Maricopa Voters to Help Shape the City's Future This November

How should Maricopa grow over the next decade and beyond? 

That's the question voters will help answer this November when they decide whether to adopt "Advancing Maricopa," the city's proposed new General Plan. 

The Maricopa City Council approved the plan on June 2. It now heads to the ballot as a long-range roadmap for the community’s future, guiding decisions on housing, transportation, economic development, parks and open space, public facilities, water resources, and land use. 

Think of the General Plan as a blueprint for where the community wants to go. While it doesn't change zoning or approve specific projects, it helps shape future decisions about where homes, businesses, roads, parks, and other amenities may be planned as Maricopa continues to grow. 

"Advancing Maricopa" is the result of a multi-phase planning effort that began in September 2024. The process included community surveys, three public workshops, five advisory committee meetings, coordination with outside agencies, and public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. 

Community input played a central role throughout. Residents consistently called for transportation improvements, more local career-oriented jobs, expanded healthcare services, additional shopping and dining options, better recreation and entertainment, and growth that preserves neighborhood character and the city’s heritage. 

“The public came out and spoke, so we made sure we listened,” said Matthew Klyszeiko, Department Manager of Planning with Michael Baker International, the consulting firm that assisted with the update. 

“This plan is about advancing Maricopa. It is not about supporting a bedroom community,” Klyszeiko added. “It’s about creating a more dynamic, well-rounded community—one with employment opportunities, open space, recreation, community programs, water resources, and transportation. All the pillars important to making Maricopa an enjoyable place to live.” 

Arizona law requires cities to update their General Plans approximately every 10 years and submit them for voter approval. If approved on November 3, 2026, “Advancing Maricopa” will replace the current 2016 General Plan. If rejected, the 2016 plan will remain in effect. 

Before casting their ballots, residents are encouraged to review the document themselves. The full plan, including the proposed Future Land Use Map and summaries of community feedback, is available at Maricopagp.com. 

“The General Plan serves as the community’s long-term vision for growth,” said Planning and Zoning Manager Rick Williams. “It reflects the priorities we’ve heard from residents and provides a framework for future decisions as Maricopa continues to evolve.” 

After nearly two years of public engagement, planning, and collaboration, Maricopa voters now have the final say on the city’s roadmap for the years ahead.