Governor Ducey Announces New Actions To Contain COVID-19

Governor Doug Ducey yesterday announced additional actions to contain the spread of COVID-19, including the signing of an Executive Order that requires restaurants with indoor seating to operate at less than 50 percent capacity. The announcement to limit ...

Census takers to begin visiting homes in August; Respond now and avoid the knock

The 2020 Census is currently underway, and just over 66 percent of households in Surprise have responded to the survey. In August, U.S. Census Bureau workers will begin visiting homes to interview households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census....

Surprise rebate programs offer incentives for water-conscious customers

Surprise water customers who want to help with water conservation efforts now have additional incentives to save.

Beginning July 1, city-serviced residential and business customers can choose from several water conservation rebate programs to help save wat...

Governor Ducey Takes Further Action to Reverse COVID-19 Spread in Arizona

As part of continued efforts to reverse the trend of COVID-19 spread in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey today signed an Executive Order to prohibit large gatherings, cease the issuance of new special event licenses and pause the operations of bars, gyms, mov...

Important dates & information related to the 2020 Primary Election

The Primary Election is just over a month away on Tuesday, August 4, and voter registration closes July 6. The ballot will include the office of Mayor and four Council seats. 

These are the seats to be filled:

• Mayor – Term ending December...

Surprise Judge Dominguez awarded for judicial excellence

Surprise City Court Presiding Judge, Judge Louis Frank Dominguez has been named the 2020 Justice Michael D. Ryan Award for Judicial Excellence recipient by the State Bar of Arizona Public Lawyers Section.

The Public Lawyers Section annually honors a judici...

Surprise requires face coverings in public effective June 20; City Hall will reclose to public

In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, Surprise Mayor Skip Hall, with support of the Surprise City Council, has issued a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation requiring face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions.

Effective Sat...

Portion of Cotton Ln, just north of Cactus Rd, to be closed June 30-July 21

Cotton Lane will be closed on the north side of Cactus Road beginning Tuesday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 21, for utility work. 

The work area will start on the north side of the Cotton Lane and Cactus Road intersection and continue north for a...

Traffic control changes on Waddell Rd, Loop 303 to Reems Rd, begin June 24

Motorists traveling Waddell Road, Reems Road to Loop 303, can expect traffic control changes, including the activation of the signal at the Waddell Road and Sarival Avenue intersection, beginning Wednesday, June 24.

The traffic changes are:

• Eastbound traffi...

Vote on favorite business ribbon cutting videos

The city featured 101 local Surprise businesses in short, 3-5 second videos where owners or staff cut a ribbon to celebrate reopening after closing temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Surprise Economic Development Department is now asking reside...

Letter from Surprise City Council

Dear Residents of Surprise,

This is an important time to reflect on our history, one in which, we must have honest dialogue about race and inclusivity; and listen intently to these conversations.  

We must be mindful that our children, our future, ...

Governor Ducey Announces Enhanced COVID-19 Action Plan

Following COVID-19 case increases and hospitalizations, Governor Doug Ducey today announced enhanced actions to contain the spread of the virus and protect Arizona’s most vulnerable residents. The announced actions build on Arizona’s s...

Drop-off recycling resumes in Surprise on July 7

Beginning Tuesday, July 7, the city of Surprise will resume drop-off recycling by allowing residents to bring acceptable materials to the city’s Public Works North Yard, 17274 N. Litchfield Road.

Surprise City Manager Michael Frazier made the ann...

Council proclaims Monsoon Awareness Week; Surprise offers safety tips for Monsoon 2020

Vice Mayor Chris Judd, on behalf of Mayor Skip Hall, proclaimed June 14-20 as Monsoon Awareness Week in Surprise during last night’s Regular City Council Meeting and encouraged residents to be prepared for severe weather during the unpredictable...

Letter from Surprise Police Chief Terry Young

Dear Residents, Business Owners and Visitors of Surprise,

In July of 2016, I felt compelled to share a message with each of you expressing YOUR Police Department’s commitment to professionalism and our appreciation for your partnership and extrao...

Scheduled Solid Waste, Stormwater Utility rate increases begin July 1

Surprise sanitation and stormwater utility customers will see changes on city utility statements beginning July 1, 2020, as rate increases determined by structured schedules are implemented.

