[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6563244,"mediaKeyId","3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45","parentId",3231264,"title","MAG study presents mobility options for Queen Creek; near‑term candidates include microtransit and TNC partnerships","audioSeconds",586,"startMs",4365000,"endMs",4951000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45&start=4365&end=4951","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45/thumbnail_4365000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6563244/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/MAG-study-presents-mobility-options-for-Queen-Creek-nearterm-candidates-include-microtransit-and-TNC-partnerships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6563244-fd3e5ccaaabe50803a6ceea5a9011f8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165928&Signature=DeN~KMwz9EsinDeickj20Fuaw5SExtCUoFTq6xRhLqFfsvd67loWjjs6xi0b~CItKsW8uV9U2aiUf7--PuqVqpqFiBCkz8nd2fI9FB094N5nmpWmh5BSIAdeuvOILwOFXKw0-krxJvjidbrTvcH5MJoJZ3PipJ2Mjt6Nx4RzSa528gf5ycAsjpXmiyLKroFiqYwv05hpgXmKN8-5BwuGBEC-TkUaSQYLkgvEpd48byJq4DJkrLR9bp-4Ug8qfZguRhcvQf2m~t9DTUE7140x~rpM4PDtpPlAAFm2VySxjTf6UJYO3G5k~v4qRADBeosn3p42vJsV3VlsBw2noNTHKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Queen Creek","date","2025-05-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) presented a draft Mobility Options and Connectivity Feasibility Study to the Queen Creek Town Council and outlined near‑term and future mobility options tailored to local travel patterns.

Hannah Quincy, MAG project manager, said the study included an attitudes-and-awareness survey administered by Arizona State University that gathered more than 1,000 resident responses. Survey respondents ranked improving safety and reducing congestion as the top priorities and showed support for enhanced active transportation and strategies such as on‑demand microtransit and ridesourcing partnerships. Third‑party shared micromobility (app-based shared scooters and bikes) ranked lower among resident priorities.

MAG described four near‑term options the town could consider within roughly a five‑year horizon: a transportation network company (TNC) partnership that subsidizes rides to select destinations (a fare structure example in other jurisdictions was a $2 rider base fare with a capped town subsidy per ride), a contracted microtransit service (on‑demand shared rides coordinated by an app), a resident‑focused micromobility safety and education campaign, and discrete mobility hub sites that co‑locate pick‑ups, drop‑offs and micromobility parking.

McCarty and Public Works Director Mohammed Yousef noted the town’s demographic profile — higher median household incomes and widespread vehicle ownership — means traditional fixed-route transit likely is not feasible in the near term. MAG estimated a full microtransit service for the proposed 19‑square‑mile zone could cost roughly $1.1 million per year for weekday and weekend service, with a smaller weekend‑only pilot estimated at about $230,000 per year. The study stated microtransit programs are typically locally funded and may be supplemented by advertising and select state and federal grants for senior or disability service trips.

Councilmembers asked questions and offered differing perspectives. Councilmember Brandon Brown asked for clarification about study status; MAG said this is a draft final that will be refined with council feedback and folded into the town’s transportation master plan as the transit element. Councilmember Bader said the options merit further work because shifting even a small number of trips from single-occupant vehicles could relieve pressure on roadway investments. Councilmember Brown expressed skepticism about subsidy programs given Queen Creek’s higher household incomes; Vice Mayor Martineau and others praised the clarity of the presentation.

