2026 Chandler State of the City
You may have expected me to swing onto this stage with a priceless artifact in hand and a secret map that showed where all the “treasure” in Chandler is buried. As you can see, I’m excited about the construction now underway at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park.
Good evening, I’m Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke and I welcome you to the 2026 State of the City address.
I hope you enjoyed tonight’s lobby experience featuring local fare by Crust, Mingle and Graze, SanTan Brewery and the Sicilian Butcher. Candid Glam Photobooth also helped us capture tonight with an instant keepsake. Let’s again thank the Chandler Children’s Choir for their national anthem performance and Chandler Boy Scout Troop 285 for leading tonight’s pledge.
For the last 41 years, Chandler has been my desert adventure. And it has delivered every twist in the plot.
Lynne and I came to Chandler in 1985 with a call to ministry and had no idea that one day I’d spend nearly two decades leading this city through its own journey from crops and fields to fabs and chips.
It turns out you don’t need to dodge boulders to go on an adventure. You just guide a fast‑growing city through growth, economic prosperity, a pandemic and unprecedented opportunity.
Along the way, I’ve uncovered a city that is financially strong, remarkably safe and equipped for whatever comes next. I’ve also learned that our real treasure isn’t hidden. It is found in plain sight.
It’s in our neighborhoods and residents, schools and universities, entrepreneurs and businesses and the talented people who have turned Chandler into a global tech hub without losing the small‑town heart that drew my family here.
The work and investments of regional partners, business leaders, nonprofit and faith leaders, and exceptional city staff have turned ideas on paper into assets, jobs and opportunities across Chandler.
Most of all, I thank our residents. You voted for bond packages, participated in General Plans, showed up at neighborhood meetings and rolled up your sleeves at For Our City Day and in so many other ways that keep this community thriving.
It’s been my privilege to serve with dedicated colleagues, past and present, who share my love for Chandler and a commitment to thoughtful, long‑range planning.
I want to recognize the team of “fellow explorers” who have been with me on this journey.
Vice Mayor Angel Encinas is serving his first term on City Council. He represents Chandler on the East Valley Partnership board of directors and the Chandler Chamber’s education and workforce committee.
Councilmember Matt Orlando is serving his 24th year on City Council. He represents our city through the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and Read On Chandler. He also serves on the National League of Cities board of directors and membership committee and represents NLC as a board member of the Public Finance Network.
Councilmember OD Harris is serving his second term on City Council. He represents Chandler on the Regional Public Transportation Authority board of directors and on the NLC transportation and infrastructure services committee.
Councilmember Christine Ellis is serving her second term on City Council. She represents Chandler on the Maricopa Association of Governments community initiatives coordinating committee and serves on the NLC women in municipal government, national black caucus, university communities council and human development committee.
Councilmember Jane Poston is serving her first term on City Council. She represents Chandler on the MAG transportation policy committee. She also serves on the NLC public safety and crime prevention committee.
Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins is serving her first term on City Council, and she serves on the NLC finance, administration and intergovernmental relations committee.
This is my 8th year serving as your Mayor and I previously served nine years as a Councilmember. I represent Chandler as the President of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and on the MAG Executive Committee. Last year, I was Regional Council Chair. I also serve on the board of directors for the Arizona Commerce Authority and Greater Phoenix Economic Council and serve on technology committees with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
To my wife, Lynne, my partner in every season for 44 years and to our family: Nathan, Aleah, Katelyn and Zachary, thank you for taking this adventure in public service with me.
Tonight’s adventure through the city we’ve built together begins with maps of our local treasures.
Long-range plans, budgets, capital improvement plans and voter-approved bond programs have guided land use, infrastructure and financial decisions for decades.
When I first joined Council in the late 2000s, we were a growing city with big choices ahead. We also faced the onslaught of the great recession. How would land be used to prepare for build-out? How could we secure reliable water and infrastructure for future generations? How would we attract high-wage jobs while preserving strong neighborhoods and low taxes?
