Registered voters in the city of Surprise will be asked whether to authorize the city to incur General Obligation Bond debt not to exceed $184,900,000 to fund civic improvements over a maximum time period of 40 years in the following categories:

Registered voters in the city of Surprise will be asked whether to adopt the City of Surprise General Plan 2030 Update as approved by the Surprise Mayor and City Council.

A general plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan for the development of a city. The plan contains goals and general policy statements for the physical development of the city. The plan provides the foundation for decision-making for both private development projects and public capital expenditures.

State law (Revised Statutes (ARS) section 9-461.05) requires municipalities in Arizona to develop a general plan. The general plan must have sections that consider growth, land use, redevelopment, housing, transportation, cost of development, public buildings, recreation and open space, environmental planning, conservation and water resources.

What is a General Plan?

A general plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan for the development of a city.  The plan contains goals and general policy statements for the physical development of the city. The plan provides the foundation for decision-making for both private development projects and public capital expenditures.

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) section 9-461.05 requires municipalities in Arizona to develop a general plan.  The general plan must have sections that consider growth, land use, redevelopment, housing, transportation, cost of development, public buildings, recreation and open space, environmental planning, conservation and water resources.

Why was the plan updated?

Ten years ago, when the last plan was conceived, the population of the City of Surprise was approximately 30,000. Today, the city population is approximately 110,000 people. ARS section 9-461.05 requires that cities with a population greater than 50,000 address more topics than smaller cities. The updated plan is necessary to address these additional requirements.

What was updated in the Surprise General Plan 2030?

Community design, education and the arts are addressed in the new plan. Sustainability plays a much greater role in the policy statements. The concept of building heritage to value the importance of our historical legacy and natural environment was added to the plan. There is an increased emphasis on the neighborhoods. A village concept was also added to the plan.

How often do the voters get to vote on the plan?

The city is required by ARS section 9-461.06 to send the General Plan to the voters every ten years. The last plan was ratified by the voters on March 13, 2000. The ten-year cycle ends in March of 2010.

Was there any community input in the development of the plan?

The City of Surprise held over 30 public meetings, in addition to the broad dissemination of the plan required by Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.06.  Comments were received in written and web based forms from residents, property owners, neighboring cities, and partnering agencies.  Additionally two public hearings were held by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as a public hearing held by the Mayor and City Council before adopting the plan.

Will the implementation of the Plan increase taxes?

No, it will not increase taxes.

What happens if the voters fail to approve the Plan?

General Plan 2020 will remain effect until a new plan can be developed, adopted by the Mayor and City Council, and ratified by the voters.

If approved, when will the Plan take effect?

The Plan takes effect after the official certification of the votes.

Where can I get more information?
Questions or comments can be made by calling Community Development staff at 623.222.3133 or emailing . If you prefer to use the US Mail Service, the address is:

Community Development Department
Planning and Zoning Division
16000 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, Arizona 85374-7470