Here Are the Three Big Things You Need to Know from the 2025 SOTC

Published on February 03, 2025

A woman in a red blazer speaks at a podium with the City of Maricopa seal. An American flag is visible. The atmosphere is professional and engaging.

Maricopa just turned 21, and like any milestone birthday, it was a moment to reflect on how far we've come and where we're headed next. If you weren’t in the room for this year’s State of the City, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are the three biggest things you need to know from the night and why Maricopa is Building Stronger Together!

1. Maricopa Is Investing More in Infrastructure Than Ever Before

Mayor Nancy Smith shared that in just the last three years, Maricopa has invested more into infrastructure than it did in the previous 18 combined. From road preservation projects to a major overhaul of the Smith-Enke intersection, several projects are happening to make getting around town easier.

In addition, the widening of State Route 347 remains a top priority. Thanks to the countless letters sent by residents to state leaders, city leaders have been able to get in the door and talk about ways to get ADOT to fund the project sooner rather than later. If there’s one thing you take away from this year’s address, it’s that Maricopa is laying down the groundwork—literally—for a smoother, more connected future.

Map of capital improvement projects marked with colored lines and tags over a city grid. Text notes 61% funds for streets and jobs in FY24-25.

2. More Jobs Are Coming

For years, Maricopa residents have hit the road before sunrise to get to work in Phoenix or Chandler. But that’s about to change. It’s been called the Industrial Triangle Project, but the new commercial development project is really more than that and will bring a proper business and commerce center to our community. It stands as one of the city’s most significant economic development initiatives to date and is expected to create close to 36,000 new jobs.

That’s a game-changer. Imagine fewer hours spent in traffic and more time spent with your family—all because companies are finally setting up shop right here in Maricopa. With over 680 acres secured for industrial and commercial development, this isn’t just about job growth—it’s about transforming Maricopa into a place where people can build their careers and their futures.

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3. Community Champions Are the Reason Maricopa is Thriving

Every year, there’s a moment that stands out—and this year, it was the recognition of Maricopa’s Community Champions. These are the people who don’t just live here; they make the city better. Whether it was a volunteer dedicating time to help others, a leader advocating for safer roads, or a resident championing a cause like SR347 that impacts thousands, their stories moved the audience.  

Here's who was recognized:

  • Kids Day Maricopa for 18 years of bringing community and family resources together in one place
  • Jeff Fizer for founding the Maricopa Pickleball League and creating a community that brings residents together
  • 347Facts.com for keeping residents informed about SR347 and giving them a way to voice their concerns to city, state, and federal leaders
  • Ride347 and the Senior Trip Volunteers for partnering to create social excursions for seniors
  • Dr. Rev. Juanita Allen for leading the Salvation Army in Maricopa and extending a helping hand to residents in need of assistance
  • Unity Club at Maricopa High School for dedicating countless hours volunteering across our city and allowing others to find a place to get involved

 

The final award of the night was the Mike Riggs Award, given in honor of Maricopa’s former Public Works Director, who passed away in 2022. For anyone who knew Mike, you knew he was larger than life but also never too big to lend a helping hand. He was often working in the background, not hoping to be recognized.

Well, his character has been recognized, and that is why the second annual Mike Riggs Award was presented to Chris Leon, a football coach at Maricopa High School and Youth Pastor at Church of Hope. Leon is described as a man who has dedicated his life to helping others in often small but profound and meaningful ways. We’ll be sharing more of his story in the coming weeks.

What’s Next?

Maricopa’s State of the City wasn’t just about looking back but building forward. With record-breaking infrastructure investments, a booming job market, and a community that lifts each other up, the message was clear: Maricopa is Building Stronger Together!  

Want to watch the whole speech for yourself? You can find it below. 

 

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