Beginning July 1, 2020, single-family solid waste (trash) custome...

City splash pads, basketball & racquetball courts reopen June 8; ramada, sports field rentals resume

The city of Surprise is preparing to reopen several additional city-owned parks and recreation amenities on June 8, including splash pads, basketball courts and racquetball courts. Rentals of park ramadas and sports fields will also resume on that date.&a...

Council adopts FY2021 Budget focused on flexibility for the future

The Surprise City Council approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 City Budget in a Special Meeting Tuesday night. The budget is designed to be mindful of the current state of the economy while providing flexibility for the future. The FY2021 Adopted Expenditur...

Surprise partners with St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance to provide free meals for children

The Surprise Human Service and Community Vitality department has partnered with St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Kids Cafe® to offer free breakfast and lunch to children up to 18 years old at the Surprise Resource Center.

Kids Cafe® ...

City Hall reopens June 1; select recreation amenities phase in

On June 1, Surprise City Hall and select park amenities will reopen to the public. Additionally, some pool programming will begin June 8.  

The following City Hall service modifications will be implemented on June 1 and until further notice:

• Cashie...

Excessive Heat Warning this week; Heat Relief stations available

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30. With afternoon temperatures of 106 to 113 degrees expected, the city of Surprise reminds residents that we are a Heat Relief Network partner. The city provid...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancy

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the following  Commission.  All Board/Commission positions are voluntary.  

• Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission - 1 vacancy – remainder of term...

Surprise Introduces Phased COVID-19 Reopening Plan

With Governor Ducey’s stay home order lifted, and in the spirit of his recent “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger” Executive Order, the City of Surprise has prepared a phased reopening plan. 

Each phase wil...

Changes to public participation during Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission meeting May 18

In an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during the City of Surprise Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission Special Meeting on May 18 at 4:30 p.m. Public comment will be taken b...

City of Surprise pools, gyms, recreation centers remain closed until further notice

While Governor Ducey’s newest Executive Order allows public pools and gyms to open May 13 under Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines, the city of Surprise is maintaining closures of Surprise Aquatic Center, Hollyhock Pool, the gym at...

Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase Of Arizona Recovery

Governor Doug Ducey today announced that the Stay At Home order in Arizona will be ending on May 15 and replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery. The new guidance aligns with gating criteria issued by the White House and Centers Fo...

Surprise Sundancers raise nearly $175,000 for scholarships and youth programs

The Surprise Sundancers, the official Surprise Stadium Spring Training volunteer organization, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 95 students from high schools in Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown or Wic...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancy

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the following  Commission.  All Board/Commission positions are voluntary.  

•    Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission  &ndash...

Surprise to open some recreation amenities May 15

In anticipation of Governor Doug Ducey’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” Executive Order expiring May 15, the city of Surprise is preparing to reopen select recreational amenities that allow for appropriate physical...

Gov. Ducey Issues Updated Guidance For Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Barbers & Cosmetologists

Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing cosmetologists and barber shops to resume appointment-based services this Friday, May 8 and restaurants and coffee shops to resume dine-in services with physical distancing measures on Monday, M...

Governor Ducey, ADHS Release Guidelines For Retail Business & Customers As Openings Resume Next Week

Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services today released additional guidelines as retail businesses resume partial operations starting next week. The recommendations include enhanced sanitation and physical distancing steps custome...

Governor Issues Updated Guidance For Arizonans, Businesses

Governor Doug Ducey yesterday issued an Executive Order extending Arizona’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected Order until May 15, 2020. 

The order also continues Arizona’s gradual economic reopening, allowing retail busin...

Mayor Hall Declares Local State of Emergency in Surprise

In consultation with members of the Surprise City Council, and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Skip Hall announced a State of Emergency for the city of Surprise today in an effort to preserve public health.  

Effective 5 p.m. this even...

Surprise continues suspension of recreation programming & events

With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and its impacts to public assembly and the city’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget and beyond, all recreation programming and events will continue to be suspended until further notice. 

This includes summ...

Veterans Reflection Circle named Project of the Year by national & state public works associations

The city of Surprise Veterans Reflection Circle has been selected as an American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Project of the Year for 2020, as well as the APWA Arizona Chapter Project of the Year, in the category of Structures that cost le...

