Spring 2021 Progress Magazine available now!

The latest issue of Progress Magazine has hatched!

Read about blooming development, how you can take the Surprise Retail survey, where to find budding art around the city, and much more!

View the digital edition now: Surprise Progress Magazine Spring 2021

Marley Park Splash Pad closed for maintenance April 12-18

The Surprise Parks and Recreation Department will be temporarily closing the splash pad at Marley Park for annual maintenance beginning 6 a.m. Monday, April 12 to 6 a.m. Sunday, April 18. 

Splash pads at both Dick McComb City Park and Veramonte Pa...

Summer Break Camp registration opens for Surprise residents

The City of Surprise is excited to offer Summer Break Camp for youth in first through fourth grades at Countryside Recreation Center,15038 N. Parkview Place; and Sierra Montana Recreation Center, 14861 N. Spring Lane, for participants in fifth through eig...

2021 Surprise Retail Survey is now open; what do you want to see in Surprise?

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would like to see open in Surprise? What about a unique shopping experience that you want added to your hometown? Tell us in the 2021 Surprise Retail Survey! 

We want to know how we can make our city a on...

Cactus Rd to be closed, 175th Ave to Magnolia Dr, April 10-12

Cactus Road will be closed between 175th Avenue and Magnolia Drive from 5 a.m. Saturday, April 10 until 5 a.m. Monday, April 12, for utility work.

Motorcycle Safety Class & Interactive Course presented by Surprise Police Department, April 25

Join the Surprise Police Department for a Motorcycle Safety Class on Sunday, April 25 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Surprise Stadium parking lot, 15850 N. Bullard Ave. 

There will be a presentation and discussion, followed by a time for particip...

Pledge to conserve water & help Surprise win a national water conservation challenge

Surprise is joining cities across the country in asking residents to make a long-term commitment to manage water resources more wisely by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation — and in return residents can win ...

Celebrate National Volunteer Week by bagging beans for those in need

Show your community pride by participating in the 4^th Annual “Bean Bag Day” event on Saturday, April 24.

In Celebration of National Volunteer Week, Seeds of Hope International Ministries has purchased 6,000 pounds of dry pinto beans for...

City opens application process for Community Outreach Grant Program

A City Council-led initiative to assist community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit City of Surprise residents is now accepting applications.

The City of Surprise is pleased to announce the Community Outreach Program. The major pu...

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Retreat now open to public attendance

With last week’s announcement of the reopening of Surprise City Hall and the city’s public meetings, the Surprise City Council Budget Retreat on Friday, April 16 will now be open to public attendance. It will also be televised for thos...

Register for the Teen Sand Volleyball Tournament

The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department welcomes teens ages 12-17 to come and join the fun at the Teen Sand Volleyball Tournament! 

The tournament will be held at the sand volleyball courts at Sierra Montana Park, 17860 W Spring Lan...

City Hall reopens to public 4/12; City Council & public meetings open to in-person attendance

On Monday, April 12, Surprise City Hall and other city administrative buildings will open to the public, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Additionally, meetings of the City Council and all boards and commissions will open to in-person attend...

Governor Announces New Phase of COVID-19 Mitigation; Events of 50+ No Longer Need City Approval

With the state of Arizona hitting several important public health benchmarks, Governor Doug Ducey today announced several updates to the state’s COVID-19 measures, including on events, businesses and local ordinances.

Several key data points contributed to...

Surprise State of the City Video Premiere set for April 13

The Surprise City Council invites you to tune in for the premiere of the 2021 State of the City video presentation on Tuesday, April 13 at 6 p.m. 

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted so many people in so many ways last year, and in this video, we highl...

City opens application process for Arts & Culture Grant Program

The city is accepting applications for a new Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission-led grant program that intends to assist community organizations that are pursuing arts and cultural events or activities that benefit City of Surprise residents.

The Comm...

Arizona History and Culture Virtual Speaker Presentations April 14 & June 8

Experience stories of Arizona history and culture through two virtual speaker events presented by the Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission in partnership with Arizona Humanities.

Local experts from Arizona Humanities’ AZ Speaks program will prese...

Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase of Business and Safety Protocols

Governor Doug Ducey today announced the next phase of COVID-19 mitigation.

