Free Classes: Wills & Trusts, Estate Planning, Medicare Options & HOA Connection

The city is hosting free Financial, Health and Community Classes on the topics of Wills vs. Trusts, Medicare Options, Estate Planning and HOA Connection, to help you be for fit and informed!

March 5 – Wills vs. Trusts

Most American adults do not have a livi...

City seeks volunteers for Senior Center; will host info session on March 6

Surprise invites volunteers interested in serving at the Surprise Senior Center to attend an information session on Wednesday, March 6 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., to learn about available positions.

Prospective volunteers will receive a tour of th...

Spring Break Camp registration is now open

Interested in planning a fun-filled spring break for your kids? The City of Surprise will host a Spring Break Camp March 18 – 22.  

The Spring Break Camp provides opportunities for youths enrolled in grades kindergarten - 6th to have fun...

City offices closed Feb. 18 for Presidents’ Day; trash / recycling schedule change

City of Surprise administrative offices will be closed Monday, February 18 in observance of Presidents’ Day. 

Due to the holiday, City of Surprise trash and recycling customers ONLY are reminded that collection will be postponed by one d...

Surprise Stadium announces 2019 Spring Training ticket promotions & fan experiences

Spring Training is almost here, and Surprise Stadium – Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers – is excited to announce the 2019 ticket promotions, group ticket options and fan experiences.

Here’s a lo...

Vendor opportunities available for Spring Egg-stravaganza event

The City of Surprise invites interested outreach organizations, promotional vendors and local businesses to participate in the Spring Egg-stravaganza!

The event will take place Saturday, April 20 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Surprise Recreation Campu...

Babe Ruth League registration now open

The City of Surprise is now registering for the West Valley Babe Ruth Baseball League, which begins in late April. Both individual and team registration is available.

Resident and non-resident registration is open February 11 - March 22 at the Community an...

USTA Women’s Pro Circuit underway at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex

The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is proud to welcome the USTA Women’s Pro Circuit – Surprise Tennis Classic February 11-17. 

The USTA Pro Circuit provides players with an opportunity to gain the professional ranking poin...

New Surprise Progress TV Episode

Watch the latest episode of Surprise Progress TV for info on how to become a Surprise scholar at our City Academy, request a free block party trailer rental, get Spring Training tickets and more!

City’s summer job program for teens now accepting applications

The City of Surprise is offering a summer job program for income-eligible Surprise teens between the ages of 15 – 19.

Through the City Council-approved Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), applicants must be available to work up to 25 hours a ...

Join us for Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival events

The City of Surprise, in coordination with Get Local AZ Food Truck Events, invites you to some upcoming Sunday in the Park Food Truck Festival events! 

Come enjoy delicious food and live music by Jeff Gordon on February 10 from 4 – 8 p.m...

Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic leads off baseball season in Surprise

Come see the 2018 College World Series National Champions, the Oregon State Beavers, as they make their 2019 season debut right here in Surprise, Arizona.

The Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic will take place February 15-24 at the Surprise Stadium, f...

City begins FY20 budget discussions Feb. 19

The City of Surprise FY2020 budget building process kicks off at the City Council Work Session on Tuesday, February 19. 

This will be the first in a series of presentations to Council by the City’s Finance Department regarding the overall developm...

Surprise Youth Council hosts Level 4 party March 9

The hottest teen party in Surprise is taking over the top of the City Hall parking garage on March 9! 

The Surprise Youth Council is hosting their third Level 4 teen event on March 9, 7-10 p.m. on Level 4 of the Surprise City Hall parking garage, ...

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...

Shop the Artisan Treasures Sweet Spring Festival Feb. 16

Join us for a creative market shopping experience at the “Artisan Treasures Sweet Spring & Food Truck Festival” presented by Wood & Me on Saturday, February 16. 

The festival will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p....

APS utility assistance is now available to federal workers in Surprise, El Mirage

The Surprise/El Mirage Community Assistance Program (CAP) has additional funding to immediately assist federal workers, who are also Arizona Public Service (APS) customers, with paying their electric utility bills thanks to support from APS, Wildfire and ...

