Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Goodyear public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 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.
WeRide Saturday Public Transit Expansion
Council asked for an evaluation of the We Ride program to see how it's performing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cleveland Guardians Contract Negotiations
The council held a private legal consultation to discuss ongoing contract negotiations involving the Cleveland Guardians baseball operations.
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.