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 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...

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 ...

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 State of the City Video Premiere set for April 15

The Surprise City Council invites you to tune in for the premiere of the 2020 State of the City video presentation on Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. We’ll take a look at significant achievements that have transformed our city and celebrate the pr...

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...

City launches banner program to connect restaurants, customers

The city of Surprise is partnering with local businesses to support restaurants impacted by the health pandemic.  

To help restaurants promote their services and more easily identify types of services available to customers, the Economic Developme...

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...

Surprise launches “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign to support community needs

You can have a major impact by helping your neighbors! During our current public health crisis, the need of those in our community is increasing. The city of Surprise is asking our residents to donate some critical items.

The following items are being soug...

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...

Litchfield & Cactus intersection closed for signal repair, 3/20-3/21; Laurel Ln closure begins 3/23

The intersection of Litchfield and Cactus roads will be closed for signal upgrades from 8 p.m. Friday, March 20 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21.

Laurel Lane will be closed between Litchfield Road and Rivera Drive on Monday, March 23 for road improvements. Th...

New "Surprise Lately" episode

All you need to know about Census 2020 and a cute and snuggly way to wrap up the week!

Surprise Senior Center to Close Temporarily Effective March 14

The safety and well-being of our residents is of the highest importance to us. As COVID-19 (coronavirus) has reached pandemic levels, and out of an abundance of caution, the city will be closing the Surprise Senior Center effective March 14, and it will r...

MLB announces 2020 Spring Training games suspended

The Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals game scheduled for Thursday afternoon, March 12, at 1:05 p.m. at Surprise Stadium was canceled following Major League Baseball’s announcement regarding remaining Spring Training games.

See the MLB annou...

Surprise announces 2020 HOA Connection Workshops

The city is offering two HOA Connection Workshops that are designed to strengthen our HOA communities.

Residents and HOA board members are invited to attend the following upcoming workshops:

Federal Laws for Community Associations and the Fair Housing Act&a...

Update: City of Surprise adds OUAZ to college tours

**Update: All tours except Ottawa are canceled**

The city of Surprise Parks and Recreation Department has added Ottawa University Arizona to its College Tour lineup!

Surprise teens, ages 13 - 18, can explore some of our state colleges on the following field...

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...

City of Surprise seeking performers for annual talent show

Surprise has talent and the city is putting it on display! Come support local youth, teens and adults as they perform a variety of acts on April 17.

The city of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the annual Surprise Talent Show on Friday...

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...

Registration now open for Spring Adult Sports

The city of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is accepting registrations for Spring Adult Sports!

Register for the following leagues:Kickball (Coed and Women’s - NEW!)Softball (Coed and Men’s)Indoor Volleyball (Coed)4-on-4 Flag...

Country’s best barbecuers will show off at Rib Fest Throwdown April 25 & 26

Smoked, slathered, rubbed and brined – bring on the meat! HDE Agency is excited to announce the inaugural Rib Fest Throwdown is set for April 25 and 26 in partnership with the City of Surprise. Get ready to sink your teeth into perfectly cooked ...

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 participates in Fix-A-Leak Week March 16-22; fix-a-leak workshop scheduled for March 12

Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide! To remind residents of the importance of checking for leaks, Surprise is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix-a-Leak Wee...

Schedule your Household Hazardous Waste Collection appointment beginning March 9

Surprise residents will be able to schedule appointments to have hazardous waste picked up directly from their homes beginning March 9-27. 

Scheduled pickups will occur Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 27. To streamline the process, house...

Surprise now registering for spring swim lessons

Who says it needs to be summer to get in the pool? Surprise Parks & Recreation is now accepting registrations for spring swim lessons. 

Swim lessons at the Surprise Aquatic Center promote the importance of water safety, drowning prevention, fu...

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 Council names Judd as Vice Mayor

The Surprise City Council selected District 6 Councilmember Chris Judd 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 Ma...

Register for Surprise City Academy; an inside look at how city government works

Want to learn about the structure of city government, get updated on local issues and get to know your city leaders? Register for the 2020 Surprise City Academy!

The eight-session academy offers the opportunity to learn about the city directly from the may...

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...

Celebrate Asante Library Grand Opening Feb. 1

Join the City of Surprise and Maricopa County Library District for a morning of celebration and fun activities as we mark the Grand Opening of the Asante Library, located at 16755 W Vereda Solana Drive!

The grand opening event will be held:

Saturday, Februa...

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...

ADOT: Speed limit changes in place along Grand Avenue in northwest Valley

Speed limits along parts of Grand Avenue (US 60) in the northwest Valley have changed, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

For safety reasons, ADOT waited until the completion of recent construction projects before evaluating traffic spe...

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...

Arizona History & Culture Speaker Series returns with new speakers, topics

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

Local experts from Arizona Humanities’ AZ Speaks program will present on the ...

City requests public input on Shared Active Transportation Vehicle operation in Surprise

The city is now seeking community feedback on the deployment of vendor-owned, commercially-operated Shared Active Transportation Vehicles (SATV), commonly referred to as electric scooters (e-scooters) or electric-bicycles (e-bicycles), in Surprise.

The SAT...

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...

Get trained as a tax preparation volunteer & provide free tax help

Volunteers are needed to provide free tax return preparation for low-to-moderate income individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. No prior tax preparation is needed; training will be provided. 

There are ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 ...

City launches banner program to connect restaurants, customers

The city of Surprise is partnering with local businesses to support restaurants impacted by the health pandemic.  

To help restaurants promote their services and more easily identify types of services available to customers, the Economic Developme...

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.

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 ...

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 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...

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...