City to host online veteran workshops on VA Aid & Attendance benefits

The Reveille Foundation in partnership with the American Patriot Service Corporation will be offering online information and registration workshops on Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance benefits.

Aid & Attendance benefits are provided to both...

Changes to public participation during PSPRS Fire & Police Board meetings

In an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during city PSPRS Fire and Police Board Meetings until further notice. Public comment will be taken by phone and email beginning with the...

COVID-19 financial relief information for individuals & families available on city’s website

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought economic uncertainty to many individuals and families. In response, financial assistance policies have been activated at the national, state and city levels, as well as by business industries. The city has developed a web...

Valley Metro adjusts Express, RAPID bus service schedules due to COVID-19

Valley Metro has released the following information:

Valley Metro is adjusting the Express and RAPID commuter bus service schedules to operate fewer trips each weekday morning and evening. This is a proactive step to maintain local bus route service for th...

City webpage provides community support resources, volunteer opportunities amid COVID-19

This is an overwhelming time for communities around the world, and it is important that our residents know how to access the resources they need.Here’s a look at what is available on the webpage:

• Community Resource Guide – provides cont...

City temporarily amends A-frame sign policy during COVID-19 Pandemic

Beginning, Monday, March 30, 2020, businesses in the city of Surprise will be allowed to display an A-frame sign along the adjacent roadway or roadway closest to their business subject to certain requirements set forth below.

The temporary use of A-frame s...

Change to City Council Meeting public comment; Cancelation of several public meetings

In an effort to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, public comment options have changed for City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings and several other public meetings have been canceled until further notice.

City Council

Coun...

COVID-19 Special Report Video

With so much change and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Mayor Hall sat down with staff to talk about how the city is working hard to preserve public health, support our vulnerable populations, and maintain essential city services. 

Community inq...

Update: March 27 FY 2021 Budget Retreat Public Comment Details

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Surprise City Council’s Budget Retreat, scheduled for Friday, March 27, has been relocated to City Hall- Council Chambers.

In an effort to preserve public health, the retreat will be closed to public atte...

Surprise Partners with Meals of Joy to Offer Hot Lunches to Vulnerable Populations

The City of Surprise has partnered with Meals of Joy to deliver meals at no cost to seniors aged 62 and over, as well as individuals 55 and over with a disability. This temporary, federally funded program is designed to help vulnerable residents maintain ...

Surprise Resource Center Reducing Public Hours

Due to COVID 19 concerns, the Surprise Resource Center is reducing the number of public walk-in hours while maintaining call-in hours to ensure service to the community.

The Surprise Resource Center is a one-stop-shop for social services. Through strategic...

City Park Amenities & Facilities Closed to Public

To minimize the potential spread of illness by reducing opportunities to gather, Surprise is closing all city park amenities and facilities effective immediately.

The closure includes: playgrounds, water fountains, basketball courts, pickle ball courts, do...

Local nonprofit Benevilla seeking volunteers to assist seniors

Local nonprofit Benevilla is seeking volunteers to help our community’s seniors during this difficult time.

At this time, Benevilla needs immediate assistance with the following volunteer opportunities:

• Grocery shopping: Assist older adults who ca...

Governor Ducey Announces Latest COVID-19 Actions

Governor Doug Ducey today announced additional mitigation strategies to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. His executive actions include ensuring food access; increasing hospital capacity; Updated guidance and flexibility for restaurants, bars and ...

Changes to public participation during Planning & Zoning meetings effective March 18

Out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, residents and visitors, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during city Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings until further notice. Publi...

Changes to public participation during Council Meetings effective March 17

Out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees, residents and visitors, the Council Chambers will be closed to the public during City Council Work Sessions and Regular Meetings until further notice. Publ...

Surprise cancels/postpones events and programs due to COVID-19

After careful consideration, the city of Surprise is canceling or postponing all city-sponsored events, programs, and sports effective March 16 and continuing through May 10. 

The decision comes as COVID-19 (coronavirus) has reached pandemic level...

Census Mailings Arrive March 12-20; Count for your Community

It’s time to count for your community! Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census are arriving in mailboxes March 12-20, and you will have the opportunity to respond online, by phone, or by mail. 

