Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Goodyear public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
47 issues with high priority
Regional economic development strategy (GPEC)
GPEC's update showed Goodyear is getting a strong return on its investment — $204 back per dollar — but the region is shifting from warehouses toward advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and semiconductors. Council wants to position Goodyear for the 303/State Route 30 intersection opportunity and court more international investment.
Goodyear Municipal Court Caseload Growth and Facility Needs
The current court facility is dangerously overcrowded — staff tripled since 2008, jury quarters are cramped, and secure parking is inadequate. Old City Hall won't work without a $71.2 million gut renovation, so council is leaning toward exploring a new purpose-built courthouse and a facility master plan.
Rainbow Valley Development Legal and Contract Matters
Residents of an unincorporated community just outside city limits told the Commission that master-planned developments keep creeping toward their rural ranching lifestyle, and some favor annexation by Buckeye over Goodyear. They asked for bigger buffers between new development and existing homes.
Firming Water Delivery Agreement With CAWCD
Goodyear faces a 1,504 acre-foot shortage on its Colorado River allocation next year. The new agreement lets the city recover water Arizona banked underground — either through CAWCD's canal system or the city's own wells — to keep supplies whole.
Youth Commission Bylaws Revisions
The Chair and Vice Chair brought proposed bylaw changes to a City Council sub-committee and reported back on how it went. The changes could reshape how the youth commission operates.
Annual Update to City Strategic Plan
Goodyear is refreshing its Strategic Plan with 21 new action items and sharper project descriptions. The plan will steer the City Manager's recommended budget, so this discussion shapes city priorities for the coming years.
WeRide Saturday Public Transit Expansion
Council asked for an evaluation of the We Ride program to see how it's performing.
Pavement Management and Road Maintenance Funding
The city assessed all 99 bridge structures for the first time since 2021. Eight need repairs in the next few years; four are scheduled this fiscal year. Officials stressed nothing is failing — these are preventive fixes.
GRC Phase II irrigation pond safety
Staff recommend a 3-acre, 14-foot-deep irrigation pond to cut $415,000 a year in water costs, but several councilmembers worry about young children near open water at a busy park and want liability answers before signing off.
Elevated TTHMs in drinking water
Quarterly testing found the average for total trihalomethanes — a byproduct of water disinfection — was above the standard in one area. The city is already installing treatment systems to bring it back into compliance.
2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities
Newly adopted federal operating guidelines for the Colorado River affect Goodyear's water supplies — a reminder that the city's water future is tied to regional river management.
Bullard Wash Trail construction
The $32 million Bullard Wash Trail is nearly fully designed and construction begins in December 2026. It will connect neighborhoods, include a trailhead with restrooms and a classroom, and route all arterial crossings under the I-10 freeway.
Goodyear Airpark Project Contract Negotiations
The council met behind closed doors to receive legal advice and strategize regarding contract negotiations for Project Green.
General Plan and Development Trends Report
Goodyear is growing rapidly, adding about 27,000 residents since 2020. The city's housing mix has matured from heavily single-family homes to include more townhomes and multi-family options, creating a more balanced community.
Expansion of Non-Potable Water for Park Irrigation
City staff outlined a strategic plan to increase non-potable water usage for park irrigation from 27% to 75%, reducing reliance on expensive potable drinking water. Council members generally supported the initiative while noting potential concerns regarding water salinity and infrastructure costs.
Fire Resource Management Building Replacement
The fire department presented plans for a new 30,000-square-foot facility funded by voter-approved general obligation bonds to replace outdated and environmentally constrained space. The project is slated to come before council for funding consideration during the fiscal year 2028 budget cycle.
Ambulance billing rates lowest in Arizona
Goodyear charges less for ambulance service than any comparable Arizona city, so the city recovers less of its costs and taxpayers pick up more of the tab. The committee is backing a state application to raise rates, which would shift more cost to insurers and patients rather than the general fund.
Cotton Lane Widening and Cost Recovery
The city is moving forward with a $114 million widening project for Estrella Parkway, including bridge expansions over the Gila River and Buckeye Canal. To fund portions of this ahead of development, the city established a cost recovery area to collect up to $20.8 million from undeveloped parcels as they build.
Desert Rainbow Solar and Battery Energy Storage Facility
A developer is proposing a massive 5,050-acre solar farm and battery storage facility in South Goodyear. While it will generate clean energy and millions in municipal taxes, nearby residents have raised concerns about construction impacts, wildlife displacement, and whether local APS customers will see any direct electrical benefits.
Electric Motorcycles Safety and Regulations
With e-bike activity up since school started, the city is handing out safety pamphlets and the police department is hosting seminars at three Goodyear locations.
Goodyear Recreation Campus Phase II Expansion
The campus is set to double in scope and become Goodyear's first regional park, adding fields, a splash pad, dog parks, and courts. Design decisions coming this fall — including water source and parking — will shape how the park serves the whole city for decades.
July 2026 Primary Election Results Certification
The city officially kicked off preparations for the August 2026 primary election to elect a mayor and three council members. Officials are also tracking state legislation that could shift primary dates and deadlines.