Chandler set aside land for employment corridors and committed to one park per square mile so that as we grew, quality of life and open space were never afterthoughts.
In 2008, our General Plan addressed rapid growth, planning for future water use, expanding infrastructure and parks, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting a thriving economy.
In 2016, our General Plan emphasized strategic growth in a land-locked city, introducing policies to guide infill and redevelopment while enhancing reclaimed water infrastructure.
And in 2026, our newest General Plan pulls together decades of experience into a comprehensive guide for land use, housing, infrastructure, economic development and sustainability.
These early maps are why, today, Chandler is recognized as one of the best places to live in Arizona, one of the safest cities in the nation and a top destination for jobs, families and innovation.
The next scene in our adventure is a sweeping shot from cotton fields to clean rooms. That's Chandler's story.
Dr. A.J. Chandler founded our community in 1912 around an irrigation system that drew water from the Salt River, allowing crops to thrive in the arid desert. Early settlers cultivated cotton, alfalfa and later citrus, which became central to the local economy.
In the late 20th century, Chandler leveraged this infrastructure to attract high-tech companies.
In 1967, Rogers Corporation opened its Chandler plant, becoming our first technology firm. We became Rogers global headquarters ten years ago.
In 1979, Intel began construction at its Chandler Boulevard Campus, initiating a chain reaction of new industrial and high-tech jobs fueling rapid growth in housing and retail development.
In 1985, Motorola became the first major employer within Chandler’s jewel, the Price Corridor, an area designed to attract high-tech firms.
In 1989, Microchip Technology established its global headquarters in Chandler.
In 1994, NXP shipped the first silicon chips from its Chandler fab.
In 2001, the Loop 101 Price Freeway was completed and the Chandler Fashion Center opened. Five years later, Loop 202 was completed through Chandler.
Intel has been part of our community for more than four decades, but in recent years, the scale of investment has been extraordinary.
Major expansions at Intel’s Ocotillo campus, supported by federal CHIPS Act funding, have helped create leading-edge fabrication facilities and high-wage jobs, reinforcing Chandler's role in America's semiconductor future.
Those investments have attracted an entire ecosystem of semiconductor suppliers and high-tech manufacturers. Companies like Edwards, EMD Electronics, Yield Engineering Systems, Saras Micro Devices and many others call Chandler home.
One thing is clear: past decisions to preserve land for employment, invest in infrastructure, streamline development processes and partner with the business community have paid off in a big way.
Billions of dollars in new and expanded centers have brought thousands of jobs in technology, aerospace, finance, health care and advanced manufacturing, pushing our population past 290,000 residents and creating a strong job to household ratio.
These investments are “future‑proofing our city” with the infrastructure that keeps growth, industry and neighborhoods possible.
Water has become one of our greatest strengths. Through years of careful planning, Chandler has built one of the most secure and diversified water portfolios in the region. Long‑range water and wastewater master planning and treatment plant upgrades have kept our utilities reliable and the lowest‑cost in the Valley.
Reclaimed water projects recharge the aquifer to bolster resilience in times of drought and support cutting‑edge semiconductor manufacturing. Tumbleweed Park and Veterans Oasis Park function both as beloved recreation destinations and as dedicated sites for aquifer recharge using reclaimed and surface water sources.
On the transportation front, voter‑approved bonds and regional funds have widened critical roads, added miles of bike lanes and multi‑use paths and introduced innovative services like Chandler Flex, making it easier and safer to move around our city.
All of this has been built on a foundation of conservative financial management. For many years, Chandler maintained Triple‑A bond ratings from all three major rating agencies, saving taxpayers millions in interest costs. More recently, we have achieved top ratings for both general obligation and excise tax bonds, putting us in an elite group of cities nationwide.
At the same time, we have lowered property taxes for 10 years in a row, maintained the lowest sales tax rate in Arizona and offered the lowest combined costs for city services and utilities in the Valley. That’s proof that disciplined finances and high quality of life can absolutely go hand in hand.
