Strategic Framework Booklet 2023-2025

Strategic Framework 
2023-2025

Message from  
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Chandler has always 
been a Community of 
Innovation. 
Our founder, Dr. A.J. 
Chandler, was our 
first innovator, and 
he was joined by 
entrepreneurial families 
in our early history 
to plant the seeds of 
innovation for all who 
would follow them. 
Later, community leaders in the 1970s, 1980s and 
1990s recognized a changing world of technology, 
and they had the foresight to be ready. 
Through the decades, Chandler evolved from a city 
of crops and fields to a high-tech manufacturing 
hub of fabs and chips. Visionary planning and 
economic development strategies also preserved 
areas for companies to expand their presence 
and create jobs in the aerospace and aviation, 
bioscience and healthcare, business and financial 
services, software and technology industries.  
This innovative spirit guides planning today as we 
remain committed to fiscal responsibility in our 
efforts to provide a high quality of life, business 
growth opportunities and a pathway to prosperity 
for all. And it’s all thanks to the vision and strategic 
planning that is the foundation of Chandler’s 
identity.
It’s an inspiring time to serve as Mayor and 
Councilmembers as we lay the groundwork from 
which future Councils can continue to lead the 
community forward.
Sincerely,
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Back row
Councilmember OD Harris, Mayor Kevin Hartke,  
Councilmember Mark Stewart
Front row
Councilmember Jane Poston, Councilmember Angel Encinas,  
Vice Mayor Matt Orlando, Councilmember Christine Ellis

Our Vision
We are a world class city that provides an 
exceptional quality of life.
Our Brand
A safe, diverse, equitable and inclusive community 
that connects people, chooses innovation and 
inspires excellence.
Innovative Focus
Innovation is the lifeblood of our community. The 
introduction of new ideas and methods is rooted 
in Chandler’s culture and heritage. This thread of 
innovation embodies how we connect, plan and 
serve our city to be a contemporary, financially 
responsible and safe place to live and work. 
Six focus areas identified by the City Council are 
priorities for innovation and investment through 
2025. 
Neighborhoods
Community Safety
Quality of Life
Connectivity
Sustainability and 
Technology
Economic Vitality

Our community is defined by 
innovators with vision who 
saw opportunity in Chandler. 
They created a place that is 
constantly refreshing, thinking 
and acting upon new ideas. 
Our culture, inspired by 
opportunity and nourished 
by innovation, uniquely advances Chandler in the 
ways we serve today and thoughtfully prepare for 
tomorrow. 
Decades of strategic planning and decision 
making have made Chandler one of the strongest 
economic centers in the southwestern United 
States. Our stable business climate, dedicated 
employment areas and well-educated, talented 
residents are the fuel that propels companies to 
invest and prosper. The presence of global firms 
across diverse industries attracts innovators and 
their families from around the world, offering 
residents rich cultural diversity and experiences.
Companies headquartered in 
Chandler 
1987
2012
2017
2019
2020
2021
2022

Decisions today create a foundation for tomorrow. 
Responsible financial planning and investment 
in people, technology, transportation and 
water infrastructure remain paramount to our 
development and resiliency. Actions that foster 
a safe community with inviting neighborhoods, 
abundant parks and distinctive entertainment 
and recreation opportunities significantly 
contribute to residents’ quality of life. Convenient 
communication, mobility and utility resources 
enable residents and companies to leverage 
Arizona’s regional connections and talent. 
The focus areas described on the following pages 
provide a strategic planning framework of policy 
priorities to guide decision making by the Chandler 
City Council for the next two years.  Each focus 
area page highlights Chandler Firsts, recalling 
innovative moments of our past and present.
Ag Town to Tech City 
The 2023 State of the City address showcased 
our community’s heritage and stories of people 
and businesses who shaped our journey from an 
agricultural town to the innovation and technology 
center we are today.

