The last day to take the 2021 online retail survey is May 9! We utilize the survey to see what local retail and restaurant spots you love most, and what new shopping and dining destinations you want to see in Surprise. Please help Surprise stand out as we market our community to new retailers and recognize local places doing a great job! To take the survey, please visit surpriseaz.gov/retailsurvey.
FY2022 Budget
The City Manager’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Recommended Budget, was presented at the Special City Council meeting on April 16. The budget continues to focus on our commitment to maintain quality public services and infrastructure. The Recommended Budget includes $118.7 million for planned Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). These funds support infrastructure, renovations and construction of a police substation, fire stations, municipal art projects, water and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as improvements to the quality of the City’s recreation centers, fields, parks, roadways and drainage.
Final budget adoption is scheduled for the June 1 Regular Council Meeting. To follow the budget process, please visit surpriseaz.gov/budget.
Donna Miller Retirement
It saddens us to announce that Parks and Recreation Director Donna Miller, has retired after 19 years with the city. She joined the Community & Recreation Services (CRS) team in 2002 as a Recreation Coordinator, rose to the rank of Assistant Director in 2011, and Director in 2017. A big “Thank You” to Donna for her dedication to the City of Surprise, and well wishes as she enters retirement!
White Tanks Wild Day Proclamation
Surprise partnered with the White Tanks Conservancy and other West Valley cities to proclaim April 22 White Tanks Wild Day. We are encouraging citizens to visit the White Tank Mountains; to learn more about our local history to educate themselves regarding the imperative for protecting place and passage for wildlife and people; and to support the White Tank Mountains Conservancy in its mission to conserve, connect and collaborate, so all future generations may enjoy the natural and cultural resources of the mountains.
The White Tank Mountains are an ecological, aesthetic, and economic asset for the nearly 5 Million Maricopa County residents, as well as public and private sectors across the State of Arizona.
City Libraries Enter Next Phase of Re-opening
Maricopa County Library District, the operator of our three city libraries, has moved into its next phase of reopening. Visitors now have full browsing access to library shelves, along with already-implemented contactless and limited contact services. There will not be indoor library events/programming at this time, but they may offer small programs outdoors, if weather permits. This phase does not allow for public access to the computers. Learn more at www.mcldaz.org.
West Valley Hub for Military & Veteran Resources and Support Services
In partnership with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF), Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, Northern Arizona University (NAU), Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, and Rio Salado Community College, the City of Surprise is proud to offer the West Valley Military and Veteran Success Center a new location within the Surprise Resource Center at the AZ TechCelerator Campus, located at 12425 W. Bell Road, Suite 124.
The center includes a variety of military and veteran support services and resources. Support services at the Surprise Resource Center will be implemented in phases. The first phase of services are now available and include a part-time Be Connected navigator and full-time AmeriCorps member provided by ACMF and NAU.
The second phase is expected to be implemented this fall, and will include the deployment of an Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Veteran Benefits Counselor (VBC) by establishing a satellite office and creating access for service members residing in the West Valley.
For more information on the West Valley Military and Veteran Success Center, please visit the City of Surprise website at surpriseaz.gov/veterans.
Surprise Day of Service
City Council volunteered at a Seeds of Hope Ministries event on April 24 to fill bags of beans for ease of distribution to those in need through the Valley View Community Food Bank. City Council and other volunteers helped to bag 6,000 lbs of beans!
The American Legion Post 96 and Marine Corps League WTMD will host a ceremony at the Army Air Corp Memorial, located on the west side of Surprise Lake at Surprise Community Park, on Saturday, May 29 at 9 a.m. For more information please visit the city website at surpriseaz.gov/.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
IRS trained volunteers are offering free income tax assistance at two Surprise locations. A New Leaf’s VITA Program provides free tax preparation services, ensuring that hard-working individuals receive the maximum benefits available without losing hundreds of dollars in paid-preparer fees. Households who make $57,000 or less are eligible for this free service.
Surprise Locations:
Surprise Resource Center
12325 W. Bell Road, Bldg. A, Suite #124, Surprise, AZ 85378.
Offered now – April 15, 2021, Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Thursdays from 9:00am – 11:30am.
Riverboat Bingo
18300 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374.
Offered now – April 14, 2021, Wednesdays from 11:00am – 1:30pm.
