The City of Chandler’s “2024: Year in Review” summarizes major projects, highlights community events and celebrates accomplishments of the past year. These pages share progress in each focus area of the City Council’s 2023-2025 Strategic Framework, which served as a roadmap of priorities to guide decisions and investments of the past year.
Message from Mayor Kevin Hartke
I’m proud to share highlights of Chandler’s award-winning achievements of this past year. Our city was recognized on the national stage as Arizona’s most innovative city, and we took home awards for many services and programs provided to residents and businesses.
We continued our excellent financial stewardship, lowering property taxes for the ninth consecutive year and delivering the Valley’s lowest combined costs of services and taxes for residents and businesses. We also became the first city in Arizona to achieve AAA/Aaa ratings across the board for general obligation and excise tax bonds, which produces savings on major improvements to infrastructure and facilities. These savings are critical as we evaluate the possibility of a future bond election for key enhancements to our city.
Our business environment continued to thrive as we welcomed new companies and celebrated the success of existing businesses who expanded their presence in Chandler. Our educational partners continued to expand their programs to meet the unique needs of the advanced manufacturing, technology and healthcare industries.
I appreciate the tremendous community support, and recognize the great contributions businesses, residents, schools, nonprofits and volunteers have made to Chandler in 2024.
Message from City Manager Josh Wright
Chandler’s accomplishments in 2024 reinforced why it is consistently ranked among the leading cities in America. Our Team Chandler employees’ passion and dedication continues to be illustrated through high-quality services and programs that fulfill the unique needs of our community.
The Chandler Fire and Public Works and Utilities departments were re-accredited for the fifth time and sixth time respectively, demonstrating excellence in their industries. Our Community Service Department Parks and Recreation Divisions and the Fire Department became certified autism centers to better serve the needs of residents. The implementation of our diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan – the first of its kind in Arizona - garnered national recognition for excellence by our peers in city management.
We invested in people, technology, facilities and infrastructure in our community. Major upgrades were made to Chandler’s parks and recreation centers and the Police Department debuted a real-time operations center that empowers officers with better situational awareness and investigative tools. Upgrades were made to the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure, including the opening of a leading-edge water treatment facility that will replenish our aquifer and treat water for industrial uses.
I’m proud to share these highlights from 2024 with you and must acknowledge the many companies, stakeholders, residents and volunteers who contribute their talents to serving Chandler. These collective efforts make Chandler the Community of Innovation and a special place to live and work.
Chandler is recognized among the safest cities in the nation and that trend continued in 2024 with advancements in services and technology from nationally accredited police and fire departments and enhancements to the delivery of court services.
The ability to connect through travel and technology is an essential aspect of getting people where they want to go. Updating and investing in city infrastructure and innovative transit programs remained a focus of this past year.
2024 witnessed the expansion of existing Chandler companies and new companies establishing their presence. Educational partners expanded their programs to produce a pipeline of talent in the fields of advanced manufacturing, technology and healthcare.
Programs engaged residents, preserved the quality of neighborhoods and leveraged the passion of volunteers in neighborhood events. Investments in affordable housing developments and assistance programs offered housing options and resources for those in need.
Park and recreation upgrades, impactful arts programs and a diverse array of library programs and special events contributed to residents’ quality of life this year. Enhancements to downtown beautified the area as a dining and entertainment destination.
Wise investments in water, infrastructure and technology are foundational to serve our city. Grants enhanced our sustainability programs and preserved native trees and plants. Financial excellence and innovation are drivers that continued to shape investments in Chandler.