The announcement follows 7 weeks of declining cases in Arizona, and the distribution of more than 2 million vaccines.

The following changes are reflected in a new Executive Order fro...

City requests public comment on draft Property Maintenance Ordinance; public meetings planned

The city of Surprise is requesting public comment on the draft Property Maintenance Ordinance (PMO) that was presented to Council during last night’s Council Work Session.

The Property Maintenance Ordinance is the guiding document that establishe...

Surprise Parks & Recreation Commission Inducts Charley Pride & Buck O’Neil into Recreation Campus Ha

The City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission has voted to induct Charley Pride and Buck O’Neil into the Surprise Recreation Campus Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established to honor those who have contributed significantly to the Sur...

City of Surprise Opens Recruitment for New Police Chief

The City of Surprise is seeking an experienced public safety professional with outstanding leadership skills to serve as its next Police Chief. 

Strong candidates will be forward thinking and will continue to lead the Department consistent with ou...

City of Surprise Judge Gaudreau selected as Judicial Engagement Network Fellow

Surprise City Court Associate Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau has been selected as a Fellow in the Judicial Engagement Network’s 2021 Fellowship Program. 

The Judicial Engagement Network is a national community of engaged judges and judicial officers ...

Say it, Surprise! National Community Survey coming soon

What do you love about living in Surprise? What services do you value most? What can the city do better to improve the quality of life in our hometown?

You can share your thoughts in the 2021 National Community Survey (NCS)!

What you tell us helps to identi...

City begins FY22 budget discussions Feb. 2

The City of Surprise FY2022 budget building process kicks off at the City Council Regular Session on Tuesday, February 2.

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

City Council names Duffy as Vice Mayor

The Surprise City Council selected District 3 Councilmember Patrick Duffy to serve as Vice Mayor at their regular meeting Tuesday night.

Per city code, City Council must select a new Vice Mayor to serve on an annual basis no later than January 30. The Vice...

City debuts anti-litter campaign, “Keep it Beautiful, Surprise!”

The city of Surprise takes pride in being a safe, clean and attractive city, where residents and businesses can thrive and visitors are impressed. In an effort to keep our city as clean as possible, we are releasing a campaign encouraging residents to &am...

Winter 2021 Progress Magazine Now Available

A new issue of Progress Magazine is here! The Winter 2021 issue is now in resident mailboxes, and the digital is edition available online. Check it out to reminisce some of our top Spring Training memories, learn about a new park and other exciting develo...

Mayor and Councilmembers in Districts 2, 3 & 4 sworn in

The first Regular City Council Meeting of the New Year included the swearing-in ceremonies for mayor and three councilmembers. 

Skip Hall was sworn in as Mayor after winning the seat in the August Primary Election. He previously served as Mayor by...

DevelopNEXT: Council approves updates to city’s land development ordinances & design standards

The Surprise City Council approved the adoption of new Land Development Ordinances (LDO) and Planning and Engineering Design Standards (PEDS) at the December 15 City Council Meeting following a more than two-year process that engaged both residents and de...

Governor Ducey Shares Latest On COVID-19

Governor Doug Ducey today toured the vaccine distribution site at the Arizona State Fairgrounds and announced ten Arizona health care frontline workers who will be among the first Arizonans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

After the tour, the Gov...

Surprise breaks ground on Fire Station 308 at Litchfield & Cactus roads

Construction began December 7 on City of Surprise Fire Station 308 at the southeast corner of Litchfield Road and Cactus Road. This voter-approved project is being funded by the 2017 Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond.

The southeast portion of Surpris...

Governor Ducey Announces Latest Actions to Fight COVID-19, Increase Hospital Staffing

Governor Doug Ducey today announced a series of actions to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona.

Today’s actions include: 

• Update on vaccine distribution plan
• Executive Order ensuring all Arizonans receive the vaccine without financial barriers
• Ex...

Greenway Rd improvement project begins, Cotton Ln to Sarival Ave

Construction of the voter-approved Greenway Road improvement project will begin Thursday, December 3.

The project will finish the south half of Greenway Road from 800 feet west of Loop 303 to 1600 feet east of Loop 303 (approximately Cotton Lane to Sarival...

