New Surprise Progress TV

Get information on Councilmember Williams’ resignation, how to watch Council Meetings on Facebook LIVE, voting dates for the upcoming GO Bond election and more.

Temporary lane restrictions for Bell Rd. landscape maintenance

Palm trees within the city’s Bell Road medians will be receiving landscape maintenance (trimming and pruning) beginning August 21. Temporary inside lane restrictions are expected during the overnight hours.

Landscapers will begin working in the a...

City opens D3 Council vacancy application period

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the position of Councilmember District 3 (Mesquite) that was vacated by John Williams’ resignation on August 15.

Applicants must reside within the District 3 district boundaries. &n...

District 3’s Williams resigns from Council

District 3 Councilmember John Williams on Tuesday, submitted a letter of resignation from the City Council effectively immediately.

Williams was first elected to the City Council in November 2007. He was re-elected last fall to begin a new four-year team J...

Registration opens for Surprise HOA Academy

The goal of the Academy is to provide expert information for HOA residents, board members and managers. Topics include contracts, fiduciary duty, CC&R enforcement and code compliance.

Academy Class Dates:

Monday, October 16

Monday, October 23

Monday, Octo...

City Council Meetings get “social” with live Facebook streaming

The city is launching a new way for residents to connect to what’s happening in their community! Beginning, August 15, all City Council Work Sessions and Regular Meetings will be streamed live on the city’s Facebook page.

For 13 years t...

County names Surprise a satellite voting site for Nov Special Election; sets new onsite voting dates

Surprise City Hall will serve as a Satellite Voting site for this November 7 Special Election cycle.This designation allows any registered voter residing in Maricopa County to vote or drop-off a ballot at Surprise City Hall- Clerk’s Office, duri...

New Surprise Progress TV

Surprise Progress TV has info on special interest classes, adult sports & more!

New Explore Surprise Video

Have you ever wondered how Surprise got its name? That answer and more in this edition of Explore Surprise - where we take a look at the city's history!

FY18 Pavement Preservation Plans

In Surprise, our streets matter! See what streets are in line for maintenance in FY18! Spending $1 on pavement preservation today eliminates/delays spending $6 to $14 on major reconstruction costs.

Monsoon: Safety Tips, Sandbag Locations

Surprise reminds you to get prepared and stay safe during Monsoon 2017!

Monsoon, June 15-September 30, is a season characterized by increased thunderstorm and lightning activity, high winds, dust storms and flooding. Having a plan of action and knowing wha...

UPDATE: Union Hills Dr traffic restrictions scheduled to begin August 14 have been canceled

Construction on the 115th Avenue and Union Hills Drive Drainage Improvement project will require traffic restrictions in the project area August 14 through September 3.

Beginning at 6 a.m. on August 14, 111th Avenue will be closed on the north side of Unio...

City to study impact of removing traffic signal on Greenway Rd, west of Cotton Ln

Surprise is initiating the process to remove the traffic signal in front of Fire-Medical Station 303 on Greenway Road, just west of Cotton Lane.

Beginning August 7, 2017, the traffic signal heads will be covered for a minimum of 90 days so the city may stu...

Free Seminar on Essentials of Long-Term Care Planning

The sudden need for Long-Term Care can occur at any time in our lives. Get information on how traditional Long-Term Care works versus new options at a free seminar on August 30. 

The seminar, taught by Orlando Cruz with Cruz Insurance Advisors, wi...

Registration for City Adult Sports Leagues begins in August

The City of Surprise will be accepting registrations for several fall Adult Sports leagues beginning in August.

New! Co-ed and Men’s Soccer League – Games are scheduled to take place on Sundays beginning October 1. League Play: 7 on 7. ...

Free seminar on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare prescription drug coverage is a critical component for anyone on Medicare, and understanding how to select the right prescription drug plan can save you money. If you are on Medicare or plan to be in the next year, we are offering a free seminar ...

Free educational series teaches parents how to ‘Raise a Reader’

Surprise has partnered with Southwest Human Development to host a free eight week Raising a Reader program that utilizes proven skills to educate parents about the importance of early literacy and provides tools to help children learn to read.

Using an evi...

