City installing traffic signals at Cactus Rd and Sarival Ave intersection

Work is currently underway to install traffic signals at the intersection of Cactus Road and Sarival Avenue in Surprise.

The traffic signal is scheduled to be installed the week of September 2nd, weather permitting. The signals will remain bagged for 2-4 d...

Major League Baseball announces 2020 Spring Training schedule, games start 2/22 at Surprise Stadium

Major League Baseball has released the 2020 Cactus League Spring Training schedule. Opening Day in Surprise, Arizona is set for Saturday, February 22 with the Texas Rangers taking on the Milwaukee Brewers at Surprise Stadium.

Surprise’s home team...

Surprise seeks resident input on Consolidated Plan to shape funding priorities

Help shape funding priorities for housing and community development needs in the city by taking a survey!

Every five years the city is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop and submit a Consolidated Plan which identifi...

Registration opens for Surprise HOA Academy

Registration is open for the 2019 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, Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) e...

U.S. Census Reps in Surprise neighborhoods beginning Aug. 18 for address verification

Starting this month, you may begin to notice U.S. Census Bureau representatives in your neighborhood as they verify addresses in preparation for next year’s Census. The Census is a count of America’s population and is required by the U.S. Constitution eac...

Ozone High Pollution Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning this week

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for August 13 and August 14. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has extended an Excessive Heat Warning through the evening of August 15.

The heat warning is in...

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...

New Surprise Progress TV Episode

Check out our new Surprise Progress Television episode for an update on the city's recycling program, how to get involved in the Surprise SciTech Festival, a reminder to Drive Wise as the school year begins and more!

Become a Community Emergency Response Team volunteer

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is offering free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for residents interested in volunteering in an emergency or disaster situation. 

CERT is a FEMA program that educates volunteers about disaster...

City Opens Public Comment Period on Major Amendments to General Plan 2035

The city of Surprise is considering Major Amendments to its General Plan 2035 related to transportation and growth. The 60-day review period is now underway, with comments being accepted through October 7, 2019.

The proposed updates affect three elements o...

Register for Tot Time before it fills up!

The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is excited for another session of Tot Time!

Program registration begins this week. Scorecard members can register starting August 6, Surprise residents on August 8 and non-residents beginning August 15...

Surprise City Center Master Plan feedback sessions this week; new meeting added

Get details on the draft Surprise City Center Master Plan and provide your feedback at an upcoming community meeting! There are two meetings planned for this week and a third meeting has just been added at the end of the month. 

The draft plan was...

Surprise seeking sponsors, exhibitors for Nov 2 SciTech event

Surprise is currently seeking event exhibitors and sponsors for the 2019 SciTech event that will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019, in the Surprise City Hall Courtyard, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.

More than 800 scien...

Police offer tips to help community members Drive Wise as school starts back up

The start of another school year is right around the corner! YOUR Surprise Police Department would like to share some basic back-to-school safety tips for drivers and for students. 

Next week, school will begin and school buses, young pedestrians ...

Surprise to install new water meters for 16,000 city-serviced residential, business customers

Surprise will replace approximately 16,000 city-serviced residential and commercial mechanical water meters with new automated water meters within the next year as part of the Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Replacement Project.

The goal of the AMI pro...

Surprise Saguaros move home games to Peoria for 2019 fall season

For the 2019 Arizona Fall League baseball season, the Surprise Saguaros will be playing all scheduled home games at Peoria Sports Complex due to ongoing field renovations at Surprise Stadium.  

Surprise Stadium has a distinguished history, gaining...

Plan for your future; attend free Wills vs Trusts, Estate Planning classes in August

The city is hosting free classes to help you plan your financial future.

August 6 – Wills vs. Trusts

Most American adults do not have a living trust, a will or any estate plan in place. For many who do, they can fall out of date for various reasons. Make su...

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 City Clerk receives top industry award

Surprise City Clerk Sherry Aguilar received the President’s Award of Distinction today at the Arizona Municipal Clerks’ Association (AMCA) Annual Meeting.

Aguilar has worked for the city of Surprise for nearly 30 years, starting as receptionist in 1990 and...

Ozone High Pollution Advisory issued for July 26

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory for today, July 26.

A "High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard.

Ope...

Monsoon storms bring dirt & debris; know the rules on draining, backwashing your pool

Did you know that the same chemicals used to keep pool water safe for people are harmful to the environment? That’s why it’s important to drain your pool or spa water properly.

City of Surprise ordinance rules prohibit discharging pool ...

Learn traditional Folklorico dance and perform at Fiesta Grande

The youth Folklorico Traditional Dance Class is back and offers a chance to perform at the city of Surprise Fiesta Grande celebration in October!

Boys and girls, ages 5-13, will learn the rich movements of this traditional dance that represents Mexican cul...

Summer temps are rising; Heat Relief stations available

With forecasted highs hitting over 100 degrees every day this week, the City of Surprise reminds residents that we are a Heat Relief Network partner. The City provides hydration and refuge stations for those in need of a place to cool off during Arizona&a...