MAG recommended staff consider pilots and outreach, and to treat the options as considerations rather than mandatory next steps. The council took no binding action; staff and MAG will incorporate council comments into the final report.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Queen Creek - Town Council Regular Session (CAPTIONS) - May 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Maricopa Association of Governments presented a draft feasibility study showing microtransit, TNC partnerships, micromobility education and mobility hubs as near‑term mobility options for Queen Creek.","taxTitle","Queen Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2212,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6563249,"Council approves FY2026 tentative budget after debate over contingency and park spending",2895,3979000,6874000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45&start=3979&end=6874","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45/thumbnail_3979000.jpg","/articles/6563249/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-approves-FY2026-tentative-budget-after-debate-over-contingency-and-park-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6563249-707d88cc6f19f55a738caa453614878c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165928&Signature=DI4L-2rCm7Syen0bb-kuErJpLUzaQcnpmUU6-SbFN482EwB-ECC1BqZDL6p~2Z64fPMFbFu0OhH8E0s2tMm29Li~RJAtL~gakegQ-sXLjqI50BEjDmTrjAdg66C9aP2QDhhrUD8~AvWmt3Taopq5nsEAfwZVv7mkjr6HW1JE~15zgTC7i84po1tUAaa47z6PX1WpXZ11fzD2NYttVi9o8erbiFVJ~fRfFwaFQLTMBfnudHEq9qOjP-b0ynfLd7ZN~8SdKpE2mqAx7KA1eSQDrsbyz0i-rRjlIl-LPADN8-CEYFknjYGXApSX1kLVdQSDzgXSFmrl-ZM0-T~pyPd9Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Queen Creek Town Council voted unanimously to adopt the fiscal year 2026 tentative budget, which sets the maximum spending authority for the coming year and frames subsequent budget decisions.

Deputy Town Manager and CFO Scott McCarty presented the tentative budget and walked council through key elements: an operating budget reduction of roughly 6% compared with the prior year; projected net revenues of about $6.1 million more than expenditures in the tentative plan; an infrastructure (capital improvement program or CIP) allocation that includes a $50 million contingency; and organizational staffing growth of about 37 full‑time equivalents (FTEs) across departments, primarily in police and fire. McCarty described how large multiyear projects require budget authority in the year a contract is signed and said the contingency acts as “insurance” to preserve the town’s ability to move on high‑priority projects as needs arise. He recommended keeping the CIP contingency at $50 million and providing clearer policy language and annual reporting on contingency use going forward.

Councilmember McClure moved to approve the tentative budget; Councilmember Brown seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Council discussion included detailed questions about reserve balances, contingency purpose, and long-term infrastructure commitments. McCarty explained that a portion of construction-sales-tax revenue has been routed to a restricted infrastructure reserve (described on slides as roughly $11.2 million) so the town does not build one-time construction revenue into ongoing operating expenses.

Councilmember Sergio Padilla provided an extended critique of recent park spending and operating costs. In his remarks he said the town has spent about $232 million on parks over the last decade and about $62 million in operations and maintenance during that period; he said annual park maintenance had risen from roughly $3.6 million in 2020 to an estimated $15 million next year. Padilla argued the town should slow the pace of park acquisitions and devote more resources to transportation. Other councilmembers defended current capital investments and the town’s fiscal approach; Councilmember Benning and Vice Mayor Martineau praised the staff’s transparency and contingency rationale. Councilmember Brown rejected Padilla’s suggestion that opposing the current budget equates to being fiscally irresponsible.

McCarty also reviewed the town’s “permanent base” voter‑approved budget construct and said the tentative budget is notably below the theoretical voter‑approved cap. He noted staff expected a lower final budget number after accounting for items already executed that had been slated for next year.

McCarty asked council to view the tentative adoption as a ceiling; the council may adopt a final budget at the same or a lower number in a subsequent meeting. Staff will bring back final adoption materials, the proposed corporate strategic plan, and any financial-policy adjustments at upcoming hearings.","The council approved the town’s FY2026 tentative budget, a document that sets the maximum spending authority for the year. Staff recommended retaining a $50 million CIP contingency; council discussion focused on contingencies, long‑term infrastructure obligations and differing views on park operations costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6563252,"Council restarts water-rate process; sets July public hearing on proposed 15% increase",774,3196000,3970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45&start=3196&end=3970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45/thumbnail_3196000.jpg","/articles/6563252/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-restarts-water-rate-process-sets-July-public-hearing-on-proposed-15-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6563252-80ed3755e4480f87279b02007d74cf3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165928&Signature=UG61bgwWinZ3h8cmDdTMCBYBwFwIh2C3eomWMn76sp8LSx8TXjdZPE~gWoLGMnW6EGJcOf-c4R5y2oo~q4Fnn5jb-~5lHyi6SEpoZ4I9FSAGG7Ruu7UsHc4HXE00emBJyhSwL0Qf9HJN0XhuPtLXktk3rQj104Slej8Xs9TYtGQ73TDiVRzWjYg7JxPbHtLRFlgcDfN3QQZXwIl~i15T9599sF2iCOqDgvi1q8ZsSB4vZlivf9yJ-XUL-B~PmC-EMnVb-9G4-6WVA1XOz7Q1-LIpeMH4gffoGyJx2lzl7Tlp2fj0k5tIjHQUEXTIZZB8Qw-iZ2XWsnleDYavHLEozQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Queen Creek officials restarted the town’s open process on a proposed 15% water-rate increase and set a public hearing for July 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Scott McCarty, the town’s chief financial officer, told the council an administrative error in publishing the earlier notice required restarting the statutory notice period. He said the proposed 15% across-the-board rate increase is projected to generate about $14.3 million in additional annual revenue across all customer classes and that approximately 40,000 single-family accounts would produce a large share of that revenue. McCarty presented a tiered impact estimate for single-family customers—roughly $3 to $6 per month on average depending on season and use—and said total billed water revenue is about $33 million annually.