City of Surprise accepting parade entries for 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade

The City of Surprise is looking for patriotic-themed parade entries for the 3rd Annual Veterans Day Parade, which will be held on Saturday, November 11. The parade, which will honor the men and women in uniform who have selflessly served our country, will...

Surprise to host educational presentation on older adults and suicide

Suicide rates of older adults are higher than any other age group in Maricopa County. The City of Surprise has partnered with Area Agency on Aging and Maricopa Elder Behavioral Health Advocacy Coalition to provide a free educational presentation.

A Matter ...

Legos, ballet, Zumba, ukulele, pickleball and more! Now enrolling for fall special interest classes

The city of Surprise is now enrolling for the fall session of special interest classes, including dance, Lego engineering, gymnastics, music, martial arts and much more!

Classes are available for ages two through adult and will be held at various locations...

Free seminar on Living Trusts versus Wills

Most American adults do not have a Living Trust, a Will or any estate plan in place. For many who do, they can fall sadly out of date for various reasons. If you want to make sure your financial and healthcare wishes are fully honored (whether or not you ...

Vendor space, promotional booths available for Surprise Fiesta Grande

The city of Surprise is accepting applications for vendor space and promotional booths at the Surprise Fiesta Grande celebration on Saturday, October 14 from 3-9 p.m. in the city’s Original Town Site. 

The annual street festival will take place th...

Public invited to sign code update discussions

Join us for a series of presentations on proposed updates to the city of Surprise sign code. 

In Spring 2017, the city hosted public meetings to gather input on proposed sign code changes. The next step in the process is to conduct a series of dis...

City offers tips to stay safe during Monsoon 2017

June 15 marked the start of the North American Monsoon; and with a chance for thunderstorms in the forecast this week, Surprise reminds you to get prepared and stay safe!

Monsoon, June 15-September 30, is a season characterized by increased thunderstorm an...

Donna Miller named CRS Director

Donna Miller has been promoted to serve as the city’s Community and Recreation Services (CRS) Director, City Manager Bob Wingenroth announced today. 

Miller joined the CRS team in 2002 as a Recreation Coordinator and rose to the rank of ...

New Progress Magazine Available Online Now!

Check your mailbox for the summer issue of Progress Magazine – arriving soon; or read it online now! It has bond election details, the summer calendar & info on new transit options in Surprise.

US-Canada cross-border healthcare initiative debuts in Surprise

Surprise, Arizona could be the next top destination for Canadian medical travel. In the June 20th Surprise City Council Work Session, guest speaker Marc Kealey, CEO of Kealey & Associates in Toronto, Canada co-presented with Surprise Economic Developm...

Surprise Fire-Medical Department graduates eight recruits; including five funded with federal grant

On Friday, June 16, eight Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) Firefighter Recruits graduated from the Phoenix Regional Fire Training Academy, Class 17-1, as Firefighters. Five of the recruits were hired from a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency ...

Surprise Youth Spark Solutions at Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

Youthful innovation was on display June 9 at Surprise City Hall in culmination of the AZ TechCelerator’s 4th Annual Surprise Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp.

Sixteen students from Paradise Honors, Shadow Ridge, and Valley Vista high schools worked in team...

City announces the passing of Mark Coronado

Long-time Community and Recreation Services (CRS) Director Mark A. Coronado passed away, today. He was 59.

Mark was hired by the City of Surprise in 2000 to lead the CRS Department, which was a three-person team at the time. Under Mark’s leadersh...

Changes to Bulk Trash Pickup program coming July 1

Changes are coming to the Bulk Trash Pickup program offered to residents who are serviced by the city of Surprise Solid Waste Department.

Bulk trash will continue to be picked up by-appointment and at no additional cost to the customer; but, the rules for ...

Heat warning this week; city accepting water bottle donations for those in need

With temperatures rising and a heat warning in effect this week, the city of Surprise reminds residents that water bottle donations are being accepted at locations throughout the city to assist those in need. 

Surprise is a Heat Relief Network par...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commissions

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

Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission - 1 vacancy 

Applications for the above mentioned commission are available...

Council oks FY18 budget that maintains services & property tax rate

The Surprise City Council approved a $275.8 million Fiscal Year 2018 Budget, at a Special Meeting Tuesday night.