Judge Gaudreau Appointed to AZ Supreme Court Committee

Surprise City Court Associate Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau was recently appointed by the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court to serve a three-year term as a Limited Jurisdiction Judge member of the Committee on the Impact of Domestic Violence and th...

Registration open for fall youth sports leagues and classes

Fall youth sports registration is now open! The city is offering soccer and flag football leagues, as well as skills classes in basketball, baseball and softball.

Fall Youth Soccer and Flag Football League: These are recreational leagues for boys ...

Neighborhood Grant Program application now available

The Surprise City Council approved funding to support the Neighborhood Grant Program, providing eligible neighborhoods with small grants to fund neighborhood events, functions or community improvements. 

Recognizing an opportunity to encourage com...

City breaks ground on Veterans Reflection Circle in honor of Brian Mancini

The city of Surprise broke ground this morning on an outdoor memorial in honor of late Surprise resident and combat wounded veteran Brian Mancini, who spent his life serving his country and helping other wounded veterans find healing.

More than 100 people ...

Council adopts FY2020 Budget to address city growth; maintain existing assets

City Council approved a $412.7 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget, during their Regular Meeting Tuesday.

The budget continues to focus on Council’s commitment to maintain quality public services and infrastructure, while also addressing the needs of a gr...

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...

Mayor Hall proclaims Monsoon Awareness Week; Surprise offers safety tips for Monsoon 2019

Mayor Skip Hall proclaimed June 9-14 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 season.

Monsoon, June 15-September 30, is a seas...

Public input welcome on proposed building code amendments

The City of Surprise Community Development Department is proposing the adoption of the 2018 International Building Codes with local amendments. This would replace the previously adopted 2012 International Building Codes with local amendments.

The proposed ...

Hollyhock Library adjusts Saturday hours starting May 11

The Hollyhock Library will soon change its Saturday hours to better serve the community! 

Starting May 11, Hollyhock Library, located at 15844 N. Hollyhock Street, will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Tuesday and Thursday hours w...

FY2020 Recommended Budget addresses city growth; maintenance of existing assets

City Manager Mike Frazier’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 City Manager Recommended Budget, presented at City Council’s April 16 Work Session, continues to focus on Council’s commitment to maintain quality public services and infrastructure, while also addressing ...

2019 Surprise Retail Survey results are in!

The City of Surprise launched its annual Surprise Retail Survey in March… and more than 3,000 responses later, we have the results! Plus, for the first time ever, we polled city youth in a separate survey. More than 1,000 of our 6th – 12th graders offered...

City of Surprise 2019 State of the City focuses on growth and sustainability

Mayor Skip Hall introduced the 2019 State of the City video premiere Thursday night at Surprise City Hall, highlighting the city’s most shining moments over the past year – and true to his words, 2018 was certainly a bright year for the city! 

The...

Surprise Police warn community members about telephone scam

YOUR Surprise Police would like to alert the public of a telephone scam being attempted in our community. This scam has been attempted several times on multiple victims here in Surprise over the past two days.

Victims report receiving a phone call from an ...

City invites companies to support construction of outdoor memorial in honor of veterans

The city of Surprise is seeking construction and landscaping companies to partner in the creation of an outdoor memorial and veteran reflecting space in honor of late Surprise resident and combat wounded veteran Brian Mancini.

Mancini was a medically retir...

New tourism website launches; showcases city as a place to “Find your Surprise”

The city has launched a new tourism website to help showcase the city of Surprise as a year-round travel destination.  

The website, ExploreSurprise.com, features the slogan “Find your Surprise,” and highlights the many ways to play, dine, shop an...

Rock your block! Free block party trailer rentals available

What better way to get to know your neighbors than by throwing a great party? Surprise offers free rentals of its Block Party Trailer, and we’ll even deliver it to you! 

The block party trailer includes chairs, tables, coolers, canopy tents, sport...

City Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commissions

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

Community & Recreation Services Commission         ...

Council selects Sanders to fill D5 vacancy

The Surprise City Council appointed David Sanders to serve as the new District 5 (D5) Councilmember. 

He was immediately sworn into office and joined the council at the Jan. 3 Regular Meeting.

Sanders has lived in Surprise for nine years. His profe...

Surprise Progress TV: 2018 Year in Review

From new business and university growth to award-winning city programs and spectacular community events, we had a memorable 2018 here in Surprise! Check out this ‘Year in Review’ episode of Surprise Progress TV for a look back at some ...

City of Surprise program offers free support services for crime victims

The city of Surprise offers a Victim Services Program that assists crime victims in the aftermath of their victimization – as they navigate the court system and seek resources to get back on their feet. 

Services provided to any victim of a crime ...

Councils oks new Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission

The Surprise City Council moved to approve the formation of a volunteer Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission at Tuesday’s regular council meeting. 

The 11-member advisory commission will assist in the development of city pr...

Skip Hall selected as City of Surprise Mayor

The Surprise City Council unanimously selected Skip Hall to serve as the city’s next mayor. 

