Econ Dev Catalyst Program Guide Final_(English)2026 FINAL.pdf

Revised 1/14/2026 - TH 
1 
City of Buckeye  
 
Economic Development Catalyst Program 
Program Guide 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economic Development Department  
945 N. 215th Avenue, Suite #137 
Buckeye, AZ 85326 
www.buckeyeaz.gov  
www.growbuckeye.com

2 
 
Table of Contents: 
 
 
Executive Summary   
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
Program Summary and Funding Source  
 
 
 
 
3 
Application Requirements  
 
         
 
 
 
 
4 
Qualifying Projects 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
Application Submittal  
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
Timetable Summary      
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
Project Design and Development Requirements  
 
 
 
5 
 
 
Matching Funds Requirement  
 
 
 
 
 
6 
Procedures for Reimbursement  
 
 
 
 
 
6

3 
 
Executive Summary: 
 
The Catalyst Program is a redevelopment program designed to attract private investment in Buckeye 
through the rehabilitation of existing buildings. Through the program property owners, businesses and 
investors can qualify for up to $50,000 of reimbursable funding to support their development. Ideal 
projects include those that focus on an Economic Development purpose and serve a public benefit. 
 
Eligibility extends to any individual, business, or entity owning qualifying property within Buckeye's 
municipal boundaries. Members of the Buckeye City Council, municipal employees, and their immediate 
family members are not eligible for this program. In addition, quasi-government entities such as school 
districts and/or utilities are also not eligible for the program. City staff and a committee comprising 
representatives from local business organizations will review applications for completeness and 
adherence to eligibility criteria outlined within this program guide. Qualifying applications will then 
proceed for formal consideration by the Mayor and Council. 
 
Please note that all received applications are public records subject to disclosure as per Arizona Public 
Records Laws. 
 
Program Summary and Funding Source: 
 
The Economic Development Catalyst Program (referred to as the "Program") serves as an initiative 
aimed at revitalizing existing commercial and industrial properties within the City of Buckeye. Under this 
Program, eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 in City funding to reimburse qualifying 
improvement costs. Additionally, certain City fees, including those for permitting and lot combinations, 
are eligible for reimbursement, contingent upon detailed description to be provided in the initial 
application. 
 
Qualifying projects are mandated to serve an economic development purpose as determined by the city 
and further defined by this Program Guide which is derived from portions of Ordinance No. 31-12. 
Eligibility encompasses all commercial and industrial properties within Buckeye's municipal boundaries, 
excluding residential properties, including single family residences and multi-family residences. 
 
Funding for the Program is sourced from the City's Transaction Privilege Tax, constituting a vital 
component of Buckeye's comprehensive economic development strategy. The City Council funds the 
program on an annual basis through the city budgeting process.  Program funding is $250,000 annually 
but can vary year by year. The allocation of funds is subject to annual budgetary considerations, with no 
assurance of availability in subsequent fiscal years. The Mayor and City Council retain sole discretion 
over the Program's continuation, cancellation, or reallocation of funds.  
 
Proposed projects must be within the municipal boundaries of the city of Buckeye and are zoned for 
commercial or industrial purposes. Projects proposed for sites whose use is residential use (single family 
residence, multi-family residence, etc.) are not eligible for participation in the Program. Eligible 
applicants are individuals, corporations, associations, or legal entities holding fee simple title to the 
property. Applications may be submitted by the property owner directly or by a duly authorized agent. 
 
The primary objective of the Program is to facilitate the revitalization of existing commercial and 
industrial properties, with project improvements mandated to achieve an Economic Development 
Purpose and serve a public benefit as outlined in this Program Guide.

4 
 
Application Requirements: 
 
Applicants must submit a complete application for their requested project. All applications must include 
a detailed scope of work, bids or quotes from licensed contractors, a project timeline, and contractor 
information, in order to be accepted for consideration.  
 
Application bid requirements and parameters: 
 
• 
For Projects Costing less than $10,000.00: 
o Applicants must adhere to the operational procedures outlined for small purchases, as 
per the City's Procurement Code.  
 
• 
For Projects Exceeding $10,000.00: 
o A minimum of three (3) business quotes or bids will be required as per the City's 
Procurement Code. 
 
Qualifying Projects: 
 
Improvements may include but are not limited to exterior enhancements such as:  
 
• 
Building façade repair /replacement 
• 
Stucco repair, wall repair  
• 
Exterior painting 
• 
Exterior lighting  
• 
Exterior window repair/replacement, consistent with the building's architectural design 
• 
Exterior doors repair/replacement, consistent with the building's architectural design 
• 
Commercial trash enclosure 
• 
Enhanced landscaping 
• 
Public parking enhancements (parking areas serving more than four businesses) 
• 
New or upgraded signage, *consistent with the building’s architectural design and in compliance 
with Buckeye’s Development Code and/or with the standards of the Downtown Specific Area 
Plan (If project lies within Downtown Buckeye) (Section 5.12.5). 
 
