PHX East Valley mayors offer a front-row perspective on what makes their communities thrive. From public spaces and local leadership to entertainment districts and signature gathering spots, these civic leaders share their views on what defines a great city — and where residents come together to enjoy it.
Apache Junction Mayor Chip Wilson
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great city can be defined by several factors. Based on my over 30 years of experience in Apache Junction, I believe that a great city is shaped by its public spaces, the community and effective local leadership.
Accessible public places are vital in cities because they encourage outdoor activity and community engagement. We are lucky to be surrounded by stunning landscapes with lots of trails for hikers, non-motorized bikes and horses. Additionally, our Library and Parks & Recreation departments provide our community with many public facilities, spaces and programs. They do an excellent job of organizing free and enjoyable events for people of all ages.
People also play an important role in making a city great. Our city uniquely doubles in size during the winter months, bringing together a wonderful blend of permanent and seasonal residents, including a thriving horse community that adds to our city’s charm.
Equally important is having local leaders with a strong drive and desire to serve the people they represent. It is essential for community members to actively express their needs, desires and concerns to local leadership in order to effectively shape the future of the city. In Apache Junction, with our open spaces and stunning views, local leaders must strike a balance between protecting rural areas and fostering controlled growth that preserves our small-town feel — what attracted so many of us to the city.
A good city can be defined by several factors, but an active and engaged community is what ultimately makes a great city. I encourage people to get involved by volunteering, participating on a board or commission, and staying informed about what’s happening with local government.
Question: What is your new favorite entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: A wonderful place in Apache Junction that has quickly become one of my favorites is Flatiron Community Park, right in the heart of downtown. Our Parks and Recreation Department does an excellent job of organizing free and enjoyable events. One of my favorites is Concert in the Park, where my wife, Peggy, and I enjoy a lovely evening outdoors, surrounded by music, laughter and the warmth of our neighbors.
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Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great city attracts talented people, invests wisely in infrastructure and nurtures innovation, just as Chandler has done to create quality jobs, safe neighborhoods and vibrant spaces for connection that enrich everyday life.
Question: What is your new favorite entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: Downtown Chandler — the wide variety of locally owned restaurants and events makes it an entertainment destination.
Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great town is built on the connections people make with one another. When we create spaces and services that help people connect, the whole community benefits — our economy, our quality of life and our future all grow stronger.
Question: What is your new favorite
entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: I’m excited about the new opportunities developing in the Heritage District. It’s an area with tremendous potential, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next as part of the Heritage Park development currently under construction.
Fountain Hills Mayor Gerry Friedel
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great town is built with people who care about each other and take pride in where they live. In Fountain Hills, that means engaged residents, dedicated staff, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to preserving our quality of life while planning thoughtfully for the future. We share a sense of pride in our world-famous Fountain and work together to keep our small-town appeal with big-time charm.
Question: What is your new favorite entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: My new favorite entertainment spot is the Third Thursday Concert Series in downtown Fountain Hills. Held at the beautiful Centennial Pavilion on La Montana Drive, these free live concerts run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and feature an exciting rotation of genres — from R&B and country to rock. The series kicked off in November and continues through April 2026, bringing great music, great energy and great community fun to the heart of Fountain Hills.
Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great city is built by its people and strengthened by respect for its history, values and sense of place. It’s residents who care about their neighborhoods, business owners who invest locally and leaders who understand that progress doesn’t mean forgetting where we came from. When a community values hard work, personal responsibility and civic pride — and preserves what makes it unique — it creates a strong, lasting city.
Question: What is your new favorite entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: One of my new favorite entertainment spots in Mesa is The Neon Garden at The Post Mesa. It’s a vibrant outdoor event space that brings people together for celebrations and community events, set against a backdrop of iconic neon signage. By preserving and celebrating this mid-century functional art, Neon Garden connects Mesa’s past with its future in an authentic, forward-looking way.
Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great city or town is active and engaged, looking out for one another. It balances essential priorities such as public safety, strong infrastructure and responsible water management with a high quality of life, offering parks, trails, community events, local shopping and dining, and meaningful opportunities for people to connect.
Question: What is your new favorite entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: Not just because it has the largest ropes course in the western United States, but because no matter what you’re in the mood for — family time or entertaining friends — Pecan Lake Entertainment truly has it all. From surfing and go-kart racing to arcade games, miniature golf, VR, axe throwing and watching the game on the Jumbotron, there’s something for everyone, plus great food and drinks in one place.
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods
Question: What is your new favorite entertainment spot in your city/town?
Answer: It’s not new per se, but my favorite entertainment spot in Tempe is Low Key Piano Bar & Restaurant. With its live music and great food, it’s my top pick.
Question: What makes a great city/town?
Answer: A great city offers opportunities for all members of the community to work, eat, play and learn right in their own backyard.