Surprise 10 & Under Tennis offers FREE Bonus Play Day for the 2019 Winter Session

 The City of Surprise is pleased to announce new, expanded options for the Net Generation tennis program for kids ages 10 and under – including a free bonus play day! 

The Net Generation program provides a structured and fun fra...

Register for the 2019 Surprise City Academy & learn how your 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 2019 Surprise City Academy! 

The eight-session academy offers the opportunity to learn about the city d...

City Council names Winters as Vice Mayor

The Surprise City Council unanimously selected District 1 Councilmember Roland F. Winters Jr. 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 ...

Surprise names new Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commissioners

Surprise City Council approved the addition of five new members to represent veteran-interests on the new Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission during last night’s Regular City Council Meeting. 

The new members, with term ex...

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 Stadium Box Office opens Saturday, Jan. 5 for Spring Training & College Baseball Tickets

The box office at Surprise Stadium, spring training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, opens for in-person ticket sales beginning Saturday, Jan. 5 at 8 a.m..

The 2019 schedule features a majority of Surprise Stadium games beginning at 1:05 p...

Surprise partners with AZ Ice to offer ice skating classes

 The City of Surprise and AZ Ice Peoria have partnered to offer fun, recreational ice skating classes for all ages!

AZ Ice follows the nationwide “Learn to Skate-USA” program to provide the entry level curriculum in a fun and positive atmosphere. ...

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 ...

Cactus League Luncheon set for Feb. 19; kicks off 2019 Spring Training Season

The 2019 Cactus League luncheon, featuring the induction of the latest Cactus League Hall of Fame class, is set for Tuesday, February 19 at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix. 

"The Cactus League luncheon signals the start of spring tra...

City of Surprise seeking applications for new Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission

The City of Surprise is currently accepting applications for the newly formed Veterans, Disability and Human Services Commission. 

During the December 4 Regular City Council Meeting, Council moved to form this new commission to assist in the devel...

Register for Surprise City Academy & get an inside look at how your 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 2019 Surprise City Academy! 

The eight-session academy offers the opportunity to learn about the city d...

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...

Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex to host series of national tennis tournaments

The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is proud to welcome several United States Tennis Association (USTA) tennis tournaments this winter and spring. 

December 7-9 - USTA Southwest 65 and over Section Championships

This is the final Southwest leag...

Pickleball competition draws local and national talent to the City of Surprise

The City of Surprise will welcome thousands of pickleball players this winter. Pickleball, the paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.  

The city ...

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...

Ready, set, register for the 2nd Annual Surprise Spring Training 5K!

The Surprise Spring Training 5K, presented by Jimmy John’s, returns to Surprise Stadium on Friday, March 1! 

The 2nd annual Surprise Spring Training 5K will begin at 7 p.m. at Surprise Stadium and take you on a scenic run through the City of Surpr...

Surprise Spring Training tickets now on sale

Get your tickets for the 2019 Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers Spring Training season starting tomorrow, Saturday, November 17 at 8 a.m. (MST). 

Head to SurpriseStadium.com to purchase tickets online or download the Spring Training Order Form;...

Surprise Fire-Medical hosts series of fire station open houses

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is holding a series of open houses at city fire stations. Residents can come out and meet the firefighters, check out the living and eating quarters, walk through the bays and see the fire trucks!  Attendees w...

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,...

Surprise Fire-Medical sends assistance to battle California Wildfires

The Surprise Fire-Medical Department has sent three Wild Land Firefighters and a Type 6 Brush Truck to assist in battling the deadly wildfires burning in California.

The Surprise crew was deployed on Saturday, November 10 and is currently working in Los An...

Royals, Rangers announce 2019 Spring Training Game Times; Tickets On Sale Nov. 17

The 17th annual Surprise Spring Training Season will kick off on Saturday, February 23rd at Surprise Stadium – featuring Surprise’s home teams - the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.

The 2019 schedule features a majority of Surprise Stadium games begin...

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...

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...

