SPRING TRAINING PROMOS & DISCOUNTS INSIDE! Your recreation programming guide SURPRISEAZ.GOV/PROGRESSMAG • WINTER 2026 P. 20 +CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Held at: Surprise City Council Chambers, Surprise City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz. When: First and third Tuesday of the month•6 p.m. Work Sessions•4 p.m. T. 623.222.1200•surpriseaz.gov/CityCalendar PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION Held at: Surprise City Council Chambers When: First and third Thursday of the month•6 p.m. T. 623.222.3154•surpriseaz.gov/PZ-Commission P&Z COMMISSION MEMBERS VETERANS, DISABILITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION Held at: Surprise City Council Chambers When: Second Wednesday of the month•6 p.m. Meetings are available with Closed Captioning. surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV T. 623.222.3243•TRS: 711 PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION 623.222.2240 ARTS & CULTURAL ADVISORY COMMISSION 623.222.1329 LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION 623.222.2902 Surprise Progress is published by the City of Surprise Marketing & Communications Department. Read it online at surpriseaz.gov/ProgressMag. Comments? Call 623.222.1431 or email us at communications@surpriseaz.gov. WINTER 2026 | Volume 26 | No. 1 DISTRICT 1 Nick Haney DISTRICT 2 Earle Greenberg DISTRICT 3 Patrick Duffy DISTRICT 4 Johnny V. Melton VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 5 Jack Hastings DISTRICT 6 Chris Judd MAYOR Kevin Sartor CITY MANAGER Andrea Davis - 623.222.1100 Jared Holland Ken Chapman Kevin Perry Anthony Spata Dennis Bash Jay Leonard CITY COUNCIL - 623.222.1300 LIVE TELEVISED MEETINGS YOU CAN WATCH ON surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV Amanda Steele Nichole Wiley WRITER | EDITOR Ambria Brown Lorena Cano Muriel M. Sawicki GRAPHIC DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHY Virginia Mungovan CHIEF EDITOR /CityOfSurprise The City of Surprise is proud to present the 10th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration and Service, honoring the life and legacy of an inspirational leader. This year’s event begins at 8 a.m. with a volunteer breakfast, followed by the celebration program at 9 a.m. and service projects benefiting our community. Registration required for service projects: surpriseaz.gov/MLK surpriseaz.gov/MLK January 17, 2026 • 8 a.m. - noon Willow Canyon High School 17901 W. Lundberg St., Surprise 2 surpriseaz.gov | WINTER 2026 LIVE at Asante “America’s Musical Roots” January 15 (Country) February 19 (Bluegrass/Rock) March 19 (Classic Jazz) This 250th celebration concert series runs the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. through May 2026 at Asante Library. Concert is free, but RSVP is recommended: surpriseaz.gov/LIVE Patriotic Crafts at Surprise Libraries January 17: DIY Star-themed Pennant Flags, Hollyhock Library January 22: Patriotic Paint Night, Surprise Regional Library February 28: America-themed Diamond Art, Hollyhock Library March 9: American Flag Mosaics, Hollyhock Library March 14: Americana Baseball Craft, Asante Library Register at surprisepubliclibrary.gov/Programs. Vet Fest April 11, 2026 / 5 - 8 p.m. Surprise Stadium 15850 N. Bullard Ave. A free event offering those who have served, are currently serving or are looking to serve in the military a chance to connect and learn about the support and resources available. he City has welcomed a familiar face into its top organizational leadership role. In November, Surprise City Council voted to appoint Andrea Davis as City Manager, recognizing her long-standing commitment, expertise and leadership within the organization. Davis had been serving as Assistant City Manager and brought 14 years of dedicated service to Surprise to her new role, as well as a strong foundation in finance and public administration. Known for her collaborative approach and deep understanding of City operations, she has been instrumental in guiding financial planning, organizational development and strategic initiatives across multiple departments. The City Manager is one of six official positions appointed by the Surprise City Council. Art Exhibit & Film Discussion January 16: The “Military History of The American Revolution Film Discussion” screening invites reflection on the tactics, leadership and conflicts that shaped the Revolutionary War. 2 p.m. at Asante Library. February 27 - April 9: “America, The Beautiful” Art Exhibit – A 250th anniversary celebration exhibit featuring landscapes of America at West Valley Arts HQ. The Wall That Heals April 9 - 12, 2026 Open 24 hours Closes 2 p.m. April 12 Mark Coronado Park 15960 N. Bullard Ave. A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is coming to Surprise, along with