The budget maintains existing city services and identifies creative options to maximize some resources. 

That includes securing outside...

It’s time to Decide Surprise as Council sends 3 bond questions for Nov ballot

At their June 6th Regular Meeting, City Council approved sending three General Obligation Bond questions in the areas of Public Safety, Traffic Congestion Mitigation and Pavement Preservation to the ballot in a Special Election on November 7, 2017. All re...

Surprise named a national finalist for 2017 America’s Best Intergenerational Community Award

 The City of Surprise has been selected as a National Finalist for the 2017 MetLife Foundation/Generations United America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. 

Since 2012, the awards program has recognized 24 innovative ...

Council briefed on possible General Obligation Bond questions; Call to Election vote set for June 6

City staff briefed City Council on three proposed General Obligation Bond questions in the areas of Public Safety, Traffic Congestion Mitigation and Pavement Preservation, at Tuesday’s Work Session. 

The three proposed questions and projects, as p...

First recipient of District 4 Home Beautification Award announced

The first recipient of the District 4 Home Beautification Award has been announced!

District 4 Councilmember Ken Remley launched an award program this month to recognize residents in his district who show pride in their home through renovation and maintena...

Surprise joins Heat Relief Network; accepting water donations for hydration stations

The city of Surprise is a Heat Relief Network partner, providing hydration and refuge stations for those in need of a place to cool off during the hot summer months. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) coordinates mapping of the Heat Re...

TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE

IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 42-17107, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, THE CITY OF SURPRISE IS NOTIFYING ITS PROPERTY TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF SURPRISE’S INTENTION TO RAISE ITS PRIMARY PROPERTY TAXES OVER LAST YEAR’S LEVEL. THE CITY OF SURPRIS...

City Council to discuss possible 2017 General Obligation Bond Election

The Surprise Capital Improvement Funding Exploratory Committee was briefed, Wednesday evening, by city staff on proposed capital improvement projects that may be included in three separate bond questions this fall. 

Staff will present the proposed...

Surprise Aquatic Center and Hollyhock Pool open May 27

Beat the summer heat, and stay cool in a city pool!  The City of Surprise pools will open on Saturday, May 27 for summer open swim.

The Surprise Aquatic Center is located at 15831 N Bullard Avenue. Weekend hours are noon – 5 p.m., includ...

City to relocate City Hall recycling containers

The City of Surprise Recycling large containers at City Hall, 14534 W. Tierra Buena Lane,  will be relocated effective Thursday, May 25.

The removal is due to upcoming planned development in the area. 

One of the containers will be moved t...

Surprise partners on employment programs for people with intellectual, developmental disabilities

Benevilla, One Step Beyond and the City of Surprise are working together to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful work within the community, including at Surprise City Hall. 

Benevilla and Once Step Beyond ar...

Help shape our Arts and Culture Master Plan

Surprise is developing its first Arts & Culture Master Plan, and we need your help shaping it! The master plan will help us to better express the uniqueness and artistic vitality of Surprise by setting the standard and strategic direction for how we c...

New Explore Surprise Video

Here in the City of Surprise, we know how to have fun… from holiday celebrations to parties that honor our heritage! Watch the latest episode of Explore Surprise to learn more about our city’s signature events! https://youtu.be/EZ1aLl56QB8

To watch the res...

Surprise discusses future of Dial-a-Ride, Northwest Valley public transit

Beginning July 1, Valley Metro will discontinue the current Northwest Valley Dial-a-Ride service model to provide more service options and standardized regional transportation for seniors, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible, and income-qualifi...

City thanks community for support of Operation Thunderbox supply drive for troops

In March, City of Surprise issued a call for donations to help send care packages to deployed Luke Air Force Base airmen, and the community response was incredible!

Hundreds of food and hygiene items were collected for Operation Thunderbox, a nonprofit org...

2017 Surprise Retail Survey results are in!

 The City of Surprise launched a retail survey in March that garnered more than 3,000 responses! 

Thanks to our engaged community, we were able to collect data that helped to identify the city’s retail strengths, as well as opportunities ...

