If you have not yet responded to the Census, there is still time. It is critical that the city has an accurate Census count. The Census helps in planning for critical infrastructure, like roads and hospitals. It determines our Congressional representation and local political boundaries, and guides the distribution of state shared revenues that our city receives. To respond to the Census, you can go online to my2020census.gov, or respond by phone at 844-330-2020 for English, or 844-468-2020 for Spanish, or mail back a paper questionnaire, if you received one in the mail.
Between Aug. 11 and Oct. 31, U.S. Census Bureau workers will begin visiting homes to interview households that have not responded to the 2020 Census. All Census workers are provided with personal protective equipment, and have been trained to practice physical distancing. They will also have official ID badges that will include their name, photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Please note that Census Bureau workers will never ask you for social security numbers, bank information, donations, or credit card information. If fraud is suspected, call 800-923-8282 to speak to a local Census Bureau representative.
Kansas City Royals Groundbreaking
I am very pleased to announce that the KC Royals have broken ground on their player housing facility, located across the street from the Surprise Stadium in the Surprise City Center. When complete, this four story housing complex will have 47 apartment units, meeting space, a classroom, and dining and lounging areas. Outside amenities will include a swimming pool, covered seating areas and BBQ stations. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2021.
Restaurant Survey
Thank you to everyone that responded to the Surprise Annual Retail Survey. There were 4,300 responses to this year’s survey! These results are used to identify the city’s retail strengths, and opportunities to bring additional amenities closer to home. The results for Top 10 Desired Restaurants, and Top 10 Desired Retailers are
Top 10 Desired Restaurants
Cracker Barrel
Cheesecake Factory
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
El Pollo Loco
BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
Portillo's
Claim Jumper
Dillon's Kansas City BBQ
Pita Jungle
Bobby-Q BBQ
Top 10 Desired Retailers
Whole Foods Market
Hobby Lobby
Aldi
JoAnn's Fabrics
AJ's Fine Foods
TJ Maxx
Home Goods
Total Wine & More
Old Navy
Bath & Body Works
Additionally, the survey asks participants to recognize current favorite local businesses. Congratulations to the Top 10 Local Favorite Restaurants and Retailers, listed below!
Top 10 Local Favorites - Restaurants
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
Babbo Italian Eatery
Vogue Bistro
Saigon Kitchen
Rio Mirage Cafe
State 48 Brewery
Angry Crab Shack
Nick's Diner II
Big Buddha Restaurant
Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House
Top 10 Local Favorites - Retailers
Son Glow Boutique
PinkaBella Cupcakes(Note: PinkaBella Cupcakes has closed their retail location)
For the most up-to-date information on resources available to small business, please don’t forget that the City of Surprise has a COVID-19 Business & Workforce Resources page! This page is managed by the Economic Development team, and is designed to help all of our local businesses. The webpage, www.surpriseaz.gov/businesshelp is full of updated information for customers, businesses and job seekers. There are also video resources aimed to help small businesses with topics such as the CARES Act, Small Business Marketing Tools during COVID-19, the Payroll Protection Program Flexibility Act and much more. If you’ve visited this page in the past, please check it out again, as it is updated frequently.
Grand Openings/Ribbon Cuttings
Lucky House Chinese Cuisine, located at 14291 W. Grand Avenue, on the corner of Grand Avenue and Parkview Place in District 5 opened just last month. Welcome to Surprise, Jerry Li!
City Council Meeting Schedule
Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6 pm. While our meetings are still not open to the public you can always watch them live on Surprise TV at www.surpriseaz.gov/surpriseTV.
As always, I am available via david.sanders@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1325. Please feel free to reach out. I always want to hear from my constituents.
Virtual Meet and Greets
Until CDC guidelines change, I will be using Facebook LIVE to host my monthly meetings. My next monthly meeting is scheduled for Aug. 29 at 9 am. Please check the City of Surprise website, at surpriseaz.gov for updates to this meeting schedule.