a mobile Education Center with exhibits. More info: surpriseaz. gov/TheWallThatHeals Revving up for America’s 250th Anniversary The City of Surprise is continuing its yearlong celebration leading up to America’s 250th Anniversary on July 4, 2026. Here’s how you can join in the on the patriotic fun over the next few months. To see the full listing of events, visit surpriseaz.gov/America250. Meet Our NewCity Manager surpriseaz.gov/VetFest Surprise Spring Training Discounts & Celebrations Military Days at Spring Training – Special rates for veterans and active military with promo code MILITARY2026. Get tickets: SurpriseStadium.com WINTER 2026 | surpriseaz.gov 3Exciting business growth is coming to District 1! Our community recently celebrated the grand opening of Swig - a unique soda shop, located at Bell and Citrus roads. In the coming months, even more businesses are set to open in neighboring shops. We’re also seeing progress on the construction of the Asante Trails development at 163rd Avenue and Pat Tillman Boulevard, which is expected to see its first business openings near the end of 2026, including Baskin Robbins, Farmer Boys, Sprouts, Thai Chili and more cool places to eat and shop in our district. See page 7 more business openings in Surprise. As a fan of the performing arts and lifelong thespian, I am excited about the City’s new partnership with Dysart Unified School District that will allow the City to present shows at The Vista Center for the Arts beginning in summer 2026! This is an exciting step toward enhancing our community’s entertainment landscape. Through this collaboration, we will bring in a variety of performances, while also fostering youth engagement and education. The best part is that it is close to home! I look forward to watching The Vista grow into our city’s hub for creativity, entertainment and connection. See you at a show! District 3 is welcoming an exciting lineup of new businesses that will bring expanded dining, convenience and services to our residents. Anchoring this growth are the new Fry’s Food & Drug and Home Depot stores at Cactus Road and Loop 303, providing job opportunities and essential amenities for our growing community. I’m thrilled to welcome the city’s first Someburros and a new In-N-Out, offering dining favorites close to home. For quick stops and daily pick-me-ups, QuikTrip and Black Rock Coffee Bar add even more convenience. These additions are just the beginning as more great destinations are already in the works for 2026! One of the greatest privileges of serving as a councilmember is being able to work with City staff and leadership to get residents informed answers to their questions and concerns. Recently, there have been questions about Flock Automatic License Plate Reading cameras. To better understand them, I reviewed how they’re used by our Police Department, including an examination of their extensive privacy safeguards. After careful evaluation, I’m confident these tools are enhancing our public safety, while also protecting residents’ privacy. I look forward to continuing transparent conversations on how these technologies are helping to keep our community safe. I love it when our district comes alive with the excitement of baseball, and we play host to fans from near and far as they gather for Spring Training! Our two amazing teams, the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, call Surprise their home, but this annual event is far more than a sporting event, it’s a vital economic engine. Spring Training drives tourism, supports local businesses and generates revenue that directly benefits our community. Beyond its fiscal impact, these games give us a reason to gather, celebrate traditions and showcase to visitors why Surprise is a great place. Our City continues to lead in water conservation through strong partnerships with residents and businesses. This year, we are on track to save more than 10 million gallons of water, driven by targeted investments in water-education programs and smart-technology upgrades. We are also prioritizing a reliable and resilient water system in Circle City, our newest water-service area. Through immediate infrastructure improvements, the City has significantly increased system reliability for more than 300 customers. Additionally, the Circle City acquisition brings a substantial Colorado River water entitlement into our water portfolio, strengthening our long-term water supply for all customers. D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 surpriseaz.gov/District1surpriseaz.gov/District2surpriseaz.gov/District3 surpriseaz.gov/District4surpriseaz.gov/District5surpriseaz.gov/District6 Jack Hastings Vice Mayor Johnny V. Melton Chris Judd Earle Greenberg Nick Haney Patrick Duffy 4 surpriseaz.gov | WINTER 2026 surpriseaz.gov/ Mayor