Catalyst_Presentation_1st_round-_FY25-26_Feb 3 2026.pdf

Economic Development
Catalyst Program
Council Meeting 
2/3/2026

Downtown Project Manager
Ashley Mazariegos
amazariegos@buckeyeaz.gov
480-340-0772

Catalyst Program Overview 
•
Program was established over 12 years ago 
and has assisted 58 projects
•
Designed to promote the exterior 
rehabilitation of existing commercial 
properties while serving a public purpose.  
•
Offers grants of up to $50,000 for eligible 
improvements; each project must provide a 
match of 25-50%
Before
After

Return on Investment
• $1.1 million paid to qualifying businesses since inception
• $3+ million in private investment
• Resulting in more than $4.1 million in total investment
• ROI - $3.73 for every $1 invested.

Recent Program Updates
• Added signage as a qualifying project when 
associated with a larger project
• Project completion timelines & extensions
• Added max reimbursement per parcel within a 
    certain timeframe
• Standardized the Program Guide / Removed 
redundancy
Sample of Qualifying Projects:
•
Building façade 
repair/replacement
•
Exterior painting/lighting
•
Exterior door and or window 
repair/replacement
•
Commercial trash 
enclosure
•
Enhanced landscaping
•
Signage
•
Etc.

New Program Updates
Application Timeframes:
•
Effective January 2026 applications will be accepted throughout the fiscal year 
rather than only twice per year  
•
This change allows flexibility within the program to meet business needs and 
potentially could result in more applications over time

New Program Updates
Applicant requirements and eligibility:
•
Projects that are under $10,000 will no longer require three bids/quotes per City 
of Buckeye Procurement Code.
•
Clarified eligibility; Buckeye City Council, municipal employees & immediate 
family members are not eligible for the program.  In addition, quasi-
governmental entities such as school districts and/or utility companies are not 
eligible. 
•
Applicants are supported by a dedicated City team that assists downtown 
projects in navigating permitting and City processes and identifying solutions 
when opportunities arise.

What’s Not Changing 
Funding:
•
Program funded at $250,000 annually
•
Awards remain at up to $50,000 per qualifying project 
Projects and Process:
•
Application process remains the same 
•
Review committee remains the same

58 Completed Projects/47 Businesses

Project Updates 
Recently completed projects:
•
Southwest ChrioMed: Façade improvements
•
Flat Tortilla: Façade improvements
•
HFFV Investments: Façade improvements
•
Snap Fitness – Trash enclosure mural
Ongoing projects:
•
All approved projects are closed out

FY26: First Batch of Applicants 
Applicants
Reimbursement
Buck’s Car Wash
$3,150
All Faith Community Services
$50,000
Liquor Corral
$34,000
Total
$87,150
RFP issued in August 2025, we 
received three responses, the review 
committee recommended three 
projects move forward.
Liquor Corral
All Faith Community Services
Buck’s Car Wash

Buck’s Car Wash
Improvements:
•
Clean & paint exterior trims, curbing and fencing
Cost Breakdown 
•
Approximate Project Cost - $4,200.00
•
Approximate Applicant Contribution - $1,050.00
•
Approximate Catalyst Award - $3,150.00
701 Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

All Faith Community Services
Improvements:
•
Install new windows & doors, new siding, and add 
exterior security lighting
Cost Breakdown:
•
Approximate Project Cost - $75,000.00
•
Approximate Applicant Contribution - $25,000.00
•
Approximate Catalyst Award - $50,000.00
214 S. 5th St. Buckeye, AZ 85326

Liquor Corral
429 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye, AZ 85326
Improvements:
•
Repair sign on building façade, large monument sign 
along Monroe and small drive through sign. Repair 
metal cladding and beams at entry.
•
Install new drive through window.
Cost Breakdown:
•
Approximate Project Cost - $53,000.00
•
Approximate Applicant Contribution - $18,750.00
•
Approximate Catalyst Award - $34,000.00

Program Summary
Staff recommends approval of the proposed projects totaling $87,150.00.
Applicants
Reimbursement
Buck’s Car Wash
$3,150
All Faith Community Services
$50,000
Liquor Corral
$34,000
Total
$87,150
Should Council choose to approve today’s applications, $162,850 is remaining within the program.

Questions
Suzie Boyles
Economic Development Director
sboyles@buckeyeaz.gov
623-349-6970
Ashley Mazariegos
Downtown Project Manager
amazariegos@buckeyeaz.gov
480-340-0772