Ensuring community safety through:
•	 Prevention initiatives and emergency response 
services that support a safe, vibrant and healthy 
city.
•	 A proactive approach to maintaining and 
enhancing infrastructure and safety systems. 
•	 Programs and technology that enhance 
cybersecurity and criminal justice systems while 
preserving individual privacy.
•	 Investments in people, technology and outreach 
that build community trust in being a safe city for 
all. 
•	 Partnerships with service providers that 
sustainably address behavioral health and 
homelessness, recognizing the City’s role as a 
facilitator and convener.
Chandler is recognized among the safest cities in 
the nation. Our fire and police  departments are 
accredited and elite in their field.  We ensure our 
community’s safety with continued investment 
in people, systems and technology. Innovative 
partnerships extend our ability to address 
emerging community safety needs. 
Chandler Firsts
Next generation radios offer Chandler Police 
expanded connectivity and coverage via 
radio, cell phone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Radios 
with a precise global positioning system 
and voice activated interactions and search 
features empower officers to respond with 
eyes-up awareness and focus.
Community Safety

Connectivity - the ability to connect people, places 
and commerce through local, regional and virtual 
networks - is essential. Chandler is served by three 
major highways, two railroad corridors, a well-
planned street and transit network, expanding 
bike and shared-use paths and a municipal airport 
that efficiently connects people and commerce. 
Chandler’s advanced communication systems 
enhance our ability to connect through technology 
and transportation networks.
Forward-thinking transportation 
and technology networks with:
•	 Multi-modal, integrated options to access 
Chandler’s employment corridors, local 
destinations and connections with Valley cities.
•	 Safe, attractive and well-managed roadways, 
paths and traffic systems connecting 
developments and neighborhoods.
•	 Innovative micro-transit options integrated into 
regional systems to serve Chandler residents 
and visitors.
•	 Fiber and wireless technology providers 
that quickly and reliably connect people and 
business.
•	 Regional resources that maximize the ability to 
finance transportation projects.
Connectivity
Chandler Firsts
Research and development 
of automotive technology has 
spawned an industry cluster  
of companies since 
autonomous vehicles first 
drove Chandler streets in 2016. Chandler was first 
the first city in the nation to adopt an autonomous 
vehicle and ride sharing zoning code in 2018, 
which reduces the amount of land developments 
must set aside for parking uses.

Economic vitality includes the use of creative 
policies and marketing efforts that ensure 
Chandler remains a world-class community for 
residents, visitors and businesses. Our approach 
preserves the viability of employment corridors 
and positions properties for adaptive reuse, infill 
and redevelopment. Chandler offers a business-
focused environment for global industry leaders, 
exciting startups and entrepreneurs through 
every stage of development. Our business climate, 
talented workforce and lifestyle make Chandler a 
destination of choice for key industries.
Strategic economic development 
through:
•	 Preservation of employment corridors for 
planned uses to serve as economic engines and 
create high-quality jobs.
•	 A modern airport that supports business 
aviation and airpark area development.
•	 Targeted use of adaptive reuse, infill, mixed-
use and redevelopment tools and plans 
supporting the vitality of commercial centers and 
neighborhoods. 
•	 High development standards incorporating 
innovative aesthetics and amenities in our built 
environment. 
•	 A predictable development process based 
on exceptional customer service and finding 
creative ways to get to “yes.” 
•	 Marketing and illustrating Chandler’s brand as 
a regional, national and global destination for 
innovative people and technologies.
•	 Partnerships with higher education and 
workforce development programs that create a 
talent pipeline for key industries.
•	 Leadership in and partnerships with regional 
organizations that support entrepreneurship, 
dynamic startups and a thriving business climate.
Economic Vitality
Chandler Firsts
Rogers Corporation became 
Chandler’s first high-tech 
company in 1967 and relocated 
its corporate headquarters 
here in 2017. Intel’s first 
semiconductor manufacturing plant opened in 
1980 and has become the city’s largest employer 
amid a collection of companies in the high-tech 
manufacturing industry.

