Strategic Framework 2025-2027

Strategic Framework 
2025-2027

Message from  
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Chandler doesn’t just 
hope for a prosperous 
future; we prepare for 
it and pursue it with 
passion and purpose. As 
your Mayor, I am proud 
to share the Chandler 
City Council’s future-
focused vision that 
continues to prioritize 
innovation, responsible 
planning and high-
quality services for our vibrant community. 
The 2025-2027 Strategic Framework reflects our 
commitment to provide a clear vision that ensures 
Chandler remains a Community of Innovation, 
offering opportunity and resilience for years to 
come. We’ve become a thriving city of talented 
people and advanced industries that are helping 
to shape the nation’s innovation economy and the 
world of tomorrow.
Chandler has earned this reputation by embracing 
change, advancing technology and creating an 
environment where ideas become action. The 
Strategic Framework builds upon this legacy by 
reinforcing the values that have made Chandler 
one of the most dynamic and future-focused cities 
in Arizona.
This kind of progress doesn’t happen by chance. It 
is the result of intentional decisions, collaborative 
partnerships and a shared belief that Chandler’s 
best days are still ahead. We remain committed to 
creating a city where young families, hard-working 
professionals and lifelong residents can enjoy a 
high quality of life and are proud of the community 
they call home.
Chandler’s future is bright, and together, we will 
keep building a city that leads, adapts and thrives.
Sincerely,
Mayor Kevin Hartke
Back row
Councilmember Matt Orlando, Councilmember OD Harris,  
Councilmember Jane Poston, Councilmember Jennifer Hawkins
Front row
Vice Mayor Christine Ellis, Mayor Kevin Hartke,  
Councilmember Angel Encinas

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.
Future Focus
Planning and wise investments position Chandler 
for the future. The focus areas described on the 
following pages provide the strategic planning 
framework of policy priorities that will guide decision 
making by the Chandler City Council for the next two 
years. Each focus area page highlights ways we are 
focused on the future.
Six focus areas identified by the City Council are 
priorities for investments through 2027. 
Neighborhoods
Community Safety
Quality of Life
Connectivity
Sustainability and 
Technology
Economic Vitality

For more than 50 years, Chandler has welcomed 
high-tech manufacturing, pioneering research and 
emerging technologies that shape the way people 
live and work. Today, that legacy continues to grow. 
We are proud to be part of the Greater Phoenix 
region, one of the 10 fastest-growing metro 
areas in North America for tech-sector jobs. Our 
community is at the heart of that momentum.
From advanced manufacturing to aerospace and 
defense, bioscience, advanced business services 
and next-generation software engineering, 
Chandler continues to attract and grow the 
industries that will define the innovation economy. 
Major healthcare providers, global manufacturers 
and leading technology firms are choosing 
Chandler to expand their operations not just 
because of what we provide today, but because of 
the opportunity our city presents for tomorrow.

The 2025-2027 Strategic Framework ensures that 
Chandler is not just reacting to growth but shaping 
it. Thoughtful long-range planning, streamlined 
development processes and smart capital 
investments lay the groundwork for what comes 
next. 
We are enhancing infrastructure to support 
business expansion, preparing the workforce 
through education and training partnerships 
and positioning the community to meet the 
employment, housing and mobility needs of 
residents.
We are building a more connected and resilient 
city, one that uses technology to streamline 
operations, increase sustainability and improve 
services. Our focus on water and energy efficiency, 
digital connectivity and cybersecurity positions 
Chandler as a city ready to serve in an increasingly 
complex and interconnected world.
What unites all these efforts is a simple truth: 
Chandler is a community that looks ahead. We 
ask not only what our city needs today, but what 
it will need in five, ten and twenty years and we 
move accordingly. The Strategic Framework is our 
playbook to ensure we are a step ahead, investing 
wisely and keeping our community’s future in 
focus. Decisions made today create the foundation 
for tomorrow.
Courage, Brains and Heart 
The Mayor’s 2025 State of the City address 
showcased our community’s courage to dream 
big, use our collective brainpower to innovate 
and display heart by supporting each other. 
Chandler’s heritage gives us roots and our 
innovative spirit offers us wings. Let’s use both 
to better our future.

Ensuring community safety through:
•	 Community-based policing and engagement 
through a presence in neighborhoods and schools.
•	 The care provided by a municipal ambulance 
service and accredited paramedic training 
program.
•	 The enhanced capabilities for crime prevention 
and investigation enabled by the development of a 
Police Forensic Sciences facility.
•	 Technology that advances community safety and 
efficiency of public safety resources.
•	 The attraction and retention of the next generation 
of our public safety workforce.
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. Community 
partnerships extend our ability to address 
emerging safety needs. 
Future Focus
Chandler Police use cutting-edge 
technology during emergency calls 
with real-time operational data that 
delivers live, actionable intelligence 
for officers before they arrive 
on-scene. This means police are better informed, 
better prepared and ultimately safer because in 
emergencies, seconds and information matter.
Community Safety

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. 
Advanced communication technology and 
transportation systems enhance our ability to 
connect locally, regionally and internationally.
Forward-thinking transportation 
and technology networks with:
•	 Safe, attractive and well-maintained roadways, 
bike paths and transportation infrastructure.
•	 Integrated micro-transit services and other 
forms of mobility that connect people with local 
destinations. 
•	 Advanced fiber and wireless technology 
networks that connect people and businesses.
•	 Investments in transportation infrastructure 
that supports commerce and the viability of 
neighborhoods.
•	 Resident input and communication that follows 
best practices and promotes awareness of 
upcoming roadway projects and neighborhood 
improvements.
Connectivity
Future Focus
The passage of Proposition 
479 has continued the 
dedicated regional half-cent 
sales tax for transportation 
through 2045. It will fund 
more than $800 million in roadway and transit 
improvements in the Chandler area during the 
next two decades, ensuring better connectivity to 
local and regional destinations.