Governor Ducey Announces $25 Million for Medical Professionals, Additional Safety Measures

At a press conference at the state Public Health Lab, Governor Doug Ducey today announced a list of new actions to support hospitals and medical professionals and combat the spread of COVID-19. Arizona will invest $25 million to bolster hospital staffing ...

City of Surprise public meetings will reclose to in-person attendance effective 12/1

In an effort to protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers, City of Surprise public meetings will reclose to in-person public attendance beginning December 1 and until further notice. This includes meetings of City Council and all city boar...

Hastings sworn in as new District 5 Councilmember

Jack Hastings was officially sworn in as the new District 5 (D5) Councilmember today at Surprise City Hall.

Hastings won the D5 seat during the August Primary Election over David Sanders, the council-appointed incumbent. 

Sanders was appointed on J...

Surprise TV to air select DUSD high school sports games

The Surprise TV cable channel and website will begin airing select Dysart Unified School District high school sporting events twice weekly on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

The games will be replays of the district’s new Dysart Student Broadcasting Live (...

DevelopNEXT nears finish line: public hearings set for development & design standards updates

The city’s DevelopNEXT effort to simplify and modernize its development and design standards is nearing the finish line, with public hearings set and final drafts of the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) and Planning and Engineering Design Standards (PEDS...

Council approves Temporary Expansion of Premise permits for Surprise restaurants during COVID-19

City Council last night approved the use of Temporary Expansion of Premise (TEP) permits for local restaurants to help expand their ability to serve more customers while maintaining social distancing requirements during COVID-19. 

The TEP permit a...

Governor Ducey and Health Leaders Urge Arizonans to Get Flu Shot

As Arizona continues efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, state health agencies and the Governor’s Office are partnering with health care providers and businesses to prepare for the upcoming flu season.

Governor Doug Ducey today was joine...

Arizona Department of Health Services Phased Reopening Plan for Paused Industries

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) today announced public health recommendations for the eventual safe reopening of paused businesses in the state of Arizona.

On June 27, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-43 “Pausing of Ari...

Gov. Extends Pause of Some Business Operations; Announces Plan for Schools

Governor Doug Ducey today extended an executive order pausing operations on gyms, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing. The order also prohibits large events and enables local law authorities to take immediate enforcement action to en...

Governor Extends COVID-19 Eviction Protections; Expands Rental Assistance Access

Governor Doug Ducey today signed an Executive Order extending a moratorium on residential evictions until October 31, 2020, providing continued protections for renters who are facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. The order ensures renters imp...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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 contact information for ...

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...

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...

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...

2021 Surprise Retail Survey is now open; what do you want to see in Surprise?

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you would like to see open in Surprise? What about a unique shopping experience that you want added to your hometown? Tell us in the 2021 Surprise Retail Survey! 

We want to know how we can make our city a on...

Surprise Small Business Relief Grant Summary

The Surprise Economic Development Department successfully awarded 79 businesses with $350,000 over two phases in 2020 to mitigate economic impacts caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The attached summary document is an overview of the grant’s use and imp...

20 Surprise 2020 Highlights: The “Not Completely Terrible” List

It wasn’t a perfect year, but it wasn’t completely terrible. Looking back at 2020, the Economic Development Department captured 20 events, achievements and activities that capped the year in the City of Surprise.

City of Surprise receives five excellence awards from the International Economic Development Council

The City of Surprise Economic Development Department has been recognized with five Excellence in Economic Development Awards by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC):

•   Gold Award - City of Surprise &am...

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...

Surprise introduces Shop Surprise banners for retailers; creates Open for Business list

To help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Surprise Economic Development department is introducing two new resources to promote local non-restaurant retailers: a purple “Open for Business” #ShopSurprise banner campaign and a ...

City launches webpage for consumers, businesses, job seekers; introduces business recovery plan

Surprise launched today a webpage dedicated to connecting consumers, businesses and job seekers with tips, resources and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s Economic Development department created the COVID-19 Business and Workforce ...

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 ...

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...

Surprise Police Department Awarded Reaccreditation by CALEA

Police Chief Terry Young is pleased to announce that the Surprise Police Department has once again successfully completed a multi-year process designed to recognize professionalism in law enforcement through achievement of national accredited status with ...

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...