This once-a-decade survey will count ever...

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Retreat set for March 27

The Surprise City Council will hold a Budget Retreat on Friday, March 27.

At the retreat, Council will be joined by city staff as they continue the development of the Fiscal Year 2021 Recommended City Manager’s Budget, which is scheduled to be re...

Surprise Fire-Medical is Awarded International Accredited Status

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department in Surprise, Arizona has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and ...

Surprise Resource Center expands evening hours beginning March 4

The city’s one-stop-shop for social services will soon expand its evening hours.

Beginning March 4, the Surprise Resource Center will extend its closing hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The new hours will be:

Monday & T...

Surprise Reaffirms Support for Quality Education

The City of Surprise has announced its support of the Arizona Education Progress Meter, along with the statewide goal to boost postsecondary attainment to 60 percent by the year 2030.

Launched in early 2016 with the backing of 40 major endorsers, the Progr...

Chief Young to serve as 2020 AZ Association of Chiefs of Police President

Surprise Police Chief Terry Young will serve as the President of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) for 2020, the association announced Friday at their annual General Membership Meeting and Board Installation Luncheon.

Chief Young previous...

City begins FY21 budget discussions Jan. 21

The City of Surprise FY2021 budget building process kicks off at the City Council Work Session on Tuesday, January 21.

This will be the first in a series of presentations to Council by the City’s Finance Department regarding the overall developme...

Surprise names Community Development Director

Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier has announced that Chris Boyd will serve as the city’s new Community Development Director.

Boyd has served as Acting Director of the Community Development (CD) Department since April, stepping in from his role as Assistan...

DevelopNEXT: Give Input on Draft Land Development Ordinances

The city’s DevelopNEXT effort to simplify and modernize its development and design standards is advancing, with drafts of chapters 101 -108 of the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) online for public and stakeholder review and comment.

The purpose of the LD...

City awarded $50K grant from Tohono O’odham Nation to advance community initiatives

The city of Surprise City Council voted to accept a $50,000 grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation at their meeting last night.  

The city’s Human Service and Community Vitality Department applied for and was awarded the grant to...

Surprise offers free online “Startup Space” to connect entrepreneurs, small businesses

Free business support is now only a click away in the City of Surprise! A new online platform called Startup Space is now available to all Surprise small businesses, startups and residents free of cost, courtesy of the City of Surprise Economic Developmen...

City of Surprise Revenue Bond Rating Raised to ‘AA+’

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings raised its long-term rating to 'AA+' from 'AA' on Surprise, Ariz.'s series 2015 pledged revenue and revenue refunding obligations. The outlook is stable.

The raised rating action reflects the applica...

Surprise Fire-Medical Awarded 8 New Firefighters Through Federal Grant

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department was awarded eight new firefighters through a federal grant. This newly-awarded grant pays for the majority of the training costs and salaries for a period of two years and a little less than half of the costs for a thi...

CALL OF ELECTION - Public Notice of the City of Surprise, Arizona.

Notice is hereby given that the City of Surprise, Arizona will hold elections as follows:

Primary Election: Tuesday, August 4, 2020General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 (If Applicable)

Offices to be filled – Mayor (4 year term ending in December 2024)...

Surprise expands library services with increased hours & new location

The City of Surprise and Maricopa County Library District are excited to announce that in early 2020 a new library will open and another will offer expanded hours. 

Starting in early January 2020, expanded hours are coming to Hollyhock Library, lo...

Fall 2019 Progress Magazine released

Does this cooler weather have you wanting to cuddle up with some hot chocolate and a good read? Progress Magazine is out now! This issue has all you need to know about upcoming festivals & entertainment, road improvement projects, Census 2020, and mor...

City wins national video award for “The Moving Wall Vietnam Memorial” visit

The City of Surprise Marketing & Communications Department earned a first place win in the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors’ (NATOA) 34th Annual Government Programming Awards.

Surprise took first place for ou...

City of Surprise recruiting new tourism events; grant funding available

The city of Surprise, Arizona is a hotbed for tourism events like MLB Spring Training, NCAA college baseball, USTA tennis, arts festivals, and amateur sports tournaments. In an effort to continue growing successful tourism opportunities, the city&rsqu...