Voters approved bond authority in 2021 and again in 2025, allowing us to deliver projects like fire stations, parks and recreation amenities and, in the near future, a Police Forensic Sciences facility.
Every story, every transformation, every life rooted here, forms the foundation of who we are today. Tonight, we explore stories of our past to spark curiosity on the rich history that continues to shape Chandler.
I want to recognize the Gila River Indian Community and its Huhugam Heritage Center, as well as the S’edav Va’aki Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History and Chandler Museum for their help in telling these stories. For those featured in the video who have joined us tonight, please stand to be recognized.
In every great adventure, there is a moment when the heroes stop, look around and realize they are standing at a turning point in the story. For our nation, that moment is coming on July 4, 2026, when the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – the semi-quincentennial.
America 250 is a national effort to remember the full sweep of our history. It honors the contributions of everyday Americans.
Here in Chandler, we are not spectators in that story. We are authors of a chapter in it. Our fields‑to‑fabs transformation, our diverse neighborhoods, our commitment to service and innovation are exactly the kinds of stories America 250 is working to lift up and preserve.
In 2026, Chandler will celebrate America 250 with a year‑long “Celebration of America” woven into the life of our city. Residents will see and experience this milestone in our parks, libraries, museums, recreation centers and festivals all year.
One of the centerpieces is displayed tonight. The “27 Flags: Our History Through the Stars and Stripes”. It traces the evolution of the U.S. flag with historical facts curated by the Chandler Museum. These flags will travel to 14 locations across Chandler, including libraries, recreation centers, galleries and our museum, inviting residents to explore the story behind each flag.
We are launching a series of “250‑themed” experiences that fit our active, adventurous city. Visit Chandler has created a Red, White & Blue Pass to experience America 250 themed events, exhibits and activities through Chandler’s lens.
America 250 is also about service and storytelling. National efforts like America Gives and Our American Story call on communities to make 2026 a record‑setting year of volunteerism.
Chandler is ready for that challenge. We already have a strong culture of service through neighborhood projects and countless volunteer opportunities in our schools, nonprofits, Chandler Chamber and faith communities.
This year is an opportunity to ask ourselves and our children: What kind of community do we want to be for the next chapter of our American story? I know Chandler will answer that question with courage, innovation and heart as we write our America 250 chapter together.
Our story has guardians. People who stand in the gap when danger arises. In Chandler, those guardians are our police officers, firefighters, 911 operators, clinicians and neighbors who look out for each other.
For the past decade, Chandler Police, with the help of engaged residents and businesses, have driven serious crime to historic lows, keeping Chandler among the safest communities in the nation. And for the first time since I’ve been on Council, we are fully staffed with the entire complement of sworn police officers serving our community.
We have invested in world‑class training facilities, cutting‑edge technology, crisis response teams and resources to combat human trafficking, Internet crimes against children and the opioid epidemic.
Our fire department is nationally accredited with its own paramedic education program. Expanded fire stations with enhanced training and partnerships improve our emergency medical response capabilities and we’re preparing to launch a new ambulance service.
But safety is about more than responding to emergencies. It is also about building strong neighborhoods and supporting residents in need.
Through For Our City Day, thousands of volunteers, nonprofits, faith communities and city staff have come together to repair homes, clean alleys, plant trees and build community.
Neighborhood renovation projects and targeted upgrades to parks, streets and infrastructure continue to improve quality of life for our residents.
We expanded housing vouchers and launched affordable housing projects like Villas on McQueen. We created a support court and navigator program that prevents homelessness by keeping people housed, connected to services and on the path to stability. This past summer, overnight heat relief at the Chandler Senior Center offered a cool place to sleep with connections to services.
These are not just programs. They are proof that our community believes no one should face their hardest days alone.
Chandler’s iconic theme music is a soundtrack of a diverse, vibrant and creative community. Investments in arts, culture and recreation have transformed Chandler into a place where people find belonging and joy.