McCarty described the revised schedule: staff will publish required legal notices, hold the second and final public hearing on July 16 at 6:30 p.m., and—if adopted—apply the new rates to bills issued October 7 and after. The restart shifts the schedule by roughly two billing cycles, pushing the effective date later in the year.

Constance Hallinan Wilson, communications and marketing manager, summarized outreach to date: a dedicated landing page with roughly 3,000 views, five online feedback forms, a social media video with about 14,000 views, and emails to customers with an 80% open rate. Staff said they will do another outreach wave before the July hearing, add inserts to the town newsletter and bills, and meet with groups that have limited online access.

Town counsel reminded the council to include the hearing time in the motion; the final motion to approve the 60‑day notice of intention and set the July 16, 2025 public hearing at 6:30 p.m. was moved by Councilmember Michael Benning, seconded by Vice Mayor Martineau, and passed unanimously.

Council members and staff emphasized that the additional hearing provides another opportunity for public comment and gives residents more time to review bill impacts before an effective date is set.","Following an administrative notice error, the council approved a 60‑day notice of intention and set a final public hearing for July 16 at 6:30 p.m. on a proposed 15% water-rate increase. Staff presented projected customer impacts and outreach results.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6563257,"Town Council approves $15 million park land purchase; Padilla objects",380,2767000,3147000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45&start=2767&end=3147","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45/thumbnail_2767000.jpg","/articles/6563257/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Town-Council-approves-15-million-park-land-purchase-Padilla-objects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6563257-458f4a383e12a8ada2e56c2eba18faa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165928&Signature=KrZHZ3pOEoI8iLkEtBYRRP6jw~oIlOmYpy3hqGe7b3Qswo4ISG~sKSBqYKHsWAxbmcNmB8Q-PZBrnqrookPmYwF98xe3HeygK13NfKtlMxI-4UzFwvU4qVtRsgKENY363NSVyL8NVOCRyRRAqnwZQOL2U~TBFUeKnxVCP~Z~3RvAZvx0dmCLIbDyCXAl4jIkEpoRX16CXT4seiDikGvHNLHes357oN9usgUmO9UV6-I3HPtLIWsfO4yLFLieVJ2caOtIcdc05Bx2eF66nu7Kbl2rOB88EtgSd7aJ-qYZnEfoy4gPZPdMia1II~GKThB1tJ-XcorywibLHmsce214Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Queen Creek Town Council voted to approve a park land purchase listed as consent agenda item 8E after removing the item from the omnibus consent vote for separate consideration.

Mayor Wheatley opened the consent portion of the meeting and the council first approved the consent agenda with item 8E removed. Councilmember Brown then moved approval of item 8E; Councilmember Benning seconded. The motion to approve item 8E passed 6-1. Councilmember Padilla cast the lone dissenting vote.

The item as presented included a land acquisition for a park with a purchase amount the council described in the meeting as “nearly $15,000,000.” During the separate discussion, Councilmember Brown urged approval. Councilmember Benning said residents have been clear they want more parks and supported completing the purchase. Councilmember Padilla said he opposed adding more park acreage now because he believes the town’s existing level of service is sufficient and that additional park purchases increase ongoing maintenance obligations; he said he would vote no for that reason.

A member of the public, Noah James Markham of Tempe, spoke during public comment urging a “no” vote on item 8E and recommending consideration of affordable housing and accessible parking in discussions about town-owned property.