A s we welcome 2026, I’m feel- ing especially grateful. This month marks one full year of serving as your Mayor, and what an incredible honor it has been. Over the past year, I’ve enjoyed meet- ing so many of you, listening to your ideas, hearing your concerns and cel- ebrating the spirit that makes Surprise such a special place to call home. Looking back, we’ve shared some won- derful moments. Our annual Surprise Party once again brought the commu- nity together in joy and laughter. And in November, our Veterans Day Parade filled me with pride as we honored the brave men and women who have served our country. Events like these remind me why Surprise feels less like a city and more like a hometown. This year brought meaningful progress. We opened a new fire station, pool and park in western Surprise, expand- ing both safety and recreation. We launched a new emergency notifi- cation system to help keep residents informed during life-threatening situa- tions. To support our business commu- nity, we lowered business license fees, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow here. And we completed significant transportation improve- ments along Cactus Road and along 163rd Avenue north of US 60. We’re also laying important groundwork for the future. Our Transportation Master Plan is moving forward, and the US 60 Cor- ridor Study, in partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments, is on track for completion in early 2026. Work has also begun on new Public Safety and Parks & Recreation master plans to help guide our city as we grow. Another milestone was the adoption of a new City Council Strategic Plan, built on your ideas, concerns and hopes for the future. Your voice shaped it and will continue to guide us. As we look ahead to 2026, your input will always matter. Thank you for your partnership, sup- port and pride in our commu- nity. Here’s to a safe, joyful and inspiring year ahead for you and for the City of Surprise! MayorKevin Sartor THE COUNCIL UPDATE Scan the code with your smartphone and enter your address to find out what district you live in. surpriseaz.gov/MySurpriseAddress SUBSCRIBE CONNECT Get the latest updates from City social media, including information specific to your councilmembers, police and fire departments and others. See all our social media channels at surpriseaz.gov/Connect. surpriseazgovcityofsurpriseSurpriseTV11azsurpriseazsurprise Find the information you need from official sources. Receive email and text notifications for City news, councilmember newsletters and more! See all the notification options at surpriseaz.gov/Subscribe. WINTER 2026 | surpriseaz.gov 5As the calendar flips to a new year, Surprise is celebrating with many new beginnings and the opening of doors. From flavorful new dining spots to services and entertainment, our city is continually welcom- ing businesses, adding more momentum and excitement to what’s ahead. Here’s a look at what’s now open and what’s to come as we step into another year of growth and discovery. Fresh finds, local flavor and the perfect reason to explore one of Surprise’s newest business hotspots. Come for the market, stay to discover the growing lineup of shops and eateries along Elm Street east of Bullard Avenue. The Sunday Market on Elm Street Every Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. October through April Farmer Boys: 14228 W. Bell Rd. Jet’s Pizza: 14462 W. Elm St., Suite 131 NOW OPEN at Elm Street 6 surpriseaz.gov | WINTER 2026 Village at Prasada/ Prasada North J. Crew Factory | Sephora Elm Street Back Nine Golf | Osteria Mia Tacos Chilango | Southern Steer Butcher Petersen’s Ice Cream Osteria Mia NOW OPEN Village at Prasada/Prasada North DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse: 14045 N. Prasada Pkwy. Dual Marriot at Prasada: 13430 N. 163rd Dr. MINISO: 13220 N. Prasada Pkwy. Sierra Trading Post: 14059 N. Prasada Pkwy. Sportsman’s Warehouse: 14085 N. Prasada Pkwy. Cactus & Loop 303 AEO Powersports: 12460 N. Autoshow Ave. Black Rock Coffee: 16640 W. Cactus Rd. Fry’s Marketplace & Fuel Station: 16371 W. Cactus Rd. Sands Kia: 16820 W. Cactus Rd. Sherwin-Williams: 16610 W. Cactus Rd. Throughout Surprise Chipotle: 13610 N. Litchfield Rd. Dunkin’ Donuts: 14031 W. Grand Ave. Fazoli’s: 13510 N. Litchfield Dr., Suite 116 Swig: 17865 W. Bell Rd. The Taco Spot: 13580 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 130 Whataburger: 13611 N. Litchfield Rd. Wienerschnitzel: 17063 W. Greenway Rd. Wing Stop: 17865 W. Bell Rd. Yogi’s Grill: 13980 W. Bell Rd. Sportsman’s Warehouse Angie’s Prime Grill Bell & Citrus Roads Action Behavior Centers | Dip Nail Bar Marco’s Pizza | Baskin Robbins The Joint Chiropractic Throughout Surprise Angie’s Prime Grill: 14183 W. Bell Rd. Graze Craze: 15278 W. Bell Rd. QuikTrip: 13931 W. Greenway