Surprise Fire-Medical donates fire engine to Valley Vista High School Fire Science program

 The Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) donated a fire engine to the Valley Vista High School Fire Science Program on September 24.

The fire engine is a 2006 EONE Cyclone Pumper with a 1500 gallon per minute pump and seating for up to six cre...

Mayor proclaims Surprise a Dementia Friendly City

Mayor Skip Hall proclaimed the city of Surprise as a Dementia Friendly City at last night’s City Council meeting. This action created the second Dementia Friendly city in Arizona, joining Tempe as part of the Dementia Friends initiative, in partnership wi...

Citywide transportation projects update; Litchfield Road widening begins 9/30

To meet the needs of a growing Surprise, the city is working on several significant transportation improvement projects. The projects range from constructing additional travel lanes to improving pavement conditions.

The city has created a Transportation Pr...

Surprise breaks ground on new Fire Station 304

The city of Surprise broke ground today on a new Fire Station 304 at 163rd Avenue and San Ysidro Road, located in the city’s growing northern area. This voter-approved project is being funded by the 2017 Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond a...

Rising costs amid a volatile recycling market result in changes to city’s collection

Like many communities across the country, the city of Surprise recycling program is struggling to maintain existing service levels amid soaring operational costs.

The city began curbside recycling in 2004 and the revenue generated by the recyclables helped...

Surprise wins marketing award at the Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism

The city won the Outstanding Marketing Campaign – Rural for its Find Your Surprise marketing campaign, including the website ExploreSurprise.com! 

This award, given at Tuesday night’s Arizona Governor's Conference on Tourism (G...

Surprise offers free online “Startup Space” to connect entrepreneurs, small businesses

Free business support is now only a click away in the City of Surprise! A new online platform called Startup Space is now available to all Surprise small businesses, startups and residents free of cost, courtesy of the City of Surprise Economic Developmen...

AZ TechCelerator hosts ribbon cutting for newest tenant, Arizona Cyber Warfare Range

The AZ TechCelerator hosted a ribbon cutting event for its newest tenant, Arizona Cyber Warfare Range at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 24.

The event took place on the AZ TechCelerator campus located at 12425 W. Bell Road in Building D.

AZ Cyber Warfare Range ...

National Indoor RV Centers expands to Surprise, brings head-of-household jobs

Texas-based National Indoor RV Centers (NIRVC) has selected the City of Surprise, Arizona for its new expansion location. The new Surprise business center will grow 65 full-time jobs and will be dedicated to the sales, servicing, storage and maintenance o...

Economic Development AIMS Community Profile

The City of Surprise AMIS Community Profile offers information about who we are demographically, our business services, transportation options, key development areas and more.

Join the Surprise Fire-Medical Team

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is not accepting applications at the moment. Please continue to visit our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the most up-to-date information. You may also submit a "Job Interest Card" with Human ...

Surprise Fire-Medical is Awarded International Accredited Status

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department in Surprise, Arizona has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and ...

Surprise Fire-Medical receives award from the American Heart Association

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Eve...

Surprise Fire-Medical Awarded 8 New Firefighters Through Federal Grant

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department was awarded eight new firefighters through a federal grant. This newly-awarded grant pays for the majority of the training costs and salaries for a period of two years and a little less than half of the costs for a thi...

Free Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspection

80% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Have your car seat inspected!

Child safety seat inspections are available every 1st and 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of each month at Fire Station 303 at 15440 N. Cotton Lane from 9:00-10:45 a.m.

Call Fire Adminis...

New Fire User Fees

At the November 17th, 2015 Regular Council Meeting, Council approved Resolution 2015 – 108 which authorized an updated user fee schedule citywide to include the following updated fees for the Surprise Fire Medical Department to be effective immediately: R...

Letter from Surprise Police Chief Terry Young

Dear Residents, Business Owners and Visitors of Surprise,

In July of 2016, I felt compelled to share a message with each of you expressing YOUR Police Department’s commitment to professionalism and our appreciation for your partnership and extrao...

Chief Young to serve as 2020 AZ Association of Chiefs of Police President

Surprise Police Chief Terry Young will serve as the President of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) for 2020, the association announced Friday at their annual General Membership Meeting and Board Installation Luncheon.

Chief Young previous...