The motion to approve the remainder of the consent agenda (items excluding 8E) carried earlier in the meeting without dissent.

Council members did not take additional substantive direction on park design or maintenance funding at the time of the vote; staff will proceed with the transaction as approved.

The separate votes related to the consent agenda items were reflected in the official proceedings and recorded in the meeting minutes.

Looking ahead, the approved purchase will be included in the town’s capital planning and maintenance forecasts and was referenced during subsequent budget discussions that addressed park operations and overall town spending.","Queen Creek Town Council approved a land purchase for a new park (consent item 8E) after splitting the consent agenda. The council approved the consent agenda without 8E, then separately approved 8E 6-1. Councilmember Padilla voted no and urged restraint on further park acquisitions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6563240,"Capital projects update: Chrisman extension, public safety complex and ARPA water work underway",295,6417000,6712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45&start=6417&end=6712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3231264-253dda4c20ce6a1cface76db69069e45/thumbnail_6417000.jpg","/articles/6563240/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Capital-projects-update-Chrisman-extension-public-safety-complex-and-ARPA-water-work-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6563240-d3717e93429aa0b7639ef37700376108/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165928&Signature=gsws242UejfQKjoVNO8SiGyjqSw6GhjVP3qghkWcf8CLMM~qkgQUAK2CWEbkT2Zwk5xWhlrB44wmtkLGi~CVvhRHBGa3GrjRulxLryFeOGaJf7l7BhE68JhhUnSfW1CySSIRVRfeNKNQP7MDEg-F1Y1s1a8yzr0dHxSD3-cpeZhUotZBm~LXuSauiPMN5kM84gk6MUqvTX0H9f4-PofxNLCMlqqsCbJBz3igEe-pYEK~1dskn2NM~NOCjyqd38Z1ILLhkZcbw37CGAjvXoduUnk~7DuR0w5HiFq4nXlCNsO0WUCe-qeeoX4S4FEZOIuch4NhUFZWUuUrZRGMBMbrHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Capital Projects Director Dave Lepinski gave the council a quarterly update on the town’s capital program and highlighted active construction, design, and ARPA‑funded work.

Key updates included:
- Chrisman Road extension (Cloud to Riggs): earthwork, roundabout construction and irrigation rerouting for adjacent agricultural property are underway; some center work will require short, targeted closures once school is not in session.
- Riggs and Harvest traffic signal: signal installation has started but long lead times for controllers and meter pedestals are affecting the final installation schedule; staff are coordinating components from other inventory where possible.
- Queen Creek Recreation and Aquatic Center: the facility is open after a grand opening; staff are completing HVAC and building-system tuning.
- Public Safety Complex: interior framing and vehicle-bay work are progressing; site features include an apparatus pump-testing pit, a shooting range and canine facilities.
- ARPA pass-through projects: the town received a $35 million pass-through grant from Pinal County and is deploying water‑line work and related projects; staff noted a spend‑down deadline under the grant terms and said contingency design projects are being held to ensure timely use of funds.
- ASLD infrastructure and LG site: curb, base asphalt and other infrastructure on Ironwood and Pecos are advancing; one major industrial site (LG) is actively building roads and utilities.

Councilmembers asked operational questions about temporary irrigation pipes in agricultural fields encountered by the Chrisman project; staff said pipes will no longer be needed if the land converts to development and adjustments to drainage/irrigation will be handled through the developer process.

Lepinski said staff will continue to provide quarterly CIP updates and will bring individual project-level contract approvals or scope changes to council as required.","The town provided a quarterly capital improvement program (CIP) update: Chrisman Road extension toward Riggs is under construction, the Public Safety Complex is progressing inside and out, the Aquatic & Recreation Center is open, ARPA-funded water projects are starting and the LG site improvements on Pecos and Ironwood are advancing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MAG study presents mobility options for Queen Creek; near‑term candidates include microtransit and TNC partnerships

Council approves FY2026 tentative budget after debate over contingency and park spending

Council restarts water-rate process; sets July public hearing on proposed 15% increase

Town Council approves $15 million park land purchase; Padilla objects

Capital projects update: Chrisman extension, public safety complex and ARPA water work underway