New “Surprise Lately” Episode

Who's ready to fiesta?! In this episode of Surprise Lately, see how we're bringing Fiesta Grande to you. Plus, your most-wanted retailer is now open in Surprise!

City of Surprise seeking instructors for Special Interest Classes

Do you have a special skill or talent that you would like to teach to others? Would you like to be payed to do what you love? 

The Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is looking for instructors who possess the knowledge and experience to in...

7th annual Fiesta Grande celebration goes virtual

Celebrate our city’s cultural heritage at the seventh annual Surprise Fiesta Grande - To Go style! This virtual celebration, presented by the City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with 101.9 FM Radio La Campesina, wil...

Pavement preservation project on 163rd Ave, Happy Valley to Grand, begins Sept 28

Mill and overlay work to preserve pavement on 163rd Avenue, Happy Valley Road to Grand Avenue, will begin September 28.

Pavement preservation activities will begin at Happy Valley Road with work progressing along 163rd Avenue towards Grand Avenue. Motorist...

Major League Baseball announces 2021 Spring Training Schedule

Major League Baseball has released the 2021 Cactus League Spring Training schedule. Opening Day in Surprise, Arizona is set for Saturday, February 27 with the Kansas City Royals taking on the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.

The health and safety of our ...

Household Hazardous Waste Collection appointment scheduling begins Sept 21

Surprise residents will be able to schedule appointments to have hazardous waste picked up directly from their homes beginning September 21-October 2. 

Scheduled pickups will occur Monday, October 5 – Friday, October 16. To streamline th...

City accepting registrations for Surprise Tennis University

The Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex is now registering for Surprise Tennis University!

Are you a new player looking to learn the fundamental skills of tennis? The Surprise Tennis University is an 11-week program for Adults 18 & Over that includes...

Temporary Mortgage Assistance available for eligible Surprise residents

The City of Surprise Neighborhood Services Division offers temporary mortgage assistance for up to three (3) consecutive months to eligible Surprise residents who have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19. Utility assistance may also be included i...

New “Surprise Lately” Episode

In this episode of Surprise Lately… City Council okays grant funding for small businesses and water bill support for qualifying residents. Also, we celebrate a HUGE milestone with Dysart Unified School District!

City Council Meetings to reopen in a hybrid model to allow virtual and limited in-person attendance

Beginning September 15, meetings of the Surprise City Council will reopen to limited in-person public participation; while maintaining call-in and email options for those wishing to participate remotely. 

City Council Chambers closed to in-person ...

Join the city of Surprise for a Day of Service

Surprise is looking for volunteers for its Day of Service, on Saturday October 10, 2020. Volunteers will participate in various projects throughout the city including landscaping, painting, trimming of shrubs, debris removal and more.

The neighborhood revi...

City to begin Transportation Impact Fee Study for new development

The city of Surprise is launching a Transportation Impact Fee Study, which will determine one-time fees charged to new development to pay for the infrastructure necessary to accommodate the development.

Impact fees are about planning for smart and sustaina...

Public input needed for 2021 Maricopa County Hazard Mitigation Plan

The City of Surprise and Maricopa County are looking for public input on the community’s risk to natural hazards. This information will be used to assist in updating the 2021 Maricopa County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The Survey...

Surprise City Council approves Small Business Relief Grant program, more social service funding

The Surprise City Council voted Tuesday night to disperse $430,000 in funding to address coronavirus-related community and business needs.

More than half of the funding will be allocated to a new Small Business Relief Grant program, with the rest supportin...

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...

Surprise Seeks Input from Businesses on Most-Wanted Virtual Education and Events

Calling all Surprise businesses - the city’s Economic Development Department wants to hear from you! Cast your vote on what types of virtual education classes you want to see us offer, as well as what mixers and fun events we can host online to ...

Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing in Surprise

Embry Women’s Health has opened a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site in Surprise.

The site, located at 15800 N Litchfield Road, is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week and is dedicated to COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing only. 

Healthca...

Surprise announces virtual HOA Academy agenda

The City of Surprise is teaming up with a community association law group to offer a virtual HOA Academy fall class series.

Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. will present five Facebook classes, each featuring two hot topics and a Q&A session.

The class sc...

Now enrolling for fall special interest classes!

The City of Surprise Parks & Recreation Department is now enrolling for the fall session of special interest classes, including aqua aerobics; pee wee soccer, t-ball and football; coding 4 kids; cheer and much more!

Classes are available for pre-school...