Mayor Hall will serve in this capacity until December 31, 2020, fulfilling the remaining mayoral term vacated by Sharon Wolcott on November 16, 2018.

Hall ...

DevelopNEXT: Drafts of Land Development Ordinances Chapters 104 & 105 Now Online

The city’s DevelopNEXT effort to simplify and modernize its development and design standards is advancing, with drafts of chapters 104 and 105 of the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) online for public and stakeholder review and comment.&nbs...

AZ TechCelerator’s Global Concierge program wins at Best of the West

It was an award-winning Thursday night for the City of Surprise at Westmarc’s annual Best of the West Awards ceremony. 

The Global Concierge program, operated through the city’s business innovation center- the AZ TechCelerator,...

Mayor Wolcott announces plans to resign; succession process set per code

City of Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott announced her intention to resign at Tuesday's Regular Council Meeting.  Read her message.

Wolcott was first elected as mayor in November 2011 and re-elected in August of 2016. Prior to her service as mayor, s...

Veterans Day Parade Entry Winners Announced

The City of Surprise would to thank all of our Veterans Day parade entries for a wonderful event! We had over 95 entries and  would like to recognize the parade winners in the following categories:

Best Veteran Service Organization Entry &ndas...

County releases D1 city election results

These are the following District 1 city election unofficial results as released by the Maricopa County Elections Department, Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.: 

Jim Cunningham 2,586 votes (44%)Roland F. Winters Jr. 3,148 votes (54%)

For the...

DevelopNEXT: Drafts of Land Development Ordinances Chapters 101-103 Now Online

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

The ...

Task Force Votes on ways to honor combat-wounded veteran Brian Mancini

The City's Honoring an Exceptional Leader Task Force will present two recommendations for ways in which to honor the late Brian Mancini, to the City Council at their December 4th Work Session.

At the task force’s October 30 meeting, members were presented ...

City of Surprise recognized for exemplary event production and promotion

The City of Surprise, in partnership with local community sponsors, was recognized October 25 at the 24th Annual APS Arizona Talent in Events Concepts Awards Competition.  

Each year, the APS AzTEC Award competition, endorsed by the International ...

SeaCa Packaging Breaks Ground on Manufacturing Facility in Surprise During AZ Manufacturers Month

SeaCa Packaging, owned by Seattle Tacoma Box Company, an over 125-year-old six generation family owned and operated company specializing in packaging, today announced its expansion to Greater Phoenix with the groundbreaking of a manufacturing plant in Sur...

City of Surprise Receives International Economic Development Award for Retail Survey

The City of Surprise has won an international award for its annual Surprise Retail Survey from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The project won a “Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award” in the category of...

Surprise Community Outreach Program Funding Awarded

On Tuesday, September 18, Surprise City Council took action to grant funding to 23 organizations through the Surprise Community Outreach Program. The program is a City Council led initiative to assist non-profit 501(c)3 organizations in providing programs...

August 28th Primary Election results now final

Here are the Final Official city election results released by the Maricopa County Elections Department. (*denotes incumbent / All Caps denotes winner): 

District 1:

James Cunningham 1,237 votes (38%)Raymond Grim 854 votes (26%)*Roland F. Winters Jr...

City of Surprise distracted driving law goes into effect 9/6

 Driving and using mobile devices that are not operating in a hands-free mode, is illegal within Surprise city limits effective this Thursday, September 6. 

The ordinance, which Council approved last month, penalizes driving and using a m...

Surprise, DUSD win national award for video showing dangers of drunk driving

A drunk and distracted driving awareness video co-produced by the City of Surprise and Dysart Unified School District (DUSD) has won first place in the “Partnership Production” category of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Adviso...

UPDATED 9/3: Early Unofficial Primary Election Council votes announced

Here are the Early Unofficial city election results released by the Maricopa County Elections Department as of 5:17 p.m. on September 3. The County is still processing Election Day ballots. The results will be updated as the city receives the latest updat...

Phoenix Business Journal recognizes Surprise Resource Center partner as Health Care Heroes finalist

The Surprise Resource Center is pleased to announce that Roberta Ezratty, a partner in its team of social, human and workforce development organizations and agencies, is a finalist for a Phoenix Business Journal Health Care Heroes award in the “...

New Explore Surprise Episode - Youth Programs!

Youth are an important part of our community! That’s why the City of Surprise makes it a priority to keep them involved – through recreation, social events, career readiness programs and more. Check out this new episode of Explore Surprise to learn about ...

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.

Global Concierge Program wins at Best of the West

The City of Surprise Global Concierge Program at the AZ TechCelerator is a Best of the West Award winning program for Innovation. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErjRedXFfrM&feature=youtu.be 

Join the Surprise Fire-Medical Team

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is now accepting applications for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics.

The recruitment period will be open until 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2019.

Interested applicants must submit a complete application...

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...

Surprise Police warn community members about telephone scam

YOUR Surprise Police would like to alert the public of a telephone scam being attempted in our community. This scam has been attempted several times on multiple victims here in Surprise over the past two days.

Victims report receiving a phone call from an ...

“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...