A mayor’s to-do list is essential for staying organized, prioritizing community needs and ensuring efficient governance. It helps track key projects, address pressing issues and improve city operations. A well-structured list keeps leadership focused, accountable, and proactive in delivering results that enhance residents’ quality of life and city development. Here are some of the 2025 to-do lists from PHX East Valley mayors.
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Apache Junction Mayor Chip Wilson
Wilson says the top three items on his to-do list for the City of Apache Junction in 2025 include:
• Continuing the advancement of the Weekes Wash Retention Basin project, a multi-use detention facility near Lost Dutchman Boulevard and State Highway 88. During monsoon season, Weekes Wash Retention presents a significant flood risk to residents and businesses, including properties in the floodplain. This project aims to reduce flood risks for community members, reduce the risk to utility infrastructure, enhance emergency service access and remove many properties downstream from the FEMA floodplain. The city was awarded $44.5 million in federal funding and is working to obtain additional funding.
• Creating a more vibrant and thriving downtown district for residents and visitors. To help make this vision a reality, in 2024, the city closed on a historic land purchase of 10 acres in the downtown district as part of its ongoing efforts to revitalize the area. To establish an updated vision, the city worked with Swaback Architects + Planners to create the Concentrated Downtown Master Plan Update utilizing data gathering, market assessment and community input through multiple public open houses and interviews. This document was adopted by the city council in November of 2024. Apache Junction’s new economic development director has a decade of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the East Valley that will be essential in advancing the city’s economic development efforts.
• Managing growth, while preserving the small-town feel for Apache Junction residents. Apache Junction is growing with the addition of two new, exciting residential communities in the south. The city is working to help new residents feel welcome and connected with residents to the north. Apache Junction will be adding a future police substation and library to maintain its quick calls of service and provide residents with library resources. Also, the city is working with the Maricopa Association of Governments to conduct a corridor study of Meridian Road from SR 24 to Superstition Boulevard to identify improvements that address current and future travel needs for the growing area.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke
The top three items on Hartke’s to-do list for the City of Chandler are:
• Bond election: “Bonds are the funding source that we rely on for improvements to our streets, parks, recreation centers and public safety facilities and equipment. We intend to seek voter-approval of a bond package this fall to fund future improvements in those areas.”
• General plan and comprehensive housing plan: “We’re beginning the process to update Chandler’s General Plan and create a Comprehensive Housing Plan as required by state law. These plans will guide future development and redevelopment in our community. The General Plan will go to voters in 2026 for approval.”
• Community safety: “Chandler is one of our nation’s safest cities and one of the most diverse communities in Arizona. We celebrate that cultural diversity through community events and how we use technology to serve residents and businesses in multiple languages. We’ll start the process this year to design and build a new forensics sciences facility that will expand our capability to investigate and solve crime. In preparation for launching a municipal ambulance service in 2027, we’ll initiate the approval process with the Department of Health Services, acquire equipment and recruit and train people to fulfill the emergency medical service needs of our community.”
Fountain Hills Mayor Gerry Friedel
The top three things on Friedel’s to-do list for Fountain Hills in 2025 include:
• Meeting with the newly elected Sheriff to review enhancements to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) contract.
• Continue to work with Fountain Hills economic development team to add to the well-being and quality of life in the community.
• Working with the finance team to review all options available for road repairs and maintenance.
Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson
“As Gilbert’s new mayor, I have identified three core priorities for 2025,” Anderson says.
“First, I am committed to connecting with the community to hear about challenges, concerns, and victories. To do this, I am planning to host quarterly public listening sessions.
“Second, I am steadfast in supporting all communication and engagement efforts between the town and the community that explain the town’s priorities when looking at future needs and the necessary critical steps to ensure that the Gilbert of the future is as vibrant and prosperous.
“Third, I support all efforts to maintain forward momentum for several new key town facilities, whether in the discussion, the design, or the build phase. We have a bright future, and I am excited to collaborate with community leaders, residents, and the business community to drive Gilbert forward.”
Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman
“As Mesa’s mayor, my top priorities are securing our water supply for the future, enhancing public safety and driving economic growth,” Freeman says.
“Securing a sustainable water supply is crucial for Mesa’s long-term prosperity and economic growth. To achieve this, I plan to expand conservation initiatives, build proper infrastructure, and partner with the Salt River Project (SRP) and our tribal communities.
“Enhancing public safety is another key priority. While Mesa already has a well-established police department, I plan to add more fire stations and expand community policing efforts to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.
“Driving economic growth is also important. To achieve this, I plan to strengthen partnerships and collaborate with businesses, developers, and stakeholders. By doing so, we can create a vibrant economy that benefits all residents and visitors of Mesa.
“Additionally, I plan to focus on revitalizing commercial districts and ensuring that developments meet the characteristics of the neighborhoods. This will help to enhance the City’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.”
Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley
“Our top three priorities include public safety, continued development in our downtown and major milestones in the area of recreation,” Wheatley says.
• Public safety: “With the Queen Creek Police Department launching just three years ago and the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department expanding to include
ambulance services, we will have more growth in each of these areas over the next year with additional hires, expanded facilities and continued high-quality public safety services. The Town is in the design phase for QCPD headquarters and we’re looking forward to opening our joint public safety training center later this year.”
• Development: “At the end of 2024 we celebrated the opening of our downtown core connectors, which provided the infrastructure to help spur a vibrant and walkable downtown. We look forward to the groundbreaking of several exciting developments in our downtown including the Switchyard, the Perch and the SacredPint.”
• Recreation: “I am so excited for the opening of our new Queen Creek Recreation & Aquatic Center on March 29! The state-of-the-art facility will be a gathering space for our community for generations to come, Some of the highlights of the facility include water slides, lazy river, activity pool, elevated indoor walking track, multi-use courts, and teen room. This has been years in the making and truly reflects a shared vision of our community.”
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods
Here are Mayor Woods’ three priorities for his city in 2025:
• Downtown Mill Avenue refresh initiative: A revitalization effort aimed at enhancing the vibrancy of Mill Avenue with improved infrastructure, streetscapes and public spaces to attract businesses and visitors.
• Hometown for All projects: Accelerating affordable and workforce housing developments to ensure Tempe remains an inclusive and accessible city for residents of all income levels, looking to move forward with these projects this year.
• Bond-funded street improvements: Investing in citywide road upgrades that enhance the driving experience, safety and mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
