Fountain Hills - State Of The Town 2025

Really well-done video update by the lovely Town of Fountain Hills staff.

This morning I had the pleasure of attending my first Fountain Hills State Of The Town address since becoming a resident here. Our new Mayor, Gerry Friedel, gave a moving speech encouraging local residents to focus on community goals rather than politics. During this extremely politically divisive time, this message was something that really set the tone and had all in attendance eager to hear of the Mayor's plans for the next few years.

The next 30 minutes were filled with clapping and cheers from the audience as Mayor Friedel updated residents on long awaited and highly anticipated town projects. Town personnel who have worked tirelessly on these initiatives were celebrated, and of course, former Mayor Ginny Dickey was honored by Friedel for spearheading many of these projects and initiatives during her term.

Here is a brief summary (my notes rather) of what's going on, and what is to come for 2025:

5.2 Million dollars have been allocated for road improvements. These improvements have already started and will continue through the year.

140k Has been allocated for efforts to clear local washes for fire and flood prevention. Projects for this effort are already underway.

Improvements to Golden Eagle Park for flood prevention/drainage have begun, and will include a pedestrian bridge upon completion

N-Shea group (developers) will break ground by April for the new phase of Park Place Apartments, with units ready to lease in 2026

The Dark Sky Discovery Center is set to soft launch late summer/early fall of this year, with a goal of raising 28 million dollars. Residents who would like to make a large charitable contribution have been summoned! So far there have been 550 generous donors.

3 Million dollars was awarded to Fountain Hills in a federal grant to build out nearly 7 miles of sidewalks (projects are ongoing)

Crosswalks have been added for safety in high-traffic areas

The new Business Spotlight Initiative will recognize excellent local businesses that contribute to the community

And drumroll please....we will now be awarding a Veteran Of The Month each month starting in March. Who knew there are over 2800 Veterans in Fountain Hills!

If you would like to join Mayor Friedel for coffee and a chat, events are being held on 2/6/25 at Mountain View Kitchen, and 3/14/25 at Phils Filling Station Grill.