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

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

Today’s actions include: 

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

Greenway Rd improvement project begins, Cotton Ln to Sarival Ave

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

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

Surprise now offers roll off container rentals for city residents, businesses

Residents and businesses in Surprise can now rent roll off containers directly from the city’s Solid Waste department.

Roll off containers are ideal for larger amounts of non-hazardous refuse (not regular household trash) and can be used for construction, ...

Surprise Police Department Toy Drive Underway

The Surprise Police Department has begun their annual toy drive and is accepting new, unwrapped toys in the manufacturer’s original packaging to gift to less fortunate children in our community. 

Surprise Police and several community par...

New “Surprise Lately” Episode

In this episode of Surprise Lately… all the details on this year's Surprise Party, and how you can help bring holiday joy to local families!

Enjoy decorated tree display; help gift local families a joyful holiday at “Deck the Hock”

The city’s annual Deck the Hock on Hollyhock Street will be a drop-off / pick-up style celebration this year! You are invited to drop off ornaments for three holiday trees on display in front of the Surprise Senior Center and leave gifts under them for th...

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 and you must reside in the City of Surprise.   

• City Audit Committee  - 1 Vacancy with ...

Surprise Stadium announces 2021 Spring Training schedule with game times

The Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals have released their 2021 Spring Training schedule, revealing their game times and season opener featuring the Texas Rangers vs. the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, February 27.

The Surprise Stadium 2021 game schedul...

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

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

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

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

Surprise Police Department Awarded Reaccreditation by CALEA

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

Surprise Party 2020 Coming to You, At-home Style

While the 19th Annual Surprise Party may be going virtual or remote this year, our holiday spirit remains alive and well with a festive lineup of holiday themed programming that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home or car!

From cookie decorating wi...

New “Surprise Lately” Episode

This week on Surprise Lately... meet your newest city councilmember, learn about another round of business grants that will help retail and nonprofits, and see how Surprise honored veterans!

City reminds residents to properly dispose used cooking oil; offers tips to prevent injuries

Surprise reminds residents to properly dispose use cooking oil, grease and fat remnants in the trash or at designated dumping locations this holiday season and offers tips on how to prevent deep fryer injuries.

Cooking grease poured down drains can cause p...

Watch: Veterans Day Video Tribute

We want to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice this Veterans Day. In honor of those who have served, our community has submitted video messages, which we have compiled as a tribute.

Watch here: https://surprisetv.surpriseaz.gov/watch?v=uYS2B...

Surprise now accepting utility payments at national retailer

Surprise utility customers can now make payments at any Walmart store nationwide! 

City-serviced water, sewer, sanitation and stormwater payments can be processed in the customer service center of the national retailer in real time just as if they...

Hastings sworn in as new District 5 Councilmember

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

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

Sanders was appointed on J...

UPDATE: Upcoming pavement preservation projects in Surprise

The city of Surprise will be performing pavement preservation activities on the following roadways, weather permitting:

• Waddell Road, Cotton Lane to 175th Avenue  
  • The roadway will be closed from 4:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov...

Small Business Relief Grant expands to more businesses, non-profits; utility assistance approved

The Surprise City Council voted Monday night to disperse an additional $100,000 in Small Business Relief Grant funding, while expanding the scope of assistance to include small business retailers and non-profits with commercial space who were not restrict...

Surprise TV to air select DUSD high school sports games

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

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

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

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

Home-delivered meal program available to eligible residents

The City of Surprise is excited to announce daily, home-delivered hot meals through a partnership with Area Agency on Aging and Banner Olive Branch.

The donation-based program is available to eligible participants age 60 years or older or younger adults wi...

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

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

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

City of Surprise wins bid for 2026 NCAA Division II National Tennis Championships

The NCAA announced on Wednesday the hosts of nearly 450 championship tournaments from 2022 to 2026, including the announcement that the City of Surprise, in partnership with the Pacific West Conference, will host the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's & Wome...

Seeking sponsors, performers, art submissions for virtual MLK Day program

The City of Surprise is excited to announce the 5th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and Service. The event will be held virtually in January 2021 and in preparation for the celebration, the city is seeking sponsors, performer...

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

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

The TEP permit a...

City fire code amendments proposed; seeking public comment

A proposed update to the city’s fire code of ordinances was presented to City Council at last night’s Work Session. Now, the city is seeking public comment on the amendments and will host two public meetings related to the proposed update.

By adopting this...

Surprise libraries open for pop-in pickup, offer free eTutor service

As part of ongoing efforts to safely adapt library services and respond to community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Maricopa County Library District (MCLD), which operates the three city of Surprise libraries, has launched two new services: BrainFuse...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...