Performances here at the Center for the Arts draw national acts and regional audiences. Chandler’s museum and galleries showcase community stories and artists. Events like the multicultural festival highlight the cultures, foods and traditions that make us one of Arizona’s most diverse communities.
Chandler offers more than 1,300 acres of park land across 70 sites and we have invested in trails, tree planting and urban forestry. We continue to upgrade parks, add athletic fields and recreational amenities and plan for new parks like Mesquite Groves.
We have earned national recognition for digital innovation and accessibility by embracing technology that improves our ability to serve. Our facilities and services are more accessible with Certified Autism Center and Dementia and Age-Friendly designations.
The Chandler Discovery mobile library branch, displayed earlier tonight, and partnerships with technology hubs are bringing services directly into neighborhoods and schools.
We have built a world‑class economy, invested deeply in parks, housing and human services so every resident can share the city’s success. These efforts are proof that, together, we have charted our course wisely. And people have noticed.
Chandler residents consistently report exceptionally high satisfaction ratings. 99 percent for quality of life and first responder care. 96 percent for city services and feeling safe. 93 percent for value received for their tax dollars.
That is the heart of our city: a place where families can thrive, students can explore, businesses can grow and people from every culture and background feel at home.
Whether you are new to Chandler or have roots that run deep, you know our city isn't a city without the community. Join me in learning how people here form the fabric of the place we call home.
I ask those joining us tonight from the One Percent Kid Foundation, Espo's and Civitan Foundation, to please stand and be recognized. Clearly greatness and opportunity are found across Chandler.
Our economic story has felt a lot like prying open a long‑sealed temple door. Each time we did the work to update a plan, seek bond authorization or preserve an employment corridor, we unlocked another chamber filled with companies, jobs and opportunities.
Chandler has repeatedly ranked among the best places in America for jobs, families and first-time homebuyers, as well as a top city for small businesses. These rankings reflect deliberate choices we have made, year after year, to reserve land for employers and invest in the infrastructure they need.
Developers like DPC Companies, OPUS Group, Ryan Companies and many others have invested millions to create spaces for companies to join our high-demand employment areas. Just yesterday, Nexus Brands Group announced that Chandler is now their global pet headquarters.
Our economic development has diversified and expanded in recent years through a steady drumbeat of firms choosing Chandler because of the solid foundation that has been built.
Dozens of firms in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, health care and finance, have added thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in capital investment.
We aren’t just adding companies, we are deepening our role as a global innovation hub, with facilities in every major employment corridor.
Intel anchors our global semiconductor presence with their advanced production and research and development capabilities. They are working with United Microelectronics Corporation to provide a more resilient U.S.-based manufacturing supply chain.
Applied Materials announced a $200 million advanced manufacturing facility in Chandler, bringing in 200 new manufacturing and R&D jobs in the semiconductor field over the next five years. The Brewer Science Arizona Innovation Center is expanding next‑generation microelectronics materials and processes in our community.
The growing presence of corporate campuses for Wells Fargo and Bank of America are prominent bases for advanced business and financial services. Toyota Financial Services doubled its Chandler footprint, underscoring the strength of our financial services cluster.
Dignity Health continues to expand its Chandler Regional Medical Center facilities. They also were recently recognized for their commitment to patient safety and as a top teaching hospital in America.
Talent and innovation are the brains behind our workforce ecosystem being built with the support of universities, schools and local companies. Dozens of Chandler-based programs create a pipeline from classroom learning to careers in innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing.
These tactics have advanced our “fields to fabs” story that features a talented workforce, thousands of quality jobs and repeated national rankings as a top place to live and work.
Chandler Career Center onboarded nearly 90 local employers, and more than 1,100 job seekers last year to support our growing workforce network.
Chandler Endeavor, our venture innovation incubator with ASU, engaged hundreds of entrepreneurs and offered mentorship, workspace and programming to grow fundable, scalable companies in Chandler.
