6 things you missed at tonight’s city council meeting

Not even 0.5% of Maricopa’s population tuned in to tonight’s city council meeting on Facebook.  

We get it. Trivia night at Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, or the Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks game were probably a little more enticing.  

Still wondering what you may have missed? Don’t worry, we’ll give you the low-down.  

UA seeks an “area of innovation” campus 

University of Arizona is looking to reimagine unused portions of its Maricopa Agricultural Center on Smith-Enke and White and Parker Roads in the coming years. That includes creating an area of innovation on 900 unused acres, featuring a tech park, UA satellite campus, student housing and commercial development.  

Director Malcolm Green estimated the project could bring upwards of $95 billion to Pinal County after completion. While the project is still in its planning stages, construction could begin as early as next spring.  

Black Chamber of Commerce grew 

During a call to the public, Black Maricopa Chamber of Commerce founder Kent O’Jon said he was “pleased to report” the chamber grew to 87 members.

An opponent for Vitiello 

Councilmember Rich Vitiello continues to see more opponents in the race for Pinal County Board of Supervisors. During a call to the public, Coolidge resident George Arredondo announced he will also run for Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh’s District 1 seat.  

Arredondo is a cattle rancher and a board member for the Coolidge Unified School District. He previously served as a Coolidge city councilmember.  

“I just want to introduce myself briefly as I’ll be in and around your community to learn and listen about your issues and concerns,” he said during the meeting.  

More services for seniors 

In preparation for Thursday’s Future Planning of the City meeting, the Senior Advisory Committee shared some goals for 2024. That included advocating for a larger senior center to make space for multiple activities and requesting an expansion to the city’s Dial-A-Ride program.  

Trails and an archery range 

The Parks and Recreation Committee requested a greater partnership with the city for improvements to the existing trail system, including better signage, lighting and maintenance.  

Another highlight? A proposal for an archery range large enough to accommodate the city’s growing archery community and to bring state and national championships to Maricopa. 

In one example, the committee said the 2023 USA Archery Arizona Outdoor Championship brought more than 800 participants—along with their friends and families—to Phoenix in October. Similar competitions could bring economic benefits to Maricopa, they said.  

An arts center for all 

And, finally, the Cultural Arts and Affairs Advisory Committee spent some time advocating for more public input into the upcoming arts center for a growing art community.  

To be located inside the current police department next to city hall, the arts center would encompass visual and performing arts, as well as areas for workshops and retail space.  

“There’s a lot of potential to do a lot of everything [in the center], but we want to make sure it is an anchor for more,” said committee chair Peg Chapados. “What do we mean by more? Anything and everything. We’ve got a blank slate to start with, so we can only build from there.”