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's annual Pavement Preservation Program kicks off

The City of Surprise Public Works Department kicked off its annual Pavement Preservation Program this week, and the focus of the first phase is low-to-moderate-capacity collector roads.

This annual program identifies city streets to receive appropriate app...

Tickets on sale for Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic with 2018 National Champs Oregon State

Come see the 2018 College World Series National Champions, the Oregon State Beavers, as they make their 2019 season debut right here in Surprise, Arizona. 

The Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic will take place February 15-24 at the Surprise ...

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...

District 1 City Council Election Update

After extensive legal review, including consultation and obtaining the legal opinion of outside counsel, the City Attorney’s office has issued the following statement regarding the election:

On September 11, 2018, the City Council approved the re...

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...

Major League Baseball Announces 2019 Surprise Stadium Spring Training Schedule

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, has announced the 31-game 2019 Surprise Stadium Spring Training schedule. The City of Surprise will begin its 17th season of Cactus League Spring Training on Saturday, Fe...

Council approves Distracted Driving Law

Driving and using your mobile devices, that are not operating in a hands-free mode, is now illegal within Surprise city limits.

City Council approved the Distracted Driving Ordinance at their Regular Meeting, Tuesday night.

The ordinance penalizes driving a...

Task Force working to honor late Veteran resident Brian Mancini will meet 9/11

The City’s Honoring an Exceptional Leader Task Force will meet Tuesday, September 11 to continue discussing ways in which to honor the late Brian Mancini.

Mancini was a medically retired Sergeant First Class, Combat Wounded Veteran who served as a Combat M...

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 “...

Surprise Youth Earn Arizona Career Readiness Certificates

Participants in the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, not only gained invaluable work experience alongside city staff, they also earned the Arizona Career Readiness Credential (ACRC) through a partnership with Arizona@Work, Maricopa County’s Workfor...

Neighborhood Grant Program application now available

The Surprise City Council approved funding to support the Neighborhood Grant Program that provides eligible neighborhoods with small grants to fund neighborhood events, functions, or community improvements. Recognizing an opportunity to encourage...

Surprise wins award for adaptive recreation program offered in partnership with Royals, Rangers

The city of Surprise took home a statewide award this week for an adaptive recreation program that gives athletes with physical and developmental disabilities a chance to train with Major League Baseball players and coaches.The city’s Adaptive Spring Spor...

Spring Training a tourism hit in Surprise

Spring Training brings in the people and the money to Arizona and as a proud Cactus League city, Surprise is feeling the benefits!

According to research released Monday by the Cactus League, the 2018 Cactus League season generated $373 million in the state...

Cactus League produces windfall for Arizona economy

The following news was released by the Cactus League on July 23, 2018...

The 2018 Cactus League season generated $373 million for Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a study by the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State Uni...

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP1, 3) Amendment Comment Period and Public Hearings

The City has initiated a substantial amendment to both the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 1 (NSP1) and Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) action plans to re-allocate NSP funds to new activities. These amendments are supplements to the existin...

New Adaptive Signal Control Technology activated along Bell Rd, Cotton Ln to 114th Ave

The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in partnership with the City of Surprise, and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), has activated new Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT) along Bell Road between Cotton Lane and Av...

Surprise to update development & design standards; public meeting July 24

The city of Surprise’s development and design standards are getting a comprehensive update for the first time since 2009, and we want you to join as we DevelopNEXT!DevelopNEXT is an effort to simplify and modernize the city’s Land Development Ordinances 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 ...

Revised - Task Force begins work to honor late Veteran resident Brian Mancini

The city’s Honoring an Exceptional Leader Task Force met, Thursday, June 28, to begin discussing ideas in which to honor the late Brian Mancini.

Mancini was a medically retired Sergeant First Class, Combat Wounded Veteran who served as a Combat M...

Council adopts Surprise Arts & Culture Master Plan, Tourism Strategic Plan

The Surprise City Council adopted two new plans at their meeting Tuesday night that will guide the growth of arts and culture and tourism in the city.The Arts & Culture Master Plan will help ensure that as our community and our arts and cultural oppor...

