Council to receive a presentation on the economic impacts of the 2026 Buckeye Air Fair conducted by Arizona State University. (Approximate time: 1 hour). Summary: Council to receive a presentation by

2.A
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Council Workshop Agenda
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: 2.A. CS - Air Fair
MEETING DATE: 10/06/26
Economic Impact Study Findings
DATE PREPARED: 10/01/26 DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Kelby Mieras, Community Services Director,
kmieras@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6617
DEPARTMENT: Community Services AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Workshop Item
TIME NEEDED: 1 hour
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council)
Council to receive a presentation on the economic impacts of the 2026 Buckeye Air Fair conducted by
Arizona State University. (Approximate time: 1 hour).
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS:
Economic Growth
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Buckeye Air Fair is a signature event hosted by the City of Buckeye, which brings thousands of
people throughout the 3-day event. In 2026, the Buckeye Air Fair drew 38,000 people for the weekend.
The City partnered with Arizona State University through their School of Community Resources &
Development to complete an analysis of the economic impacts of the Buckeye Air Fair in Buckeye and
Maricopa County. This study will provide useful information to the City on the return on investment of
budgeted funds for the event. As part of the study, students from ASU surveyed event visitors, vendors,
and pilots to determine the economic impact gained by dollars spent. ASU has reviewed the information
from the survey and other data provided by the city to prepare the analysis. ASU has prepared a report
that includes an executive summary, introduction and statement of project goals, methodology of data
collection, visitor survey results, breakdown of expenditures and revenues, economic impact analysis,
including the impacts of the event on hotels, restaurant/dining, and shopping, implications of the data,
and recommendations to the city on moving forward based on study results for future events. The
findings of the study will be presented by ASU during the workshop.
BENEFITS:
The presentation will provide information to Council on the economic impacts of the Buckeye Air Fair and
the return on investment. ASU will be able to provide context on the event and its impacts to Buckeye
and Maricopa County. Responses from the survey also provided information to the City on how
improvements can be made to enhance the visitor experience for future events.
FUTURE ACTION:
Information in the presentation will help guide future decisions for the event and how it impacts the local
economy as well as improvements that can be made to enhance the visitor, vendor and pilot experience
for future Air Fair events.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:

This item is to provide information and has no financial impact. The presentation from ASU provides
estimates of the economic impact of the Air Fair.
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
2027
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
2026 Buckeye Air Fair Report - September 15.pdf