Public Safety Fair on March 7
The Chandler Fire and Police Departments are joining together to hold a free Public Safety Fair on Saturday, March 7. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chandler Police Department Main Station, located at 250 E. Chicago St.
Visitors can take guided tours of the police station and explore a wide range of public safety vehicles on display. Chandler Fire will present several live demonstrations, including a simulated collision scene, vehicle extrication techniques, and Hands-Only CPR™ instruction. The Chandler Police Department will showcase specialized demonstrations featuring the K-9 Unit, SWAT Team and Tactical Robot Unit.
Children’s activities include free child fingerprinting, balloons, coloring books, badge stickers, the Fire Safety House and special appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog.
In addition to public safety equipment, demonstrations and interactive experiences, the fair will feature information booths representing various City of Chandler departments and community programs. The fair will also include community vendors, a food truck and a classic car show sponsored by Nostalgia Productions and organized by Put on the Cape: A Foundation for Hope.
Free parking is available within walking distance, including the City Hall Garage at 240 S. Washington St.
Utility rate changes take effect March 2
The City of Chandler manages and operates water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste utilities. Each year the city evaluates the revenues and expenditures of each utility to determine if there is a need for utility rate increases to fund rising ongoing operating costs as well as debt service costs associated with capital improvements. The analysis indicated revenue increases were needed for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
After several public meetings and public outreach, new rates for water, wastewater and reclaimed Water were approved by the Chandler City Council and will go into effect with the utility billing cycle that begins on March 2.
The increased rates are essential to ensure that the city has the needed funds to cover the costs of providing water, wastewater, reclaimed water and solid waste services. An average residential homeowner can anticipate an overall increase of roughly $9 per month.
After incorporating these rate increases, Chandler still provides the lowest cost for its utility services based on an annual cost comparison of seven local municipalities.
Chandler celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in 2026
The City of Chandler is celebrating the 250th anniversary, the semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Chandler’s Celebration of America will feature themed events throughout 2026.
One of the main components of the celebration will be a citywide display of “27 Flags: Our History Through the Stars and Stripes.” This display will represent the evolution of our nation’s flag, with historical facts curated by the Chandler Museum team to accompany each flag.
The flags have already been displayed together at the Chandler Multicultural Festival and next will be at the State of the City. Beginning on Feb. 13, the flags will be on view at 14 locations around Chandler, including libraries, recreation centers, Vision Gallery and Chandler Museum.
To encourage visits to learn about the flags and American history and participate in events, Visit Chandler is offering a Red, White, & Blue Pass. This free digital pass features activities, programs, exhibits and events for the community to participate in throughout the year, check-in using a QR code, accumulate points and redeem prizes.
There will be events related to the 250th anniversary all year long. Find more information and sign up for the Red, White, and Blue Pass.
Free income tax assistance for Chandler residents
Chandler, in collaboration with Azura, is kicking off its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for the 2025 tax season.
Volunteers assist with preparing income taxes for free for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, seniors, or individuals with disabilities. This free service is offered at several locations in Chandler through April 14 to those whose income is less than $69,000. Clients may walk-in to any site during scheduled hours of service; only two locations will require an appointment. Chandler residents also may use MyFreeTaxes.com, a self-paced, step-by-step guide to file simple tax returns online for free.
Find locations, hours and information about what to bring. Residents also may contact Azura with any questions at 480-834-2122, or email VITA.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) provides free tax assistance at the Chandler’s Downtown Library through April 15. Advance appointments are required.
Don’t fuel trash and recycling truck fires
Chandler is reminding residents about the crucial role they play in preventing truck fires by avoiding the disposal of hazardous items in their trash and recycling cans. Placing household chemicals and flammable items in trash and recycling containers can lead to dangerous collection truck fires.
Truck fires can occur while collecting recycling and trash. If the collection truck driver notices the load has started to smolder, first try to extinguish the load by packing it to deprive the fire of oxygen. As a last resort, dump the load in an open area, which may happen on a residential street, and call 911 for the Fire Department to take over.
DO NOT place the following in your recycling or trash containers:
- Rechargeable batteries (Lithium Ion (Li-on), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)
- Lead acid or rechargeable batteries from cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters or powered riding toys
- Rechargeable tools and electronics such as phones, cameras, toothbrushes, razors, vape pens or lighters
- Hot ashes or coals, matches, fireworks or flares
- Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, kerosene or lighter fluid
- Paint, varnish, pesticides or other household chemicals
- Cooking oil from fryers
- Liquid waste of any kind
We urge residents to use the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility to dispose of hazardous items. This service is free of charge, but appointments are required. Call 480-782-3510 for more details or to schedule a drop-off appointment.
Medium- to large-lithium batteries from cars, golf carts, e-bikes, scooters, powered riding toys etc., are not accepted at the HHW facility. Contact the manufacturer or private companies that accept these types of batteries.
- City offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16 for the Presidents’ Day holiday. Trash and recycling collection will not be affected.
- The 18th annual Chandler Family Bike Ride will take place April 11 this year. More information will be shared next month, registration opens March 2.
- This year’s For Our City Day will be held on March 21, and will focus on the Tradition East neighborhood (near Chandler Boulevard and McQueen Road). On this day, hundreds of volunteers come together to help with a variety of neighborhood improvements.
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