To sustain an exceptional quality of life 
for Chandler residents, preservation and 
enhancement of neighborhoods is paramount. 
These approaches ensure that all neighborhoods 
remain safe and vibrant. Engaging residents, 
developers and community stakeholders 
provide opportunities to achieve this goal, 
while maintaining each neighborhood’s distinct 
character.
Neighborhoods
Unique and vibrant communities 
with:
•	 Amenities, infrastructure and services that 
support community safety and align with 
the needs of people in the surrounding 
neighborhood.
•	 A holistic neighborhood improvement approach 
that connects City departments, non-profits, 
businesses, faith agencies and residents.
•	 Innovative programs that preserve neighborhood 
quality and streamline processes to approve 
housing options that meet residents’ diverse 
needs.
•	 Partnerships with community leaders, homeowner 
associations and residents to promote 
reinvestment in the viability of neighborhoods. 
•	 Activities that promote the community’s spirit of 
volunteerism and pride in ownership.
•	 Preservation and recognition of our historic 
cultural assets, buildings and neighborhoods. 
Chandler Firsts
Chandler’s first general 
plan, adopted by voters 
in 1970, created a unique 
policy of a neighborhood 
park in each square mile of 
residential development. 
Today, 69 parks serve as places for residents to 
gather and play.

Chandler’s commitment to high standards has 
spanned generations of City leadership and 
resulted in the safe and beautiful community 
residents and businesses enjoy today. Our 
innovative practices maximize cost savings for 
taxpayers while enhancing the quality of city 
services. Our unparalleled quality of life includes 
a focus on arts, culture, learning and recreation. 
High-quality developments, parks and amenities 
shape the character of our neighborhoods and 
commercial centers.
Providing an exceptional quality of 
life through:
•	 Parks and open spaces with amenities and 
activities that cater to the needs of the 
surrounding area.
•	 Activities and entertainment that capitalize 
on Chandler’s culture, unique history and 
captivating arts and music scene.
•	 Partnerships, volunteerism and consistent 
processes that foster recreational and cultural 
activities relevant to all residents.
•	 Unique amenities and experiences that attract 
people to Chandler.
•	 Cultivation of a community and municipal 
organization that values diversity, equity and 
inclusion.
Quality of Life
Chandler Firsts
Chandler is Arizona’s first 
master planned community. 
Our first park, Dr. A.J. Chandler 
Park, was built in 1912 at the 
heart of the original town 
square. Soon after, the San 
Marcos Hotel opened and built Arizona’s first 
grass golf course.

Chandler’s high-tech industries, businesses and 
talented workforce drive the local economy. We 
recognize the importance of infrastructure, water 
and streamlined city services that support key 
industries engaged in the development of current 
and future technologies. The pursuit of sustainable 
and technological infrastructure and services 
advance our ability to meet the unique needs 
of the community and equip our empowered, 
talented workforce to serve. 
Sustainability and Technology 
Embrace sustainable and global 
technology advancements by:
•	 Leading in the sustainability of water 
infrastructure and conservation.
•	 Managing urban forestry and green space assets 
in a way that enhances livability while respecting 
the desert environment. 
•	 Partnering with energy and technology providers 
to enhance reliability, redundancy and coverage 
for the community.
•	 Pursuing smart energy solutions that lower the 
cost of services and improve environmental 
resiliency.
•	 Investing in people, services and technology to 
streamline internal processes, enhance customer 
service and support a 21st century workforce.
•	 Taking calculated risks to explore new 
technologies and innovative pilot programs that 
promote efficiency, productivity, sustainability 
and connectivity while demonstrating return on 
investment.
•	 Promote sustainable building development by the 
private sector that produces energy efficiencies 
and cost savings.
Chandler Firsts
The nation’s first privatized 
wastewater treatment facility 
opened in Chandler in 1986 and 
our first reverse osmosis plant 
opened in 1996. Today, 100 
percent of wastewater is treated 
for irrigation and industrial uses. 
Our interconnected distribution 
system, wells and allocation policy 
provides agility when adapting to water availability 
and demand.

chandleraz.gov/StrategicFramework