Surprise Sundancers award $135,000 in college scholarships to west valley students

Surprise Sundancers, the official Surprise Recreation Campus Spring Training volunteer organization, with the support of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $135,000 in scholarships to west valley students. 

2017 Surprise Sundancers Scholars...

Surprise Resource Center partners to expand veteran assistance services

The City of Surprise has partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Arizona@Work Department of Economic Security to expand the assistance services available to veterans and their families through the Surprise Resource Center. ...

New Community Profile offers in-depth look at Surprise

Want to learn more about Surprise? The city’s Economic Development Team has put together a new Community Profile. It includes information about our demographics, key development areas, business resources and more.

MedProperties Holding and Caddis form JV to develop behavioral health hospital

MedProperties Holdings and Caddis formed a joint venture to develop a 67,566 square foot, 90-bed hospital in Surprise, Ariz. to meet the growing demand for behavioral healthcare services for adolescents, adults and geriatric patients.

JLL will lease Skyway Commons — new spec industrial project

The Phoenix office of JLL has earned the leasing assignment for Phase I of Skyway Commons, a fully speculative new Class A industrial project that has broken ground in the northwest Phoenix submarket. Totaling 110,221 square feet, Skyway Commons Phase I i...

US-Canada cross-border healthcare initiative debuts in Surprise

Surprise, Arizona could be the next top destination for Canadian medical travel. In the June 20th Surprise City Council Work Session, guest speaker Marc Kealey, CEO of Kealey & Associates in Toronto, Canada co-presented with Surprise Economic Developm...

Economic Development Community Profile

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

Surprise Fire-Medical Department graduates eight recruits; including five funded with federal grant

On Friday, June 16, eight Surprise Fire-Medical Department (SFMD) Firefighter Recruits graduated from the Phoenix Regional Fire Training Academy, Class 17-1, as Firefighters. Five of the recruits were hired from a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency ...

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 9-11 a.m.

Call 623.222.5000 to sc...

Information on Joining the Surprise Fire-Medical Team

The City of Surprise is not currently accepting applications for Firefighter Recruits. 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 H...

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...

Police seek public assistance to identify shoplifting suspect in Surprise

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance identifying a shoplifting suspect.

On 8/4/2017 around 9pm a female subject entered the Circle K store at 12707 W. Grand Avenue and shoplifted a bottle of wine. The woman subsequently leaves ...

Police seek public assistance to identify shoplifting suspect in Surprise

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance identifying a shoplifting suspect.

On 4/23/2017 around 9:30am a male subject entered the Target store near Bell Road and Grand Avenue and shoplifted two video game controllers by hiding them...

Surprise Police shares important message with the community

Police in Surprise have an important message for community members. The short, yet powerful message: “We are YOUR Police.” These four words are at the heart of the department’s mission and values; it shapes and guides the pro...

Surprise Police seek public assistance to identify person of interest in fraud

The man depicted below is a person of interest in a fraud case. This man is believed to have used the victim’s lost bank card to deposit two fraudulent checks and then make several withdrawals from various locations around Phoenix and Glendale.

A...

Police seek public assistance to locate runaway juvenile from Surprise

Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Karissa Garling, a 16 year old runaway.

Karissa Garling is described as a white female approximately 5' tall and 95 lbs with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with any infor...

Surprise Police seek public assistance to identify person of interest burglary/fraud

On May 9, 2017 a residence in Surprise was burglarized. During the burglary of the residence, bank cards and personal checks were stolen. These cards and checks were subsequently used at a Walmart store near 18th Avenue and Bell Road in Phoenix.

The below ...

Police seek public assistance to identify shoplifting suspect in Surprise

The Surprise Police are currently seeking the public’s assistance identifying a shoplifting suspect.

On 7/5/2017 around 11pm a male subject entered the Winco store in the area of Bell Road and State Route 303 and shoplifted two bottles of Malibu rum. The m...

“Rose” and the Surprise Police provide update to MedReturn Program

The Surprise Police Department recognizes the dangers associated with prescription medication abuse and the link it has to illegal drug abuse. Rose, the Department’s therapy dog, has seen first-paw the negative impact that substance abuse can have on fami...Read more...