Q&A: Councilman Marvin Brown

What have you enjoyed most about serving on the city council? I enjoy helping bring about positive economic and social advancements. I also enjoy interacting with other elected officials and stakeholders from different cities, all of whom have interests they want to protect, resources they want to access, and long term objectives they want to meet. This requires constantly highlighting and lobbying for one’s own city.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced? The biggest challenge I have faced along with others has been securing funding for a grade separation over 347. The most recent news is very positive, that funding will be made available to complete this project within the
next several years.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a councilman? My greatest accomplishments are arranging and championing that the Copa Center would be used by Maricopa Seniors as a drop-in center from 9 a.m. to noon at no charge and convincing the assistant city manager to remove the hazardous stage and upgrade the air conditioner for public use. Further, along with the former mayor, to convince Banner Hospital to establish a presence in Maricopa. Lastly, to name one of the entrances to the Copper Sky Recreational Complex Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

What is the city doing to attract industry to Maricopa, and when can we expect a measurable increase in high-paying jobs? Our Economic Development Department and mayor and council members have attended a number of seminars, business conferences, etc. to attract more retail and hopefully light industry. We are beginning to see more retail amenities and with the increase in jobs, our housing ratio will improve. Now that we have substantially more infrastructure completed, it will allow for greater job creation.

If you could change anything about Maricopa, what would it be? The only change that I would make is the elimination of the hordes of pigeons. I would add dining venues, more cultural facilities, such as Symphony Hall, The Gammage, ballrooms, etc. It would be nice to have a senior citizens facility.

What is Maricopa’s best-kept secret? Our homeowners have a very high median income and more than 46 percent of our citizens have undergrad degrees or higher.

Where do you see Maricopa in five years? Hopefully, our grade separation will be completed or nearly completed. Our general planning area will be well populated and much of the retailers will be a reality. Additionally, as a board member of the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance we are working very closely with (Superintendent) Dr. Chestnut and others to assure that MUSD will become a “Class A” school district.

What does your future have in store? Stay healthy and continue to support the city of Maricopa in any way I can.