S&P affirms city’s GO Bond rating; 2nd issuance goes to council Sept. 1

On November 7, 2017 registered voters in Surprise approved three General Obligation (GO) Bond questions in the areas of Public Safety, Traffic Congestion Mitigation and Pavement Preservation. The three questions represent 10 Capital Improvement Projects f...

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancies

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

•   Personnel Appeals Board – 2 vacancies (one for term through Ju...

DevelopNEXT: Revised development & design standards drafts; updated meeting schedule

The city’s DevelopNEXT effort to simplify and modernize its development and design standards is advancing with a new draft available for both the general public and stakeholders to provide comments related to Land Development Ordinances (LDO) an...

Litchfield Road improvement project completes 8/19; new traffic signal activates Monday

The voter-approved Litchfield Road improvement project, which widened the stretch of road from Waddell Road to Peoria Avenue will be complete Wednesday, August 19. 

The new traffic signal at Litchfield Road and Sweetwater Avenue will be activated ...

Surprise to offer online Esports tournaments this fall

Surprise Parks & Recreation Department and Bravous Esports are teaming up to offer four online video game tournaments this fall!

Esports is a form of sport event where multiplayer video games are played competitively in elimination-style tournaments.&a...

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...

Waddell Road Improvement Project is Complete

The voter-approved Waddell Road Improvement Project has been completed, with all major traffic restrictions now lifted. 

The north and south half of Waddell Road from the east limit of Loop 303 to Reems Road have been built out, and a traffic sign...

Tenant based rental assistance available for eligible Surprise residents

The City of Surprise Neighborhood Services Division has partnered with A New Leaf, a non-profit housing assistance provider, to offer rental assistance to eligible Surprise residents for up to 24 months. Rental assistance may include Housing Case Manageme...

Surprise names Water Resource Management Director

Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier has announced that Lee Lambert will serve as the city’s new Water Resource Management Director.

Lee has served as Acting Director of the Water Resource Management (WRM) Department since February, stepping in fro...

Primary Election results in for Mayor; Districts 2, 3, 4 & 5 Councilmembers

Surprise voters elected two new city councilmembers in Districts 2 and 5, returned incumbents to District 3 and 4, and re-elected the mayor in Tuesday’s primary election. 

The news is based on preliminary, unofficial results reported by ...

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...

RideChoice transportation service available to income qualified Surprise residents

The city of Surprise and Valley Metro have updated the income qualified component of RideChoice. This program provides transportation services for income qualified residents to medical appointments, employment opportunities, and basic shopping needs.

The c...

Governor Ducey Announces New Actions To Contain COVID-19

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

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

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

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...

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

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

Letter from Surprise Police Chief Terry Young

Dear Residents, Business Owners and Visitors of Surprise,

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

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

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

Council adopts FY2021 Budget focused on flexibility for the future

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

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

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

City of Surprise Seeking Applications for Voluntary Commission Vacancy

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

•    Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission  &ndash...

Surprise to open some recreation amenities May 15

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

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

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

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

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

Governor Issues Updated Guidance For Arizonans, Businesses

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

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

Mayor Hall Declares Local State of Emergency in Surprise

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

Effective 5 p.m. this even...

Surprise continues suspension of recreation programming & events

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

This includes summ...

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

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

Changes to public participation during PSPRS Fire & Police Board meetings

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

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

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

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

Valley Metro has released the following information:

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

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

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

• Community Resource Guide – provides cont...

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

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

The temporary use of A-frame s...

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

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

City Council

Coun...

COVID-19 Special Report Video

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

Community inq...

Update: March 27 FY 2021 Budget Retreat Public Comment Details

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

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

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

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

Surprise Resource Center Reducing Public Hours

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

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

City Park Amenities & Facilities Closed to Public

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

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

Local nonprofit Benevilla seeking volunteers to assist seniors

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

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

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

Governor Ducey Announces Latest COVID-19 Actions

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

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

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

Changes to public participation during Council Meetings effective March 17

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

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

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

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

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Retreat set for March 27

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

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

Surprise Fire-Medical is Awarded International Accredited Status

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

Surprise Resource Center expands evening hours beginning March 4

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

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

Monday & T...

Surprise Reaffirms Support for Quality Education

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

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

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

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

Chief Young previous...

Surprise names Community Development Director

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

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

DevelopNEXT: Give Input on Draft Land Development Ordinances

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

The purpose of the LD...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The raised rating action reflects the applica...

Surprise Fire-Medical Awarded 8 New Firefighters Through Federal Grant

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

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

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

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

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

Surprise expands library services with increased hours & new location

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

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

Fall 2019 Progress Magazine released

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

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

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

Surprise took first place for ou...