The U of A has expanded its Chandler programs, adding Mining Engineering alongside law, legal studies, teaching and business programs. Chandler-Gilbert Community College now offers a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning. BASIS Chandler is consistently ranked among the top STEM programs in the nation.
Kyrene’s Aprende Middle School is an AVID National Demonstration School, and their principal, Renee Kory, won the first-ever AVID Secondary Principal of the Year for preparing students for college and careers.
Chandler Unified School District launched the nation’s first semiconductor career and technical education program at Hamilton High School. CUSD was again named the #1 public school district in Arizona, highlighting its strong academic performance.
CUSD’s Arizona College Prep was recently named the #1 high school and #1 middle school in Arizona, while Weinberg Gifted Academy and Chandler Traditional Academy Independence were named the top two elementary schools in the state.
I want to recognize CUSD Superintendent Frank Narducci. After more than 40 years in education, he is preparing for retirement later this year. Thank you, Frank, for the positive impact you’ve had on our community and for shaping CUSD into the exceptional district it is today!
I also want to acknowledge our new CUSD Superintendent, Dr. Anna Battle. We look forward to working with her and welcome her to Chandler!
Chandler-based schools are preparing leaders of tomorrow through academic and college-readiness programs that make our community a destination for educational excellence. And Chandler students are making their presence felt on the state, national and international stage, earning titles and winning awards in academics, athletics and fine arts.
In my time as mayor, we have showcased winners of international robotics competitions, chess and spelling bee champions, national Gatorade players of the year and numerous state titles for teams and individuals.
Meeting Chandler students offers a glimpse at a bright future. Our community is filled with aspiring engineers, entrepreneurs, artists and tech professionals. And STEM outreach continues to accelerate through events like the Chandler Innovation Fair, which is coming up on Feb. 21 in Downtown Chandler.
The next generation of innovators can find their pathway to study, train, launch companies and build their future in our Community of Innovation. This spirit of innovation guides us to prepare for what’s next. Collaborations with business and education leaders are shaping a vision of the future with expanded access to technology that serves residents better today while building a smarter, more connected Chandler for tomorrow.
Will the representatives from Via Transportation, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration and Developing Masterminds Microschool stand to be recognized.
Chandler’s story tonight will conclude with one last scene, a reminder that the adventure is not over. In the coming years, we will:
Attract companies that keep our city and region at the center of America’s innovation economy. Update city plans, housing and bond programs with robust resident input to guide investments. Update recreation, library and arts programming so that opportunities reach every corner of our city.
Deepen partnerships with schools, colleges and businesses to prepare our future workforce and work with nonprofits and faith communities to care for our most vulnerable neighbors.
The tools are already in our hands: strong finances, thoughtful plans, engaged residents and a culture that embraces innovation, service and collaboration. That is the heart of Chandler. A place where families can thrive, students can explore, businesses can grow and people from every culture and background feel at home.
It has been the honor of my life to walk this journey with you during my time on the City Council. I have enjoyed serving our residents, celebrating the community’s achievements and highlighting the people contributing to that success.
From our early maps to the newest high‑tech fabs, every chapter has been written by people who care deeply about this city and about each other.
The real treasure is not hidden in some distant, ancient temple. It is right here: in safe streets and strong neighborhoods, in thriving schools and world‑class employers, in parks, libraries, museums and arts, and in the courage, creativity and compassion of the people who call Chandler home.
As my chapter of leadership as your mayor draws to a close this year, know this: the State of our City is strong, resilient and full of promise. Our heritage has given us roots and wings.
Let’s keep using them to dream boldly, to innovate wisely and to care deeply for one another. Thank you for being part of this adventure. Thank you for trusting me to serve as your Mayor and Councilmember. It is the pinnacle in a lifetime of service.
And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making this simple truth possible:
There’s no place like Chandler! Good night, and God bless you.