Log in

Subscriber Exclusive

Hall: New Year to bring good things for Surprise

Posted

As we enter the new year, I would like to extend warm wishes and gratitude to our community.

I am continually in awe at our capacity to imagine, create and act. Thank you to each and every one of you who has made this community what it is including our staff who have gone above and beyond. 

As we come to the conclusion of this very unexpected year, the season provides a time to pause, and reflect. Individually and as a city, we have experienced many changes in 2020. 

The city of Surprise is entering into a solid financial position in 2021, which is largely due to our strong economy, our approach to COVID and conservative decisions. We have endured revenue losses mainly in two of our departments (Sports and Tourism and Parks and Recreation) due to cancelations of a full spring training season, tournaments and recreation programs.

Earlier this year, we asked you to participate in the 2020 Census. An amazing 71.2% of our households self-responded. That’s higher than the 65.8% self-response rate in 2010. After Census workers visited homes, 99.9% of households in Arizona were counted. 

This participation makes a tangible difference for our city and state as an accurate count helps attract federal dollars to Surprise to support a variety of programs and helps our city get its share of funding and resources for the next 10 years. 

This was a banner year for capital improvements, though due to focus on COVID and reducing in person events and celebrations, some in our community might have missed these milestones.

The year began with the February dedication of our third library located in the Asante community. Just up the road and a few months later, the Surprise Fire and Medical Department moved in and began operations from the permanent Fire Station 304, located at 163rd Avenue and San Ysidro.

The 44,000-square-foot Public Works Operations Facility built at Cactus and Litchfield Roads is now complete and under full operation. Two sorely needed road-widening projects were completed (Waddell and Litchfield roads significantly improving traffic safety, while also igniting economic development of adjacent properties. We also saw the first “Flashing Yellow” turn signals introduced to our city with this modification planned at many other intersections moving forward.

Meanwhile, several projects are underway with completion expected this coming year. This includes the full buildout of Greenway Road between Cotton Lane and Sarival Avenue. The new Fire Station 308, which will be the city’s first fire station located in the southeast portion of Surprise. And 2021 will also bring the completion of the Public Safety Evidence and Readiness Center as well as the Police Training facility, both of which are critical to meeting the public safety needs of our growing community.

These represent some of the most noteworthy city projects; however, growth is occurring in nearly every corner of the city with improvements added, almost every month.

While unprecedented challenges may linger, I know we will continue to remain strong and resilient. I think about all that has happened in 11 months. I would like to personally thank everyone for their patience, flexibility, understanding, innovation, respect for each other’s health and forward thinking as we collectively work through unprecedented times.

We still have things to learn, overcome and accomplish, but I am beyond grateful to serve a community that unites through tough times. Residents can rest assure that your Surprise City Council will continue providing the best services possible during this pandemic.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a new year full of peace, health, abundance and prosperity.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Hall is the mayor of Surprise.