Rd. Rainbow Cone: 13510 N. Litchfield Rd.TRANSPORTATION UPDATE We’re Keeping Things Moving! CACTUS ROAD Litchfield Road to BNSF Crossing Newly Complete NEWLY COMPLETE Cactus Road Improvements Cactus Road has been built out to its ultimate configuration from Cotton Lane to Dysart Road, which varies between four and six lanes along the corridor, after the completion of two improvement projects in 2025. LITCHFIELD ROAD TO BNSF CROSSING Project was completed in August. ; Widened Cactus Road to six lanes, improved the crossing with the BNSF railway and added a traffic signal to the intersection of Cactus Road and Waterworks Circle (just east of Litchfield Road). COTTON LANE TO REEMS ROAD Project was completed in October. ; Widened Cactus Road to six lanes, improved drainage along the corridor and added traffic signals at the intersections of Prasada Parkway and Greer Ranch Parkway. The City is already working on designs to widen the last section of Cactus Road in Surprise, which is west of Cotton Lane through Perryville Road. Construction is estimated to start on that project in Fiscal Year 2027 (which runs July 2026 – June 2027), pending right-of-way acquisition. 163rd Avenue Improvements Improvements to 163rd Avenue from US 60/Grand Avenue to Happy Valley Road are now complete, and work is set to begin on widening the section from Happy Valley Road to Jomax Road. Travelers on 163rd Avenue now have a consistent six-lanes through this corridor and a traffic signal at Happy Valley Road and 163rd Avenue. January marks the start of construction on the stretch of road from Happy Valley Road to Jomax Road. This project will widen 163rd Avenue to three lanes in each direction and improve the Jomax Road intersection – creating two lanes in each direction on Jomax Road and adding dual left turn lanes from 163rd Avenue onto Jomax Road in both directions. This project will also provide drainage improvements. Both phases of the 163rd Avenue improvements were funded by the 2023 Bond Election, which was approved by Surprise voters. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE US 60 Corridor Study (Loop 303 to SR 74) Findings A study of the transportation issues and needs along US 60/Grand Avenue from Loop 303 to SR 74 is nearing completion. Maricopa Association of Governments, the agency leading the study, presented its preliminary findings this fall. Those findings identified a series of transportation 8 surpriseaz.gov | WINTER 2026 Community feedback was gathered at the Surprise Transportation Master Plan meeting in October at Asante Library. investments needed to accommodate the future traffic demand along the US 60 corridor through the year 2050. THE IDENTIFIED NEEDS: Improve access to Loop 303 from US 60/Grand Avenue Implement small improvements – ADOT has been constructing near-term improvements to the US 60/Loop 303/163rd Avenue corridor since 2023, which are nearly complete. Build a 155th Avenue & Loop 303 interchange – Design will begin in early 2026; construction expected to begin in 2028. Build major upgrades – Design begins 2026; construction begins in Phase II of Prop 479 (2031- 2035). » US 60/Loop 303 – Elevate interchange to separate traffic. » 163rd Avenue & US 60 – Elevate intersection to separate traffic and raise it over the railroad tracks. Improve access to other Loop 303 interchanges Including Bell Road, El Mirage Road and Lone Mountain Road. Manage access along US 60 Study identified eight locations where there are opportunities to cross US 60 with arterial streets. These locations need to be protected for when they are needed. The final US 60 Corridor Study report is expected to be completed in early 2026. Learn more about the current findings and the study at azmag.gov/US60CorridorStudy. SURPRISE TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN ADVANCES The development of a City of Surprise Transportation Master Plan is progressing with the first report, which will assess existing and future conditions. The report will be available on the Transportation Master Plan website in January 2025. In February, a second report on Vision and Modal Goals will be published. Community feedback has been vital to the creation of these two reports. Thank you to the residents who shared their thoughts through online surveys and mapping tools, as well as in person at several pop-up events and a community open house. In February or March of this year, we will move from the VISION phase of the plan to the REALIZE phase. Our master plan consultant will present a draft of our City’s transportation network needs and will gather another round of community input – both in person and virtually. The final report is expected to be complete in summer 2026. Stay engaged and learn more at surpriseaz.gov/TransportationPlan. WINTER 2026 | surpriseaz.gov 9Next >