FY 2026-2027 Community Grant Funding Allocations
The council discussed allocating federal grant funds toward owner-occupied home repairs and contracting with Gervonni Cares to provide local eviction prevention and tenant advocacy services.
Cotton Lane and MC-85 Gas Station & Truck Fueling
A revised proposal for a convenience store and gas station at Cotton Lane and MC-85 requires a new use permit after access via a neighboring parcel became unavailable. The updated site plan features direct access from MC-85 and expanded fueling pumps.
Fiscal Year 2027 Community Facilities District Budgets
The board approved property tax levies for ten community facilities districts to fund operations and debt service for fiscal year 2027. These taxes apply to property owners within specific master-planned communities across Goodyear.
Ballpark Village Rezone for Single-Family Homes
Fulton Homes is updating its 156-acre master plan at Yuma Road and Estrella Parkway to drop alley-loaded homes, build larger lots, and spread out six smaller parks across the neighborhood.
Cleveland Guardians Contract Negotiations
The council held a private legal consultation to discuss ongoing contract negotiations involving the Cleveland Guardians baseball operations.
FY 2027 Community Facilities District Budgets
The board approved tentative operating budgets and set tax levy hearing dates for ten community facilities districts across Goodyear. These districts manage specific public infrastructure and debt financing for master-planned developments.
City Employee Engagement and Culture Journey
Goodyear is actively investing in workplace culture, employee growth plans, and mentorship to keep turnover low and attract top talent as the city rapidly grows. Council members reviewed recent Gallup survey results showing high employee engagement compared to national averages and discussed ways to maintain service quality.
Palm Valley Promenade Rezoning for Hotel Development
A developer is seeking to lift a three-story height limit on a 16.5-acre parcel near McDowell and Bullard to build a four-story hotel. The change aligns the property's height standards with surrounding commercial developments like GSQ and Centerscape.
School Resource Officer Agreements
The city renewed its partnerships with local high school districts to keep school resource officers stationed at area high schools, ensuring campus safety.
MC85 and Litchfield Road Intersection Improvements
Goodyear is moving forward with property acquisitions necessary to upgrade the intersection at MC85 and Litchfield Road to improve traffic flow and safety.
Downtown Regional Parking Garage at GSQ
Goodyear is partnering with RG Land Partners to build a 600-space parking garage and a police substation shell in the GSQ downtown district. The city is contributing up to $20 million for the garage and $1 million toward public open space amenities.
Road Safety Action Plan and Traffic Management
Goodyear is developing a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan backed by a federal grant to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. City staff are gathering public input through online surveys and an interactive comment map to guide future safety improvements.
Public Safety Staffing and Equipment
Council discussed expanding police and fire personnel, adding new traffic and patrol officers, and investing in advanced technology like body-worn camera AI software and drone programs.
Liberty Elementary School District Annexation
The city finalized the annexation of 16.25 acres for Liberty Elementary School District to ensure police and safety services can be fully provided.
SRP Non-Residential Lawn Conversion Assistance Agreement
The city partnered with Salt River Project to provide financial assistance for non-residential water-saving lawn removal projects.
Adoption of 2024 Building and Fire Codes
Residents voiced frustrations during public comments regarding excessive dust, contractors operating outside permitted hours, and lingering traffic barricades from ongoing development.
Interim Leadership Assignments and Staffing Policy
Following an executive session, the council named Kini Knudson as interim city manager starting in March. The council also requested a broader policy review regarding interim municipal positions.
Air Quality Concerns Regarding Real Alloy
A resident raised serious concerns about toxic air emissions and odors from the Real Alloy aluminum smelting facility, urging the city council to take action and investigate regulatory authority.
Expansion of Economic Development Office of Tourism
Economic development officials highlighted major new retail, dining, and commercial investments coming to Goodyear, including GSQ downtown dining, Nordstrom Rack, and the upcoming Bucky's travel center.
Rio 1900 Master-Planned Development & Rezoning
Harvard Investments is transforming 1,940 acres of former King Ranch property into Rio 1900, a major master-planned community featuring diverse housing, open spaces, trails, commercial areas, and donated school and fire station sites. Residents expressed support alongside questions regarding traffic timing, cotton lane expansion, and water availability.
Celebration Plaza Commercial and Medical Rezone
The council debated and ultimately approved a rezone for 66.6 acres at Litchfield Road and Celebrate Life Way, allowing a medical office expansion in partnership with Ryan Companies and City of Hope, plus up to three drive-throughs and reduced medical parking requirements.
Council Inauguration
Goodyear just swore in three new and returning city council members, which means the newly refreshed local government is ready to start tackling big policy decisions this year. Keep an eye on these folks, because the choices they make are about to shape how our neighborhoods grow and operate.
Urban Camping Ban
Goodyear is considering a new ban on urban camping to tackle homelessness, which would bring in stricter enforcement rules for public spaces. If you're wondering how this affects your local parks and streets, city leaders are moving fast to crack down on public sleeping.
Police Chief Appointment
Goodyear just hired Brian Issitt as its new police chief after a nationwide search. You might see some fresh faces and new priorities in local law enforcement soon.
City Management
Goodyear has a brand new city manager! Wynette Reed is taking over day-to-day operations following Julie Karins' departure.