City Council receives Decide Surprise bond projects and finance update

City of Surprise staff provided City Council with a Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond projects and financial update at Tuesday night’s Regular Meeting.

On April, 18, 2018 the city issued the first General Obligation Bond sale resulting in $37 million...

City of Surprise seeking instructors and ideas for Special Interest Classes

Do you have a special skill or hobby you would like to teach others? The City of Surprise Community and Recreation Services Department is now recruiting instructors and proposals for special interest classes; such as, dance and fitness, art, preschool, co...

Surprise youth showcase innovative solutions at Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

Youthful innovation was on display June 8 at Surprise City Hall in culmination of the AZ TechCelerator’s 5th Annual Surprise Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp.Fourteen students from Paradise Honors, Willow Canyon, Valley Vista, Shadow Ridge and Dysart high...

City Council adopts safety-focused FY2019 Budget

The Surprise City Council approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 City Budget in a Special Meeting Tuesday night, that addresses safety needs for Information Technology, Police and Fire-Medical.New to the $384.6 million budget is funding for Decide Surprise ca...

Voters ok city water election

Voters have approved the May 15th Water Election, authorizing City Council to complete negotiations with the Circle City Water Company (CCW) for the possible acquisition of the utility.

According to preliminary results released by the Maricopa County Recor...

Phoenix Business Journal ranks City of Surprise as one of Valley’s Healthiest Employers

The City of Surprise has been named one of the Valley’s Healthiest Employers in a 2018 Phoenix Business Journal ranking, placing sixth among midsized companies.The city’s employee wellness program includes diverse initiatives that addr...

Residents love their city; focused on safety & economy in National Citizen Survey

The 2018 National Citizen Survey (NCS) results reveal more than 8 in 10 residents rate the quality of life in Surprise as excellent or good; and they recommend living here.

The NCS serves as the city’s service report card, and the collected data assists in...

2018 Surprise Retail Survey Results are in!

The City of Surprise launched a retail survey in March asking the community to vote for their favorite locally-owned businesses; both their top restaurant and top retailer. In just three weeks, the survey garnered more than 3,000 responses!Congratulations...

FY2019 Recommended Budget focuses on safety

Finance Director Lindsey Duncan presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 City Manager Recommended Budget to City Council at Tuesday’s Work Session, that is built on the foundation of safety- for residents; city infrastructure/technology; and the city...

2018 State of the City Address is future-focused

Growing a downtown, building community wealth, enhancing public transit via autonomous vehicle options and highlighting ways to maintain a Connected Surprise, were all addressed in Mayor Sharon Wolcott’s 2018 State of the City speech, Monday night from We...

S&P upgrades city’s GO Bond rating as Council authorizes first Decide Surprise Bond sale

The Surprise City Council authorized staff to proceed with the first bond sale related to the General Obligation Bond Election approved by voters last fall. 

Tuesday night’s vote coincided with Standard and Poor’s (S&P) upg...

Meet Surprise Spring Training’s volunteer team – The Surprise Sundancers!

Did you know it takes about 200 volunteers each Surprise Spring Training game to create the ultimate fan experience? 

The Surprise Sundancers are the official volunteer organization for the city’s Spring Training activities and other special event...

Council approves new sign code with increased options for permanent & temporary signage

Last night, City Council voted to approve a new City Code Chapter 113, which addresses signage. The update aims to balance business needs with aesthetics, while meeting the requirements of law.Under the new code, Businesses will have increased options for...

City sets plans to honor former CRS Director Coronado

The Surprise City Council, Tuesday night, agreed to recognize the late Community and Recreation Services (CRS) Director Mark A. Coronado's service to Surprise in the following ways: 

• Rename 8-Acres Park “Mark Coronado Park” and include a memorial ...

Funding released for Decide Surprise bond projects

Design work and some land acquisition deals can commence on several of the Decide Surprise General Obligation Bond Projects, following City Council’s action Tuesday night. 

City Council approved the authorization for staff to spend $5,05...

Sex offender notifications are up to date

Please read Chief Young's update on city's notification process.