P&Z announces vacancy

Someone new will soon start influencing development in Maricopa.

The city’s planning and zoning commission is seeking a seventh member after Commissioner Rachel Leffall stepped down Monday evening.

Appointed to the board in 2021, Leffall joined the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance as its new economic development manager Sept. 18.

Because the job entails drawing new development to the city, Leffall said she left the Planning and Zoning Commission to dodge partiality.

“On the board, we take action on different agenda items from companies bringing business to Maricopa,” she said. “I felt that it would be a conflict of interest.”

People interested in filling the immediate vacancy can complete an application on the city website. From there, a city council member will appoint a candidate during a future city council meeting.

Leffall said she hopes her successor has comprehensive knowledge of the city’s history and future.

“The first characteristic would be someone who’s passionate about the city of Maricopa,” she said. “Someone who understands the city’s history, its vision and is able to incorporate those two together.”