*Signage will only be considered when it is part of a larger façade improvement project. This Program 
will not reimburse a standalone sign project or a project that only includes a repair to an existing sign. 
 
Application Submittal: 
 
All applications should be emailed to the Program liaison with the Economic Development Department.  
 
Ashley Mazariegos, Downtown Project Manager  
amazariegos@buckeyeaz.gov  
480-340-0772 
 
Timetable Summary: 
o 
Applications will be accepted throughout the fiscal year. 
o 
Following receipt of complete applications: The city will coordinate a catalyst pre-

5 
 
application meeting with the City's Development Services Department and the applicant to 
discuss planning and permitting requirements for proposed projects. (See Project Design 
and Development Requirements.) 
o 
The City and the review committee will assess complete and timely applications for 
eligibility for recommendation to Mayor and Council. Depending on application volume, the 
review timeframe may vary. During this time applicants may be contacted for clarification or 
discussion regarding their projects. 
o 
Applicants with recommended projects may be asked to present their proposals to the 
Mayor and Council during a workshop and/or a regular meeting and applicants will be 
notified of the Council hearing date in advance. 
o 
Within 2 business days of Mayor and Council approval: A written Notice of Approval will be 
issued to successful applicants. 
o 
Notably, projects already underway before solicitation are ineligible for program funds. 
 
Project Design and Development Requirements: 
 
Upon receiving a completed application, city staff will facilitate and schedule a catalyst pre-application 
meeting with Economic Development, Development Services, and the applicants to discuss Buckeye's 
Building and Development Codes. Applicants are encouraged to involve their project team in these 
discussions. This ensures all aspects of your project are discussed and all questions/issues are 
addressed, leading to a smooth development process.  
 
Upon Mayor and Council approval, project plan approvals and necessary building permits must be 
obtained from the Development Services Department before construction commencement. These items 
will be outlined in the Catalyst pre-application meeting.  
 
The designs for exterior improvements must align with the property's integrity, architectural style, 
historical character, and in compliance with Buckeye’s Development Code and/or with the standards of 
the Downtown Specific Area Plan (If project lies within Downtown Buckeye) (Section 5.12.5). All design 
proposals require review and approval by the City and acquisition of building permits before 
construction. 
 
Additional application requirements, such as Commercial Design Review or Site Plan Amendment, 
including Engineering improvement, Building and fire permits may incur fees and extended review 
periods.  
 
Fees for Commercial Design Review and Site Plan Review may vary but are reduced within Downtown 
Incentive District A or B. Applicants can verify eligibility through the City's website at: Development User 
Fee.  
 
Projects awarded funding are expected to be completed within one year of the Council approval 
meeting. If applicants are unable to complete their project within the year of Council approval, they can 
request an extension of six months. Applicants are required to inform the city of the additional time 
needed in writing 30 days prior to the project expiration date. Additionally, the applicant must include 
sufficient information on extenuating circumstances on the need for an extension. If the project isn’t 
completed within the allotted timeframe the applicant will forgo the funding and can reapply in a later 
application period. However, there is no reassurance of approval or fund availability in subsequent fiscal 
years. The maximum Program reimbursement for any property is $50,000 within any three-year period

6 
 
following the project completion date and is directly associated to the Maricopa County parcel number 
or numbers, for said property.  
 
Matching Funds Requirement: 
 
Upon completion of approved projects, reimbursement may be provided up to a maximum of $50,000. 
Property owners are mandated to contribute funds towards the approved project, equivalent to at least 
twenty-five percent (25%) of the approved project cost up to $25,000, and at least fifty percent (50%) of 
the approved project cost between $25,001. and $50,000. 
 
Procedures for Reimbursement: 
 
Upon completing the project, the applicant must submit the following items to the program liaison to 
process reimbursement.  
 
• 
All projects must be fully funded by the applicant.  
 
• 
Required documents include copies of paid bills, canceled checks, contractor lien waivers (if 
applicable), City permits, and any other associated costs with the project.  
 
• 
Include the various stages of the project photographically. This documentation will showcase 
the transformation of your property and contribute to demonstrating the program’s success for 
future funding considerations. 
 
• 
Upon receiving these documents, the City will review the expenditures and will conduct a final 
site visit to verify that the completed project aligns with the approved application. Please note 
that this site visit does not replace mandatory City building safety inspections conducted 
throughout the project duration. 
 
• 
Apply to Vendor Registration. If you have any questions about this process, please contact 
Hortencia Reyes at 623-349-6269 or email at: hreyes@buckeyeaz.gov 
 
• 
Payments are generally made within 2-4 weeks after all reimbursement documents have been 
submitted and approved by the city.