant long-term water opportunities in Arizona through the Harquahala Valley water purchase.

Through partnerships with the Governor’s Office and the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Buckeye has secured nearly 600,000 acre-feet of water from the Harquahala Basin. Once implemented in the coming years, this supply will become a critical component of the city’s long-term water portfolio.

Together, strategies like AG-to-Urban conversions and the Harquahala purchase demonstrate Buckeye’s commitment to planning ahead and securing a reliable water future.

BXK BOOMIN’

The Buckeye Municipal Airport (BXK) continues to emerge as a vital economic asset for both our city and the broader region. In 2025, the airport recorded more than 138,000 operations, reflecting substantial growth over the past two years.

To support this momentum, the city is finalizing an updated Airport Master Plan that will guide the airport’s long-term growth and development. A key component of that plan is the ultimate expansion of the runway to 8,800 feet, with construction planned in phases, beginning with an initial extension to 7,300 feet. This investment will strengthen the airport’s ability to support its primary users today, including corporate aviation, flight training and emergency services. Over the long term, it also positions BXK to potentially accommodate a broader range of aviation activity, including cargo operations, military use and passenger service.

As activity increases, so does the need for enhanced safety infrastructure. The city will continue working closely with federal partners to secure funding for an air traffic control tower, an important next step in supporting safe and efficient operations.

Demand for aircraft storage also remains strong. A private development is currently underway to construct a dozen new executive hangars, and the city continues to pursue additional partnerships to support similar investments and long-term growth.

Beyond its economic impact, the airport plays an important role in bringing the community together. This year’s Buckeye Air Fair and AOPA Fly-In attracted more than 38,000 visitors, highlighting BXK’s value as both an economic engine and a community asset.

As Buckeye continues to grow, BXK is not simply keeping pace, it is helping to shape the city’s economic future and strengthen regional connectivity.

COMMUNITY SERVICES IN ACTION

The Community Services Department continues to expand amenities and opportunities for residents across Buckeye.

In August, the city celebrated the reopening of the JOE FOSS SHOOTING COMPLEX south of Interstate 10 along SR-85. Through a 20-year agreement with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, Buckeye now operates and is improving the facility, which includes a 50yard pistol range and 200-yard rifle range with 40 covered shooting stations. Archery is also planned, further expanding its use for both recreation and law enforcement training.

The city is also working to bring new community amenities to the north. Buckeye is nearing completion of negotiations to secure land for a future library in the Festival Ranch area. Once approved by City Council, the project will move into design, creating a modern facility with flexible space for community programs and activities.

Looking Ahead...

Buckeye continues building the foundation for long-term success.

Roadway improvements are expanding capacity across the city, new public safety facilities are improving emergency response and proactive water planning is ensuring sustainable growth.

Together, these investments reflect a shared commitment to keeping Buckeye one of the best places in Arizona to live, work and raise a family.

Thank you for being part of Buckeye’s continued growth and success.

530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SAFETY

Buckeye Police Department

In 2025, the Buckeye Police Department opened its new 911 Communications Center, designed to support the city’s growing population.

The facility also houses the Real Time Information Center (RTIC), which provides officers with real-time information using camera networks and advanced technology to improve response times and situational awareness.

BPD also expanded community outreach through programs such as the Citizens Academy and the Buckeye Fentanyl Forum, bringing residents and partners together to address important community issues.

Buckeye Fire-MedicalRescue Department

The Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department celebrated 25 years of service to the community in 2025.

In January, the department opened Fire Station 707 in the Blue Horizons area, improving response times in one of Buckeye’s fastestgrowing neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Fire Station 708 in Teravalis will be breaking ground soon and thanks to the voter-approved 2024 GO Bond, two additional fire stations are now in the planning phase, with construction expected to begin later this year:

• Westpark Area – Near Broadway Road and Miller Road

• Victory Area – Near Indian School Road and Acacia Drive

These stations will further improve emergency response times as Buckeye continues to grow.