Economic vitality includes the use of proactive 
policies and targeted 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. We offer a supportive 
environment for first-time entrepreneurs and 
businesses at every stage of development, from 
startups to global industry leaders. Chandler 
continues to be a destination of choice thanks to 
our pro-business leadership, talented workforce 
and nationally recognized quality of life.
Strategic economic development 
through:
•	 A future focus that preserves employment areas 
for business expansion and quality job creation.
•	 Proactive public infrastructure investments that 
lower development costs for desired infill and 
economic development with long-term returns 
for the city.
•	 Promoting Chandler’s favorable ecosystem 
and business environment to attract financial 
partnerships and capital investments that 
further the city’s economic development goals.
•	 A modern airport that supports business 
aviation and job creation through airpark area 
employment.
•	 Workforce development partnerships with 
higher education, trades and industries that 
keep Chandler’s next generation of talent locally.
•	 Streamlined development processes that create 
a reputation for excellence trusted by private 
sector developers and businesses.
•	 Attraction of targeted industries and unique 
retail destinations.
•	 Downtown development that promotes the city’s 
cultural heritage, economic vitality, safety and 
walkability.
Economic Vitality
Future Focus
A prosperous community is 
built by connecting residents 
with workforce development 
and local employment 
opportunities, creating a 
talent pipeline for continued economic growth. 
Chandler engages public schools, trade industries, 
higher education partners and local companies 
to prepare residents for careers with skills that 
address emerging employment needs.

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. High-quality housing 
developments and amenities shape the character 
of our community. Engaging residents, developers 
and stakeholders provide opportunities to achieve 
this goal, while maintaining each neighborhood’s 
distinct character.
Neighborhoods
Unique and vibrant communities 
with:
•	 Destinations for people to live with an emphasis 
on diverse housing products for home ownership.
•	 Designated housing corridors for infill and 
redevelopment projects that create housing, 
employment and retail uses.
•	 Land trusts that create affordable, high-quality 
workforce housing options for students, teachers 
and young professionals.
•	 Projects that promote reinvestment in traditional 
neighborhoods through infrastructure and 
park maintenance that support cleanliness and 
community pride.
•	 Innovative neighborhood engagement 
programs and partnerships with Chandler 
schools to develop investments and enhance 
neighborhoods.
•	 Advocacy that seeks to protect neighborhoods 
from state legislative impacts and commercial 
blight. 
Future Focus
The General Plan Update 
for voters to approve 
in 2026 will lay out the 
community’s long-term 
aspirations, articulate its 
vision and guide physical, 
economic and social development decisions. 
Concurrently, Chandler’s Comprehensive Housing 
Plan seeks to align housing strategies with 
economic development goals and workforce 
needs.

Chandler’s commitment to high standards has 
spanned generations and resulted in the safe and 
beautiful community residents and businesses 
enjoy today. Innovative practices and partnerships 
enhance the quality of services and programs 
offered. Our unparalleled quality of life includes a 
focus on arts, culture, learning and recreation.
Providing an exceptional quality of 
life through:
• Parks, walkable spaces and recreational 
amenities that cater to community needs.
• Recreational and social spaces that enable 
people to converse and connect in the 
community.
• Partnerships and streamlined permit processes 
that bolster special events managed by 
community members.
• Activities and programs that capitalize on 
Chandler’s culture, unique history, educational 
excellence and captivating artistic and musical 
talent.
• A community and municipal organization that 
showcases its cultural heritage and values 
connection and impact.
Quality of Life
Future Focus
The renovation of Chandler’s 
existing parks and recreational 
facilities reflect ways we 
are adapting amenities and 
programs to fulfill the evolving 
needs of residents for active, 
athletic and social spaces connecting our 
community.

Reliable infrastructure, water resources and 
financial policies are foundational to fulfilling the 
needs of residents and industries that drive the 
local economy. The pursuit of sustainable utility 
and technology infrastructure advances our ability 
to meet the community’s unique needs and equips 
our empowered, talented workforce to serve 
residents and businesses.
Sustainability and Technology 
Embrace sustainable and  
technology advancements through:
•	 Investments in the city’s water resources and 
utility infrastructure.
•	 Advocacy with energy and technology providers 
to enhance reliability and service capacity in 
Chandler.
•	 A sustainable building program for private sector 
development that produces energy efficiency and 
cost savings for infill and redevelopment.
•	 Advanced technology and artificial intelligence 
use that streamlines internal processes, ensures 
cybersecurity and promotes service delivery.
•	 Partnerships with energy providers to help 
residents’ access solutions that improve energy 
efficiency and lower costs of services. 
•	 Urban forestry and green space assets that 
enhance livability while respecting the desert 
environment and preserving water resources.
Future Focus
Chandler’s focus on fiscal 
strength and stability are 
illustrated through the 
excellent stewardship of 
operating expenses and AAA 
bond ratings that limit debt 
on a capital improvement program that enhances 
public infrastructure, parks and facilities to move 
our community forward.

chandleraz.gov/StrategicFramework