Mayor Eric Osborne announced significant progress in Buckeye during the 2025 State of the City address, highlighting the city's rapid growth and development. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Buckeye is focused on enhancing infrastructure, securing water resources, and fostering economic growth to improve residents' quality of life.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of new employers setting up operations in Buckeye, which is expected to create thousands of jobs. Amazon is opening a distribution hub that will generate over 700 jobs, while Blue Polymers and Rarig Pacific are adding 60 and 100 jobs, respectively. Additionally, Ross Dress for Less is establishing a distribution center that will create more than 1,300 jobs. These developments underscore Buckeye's emergence as a hub for innovation and opportunity.

The city is also experiencing a surge in commercial development, with over 9.2 million square feet of projects underway or planned. Notable upcoming establishments include Sy High's Buckeye Commons East, featuring Home Depot and other retailers, and Vastar's Verado Marketplace, which will host Harkins Backlot and Safeway. The construction of Fries Grocery and Kwik Trip is also underway, responding to community requests for more retail options.

Economic Development Director Susie Boyles emphasized the importance of diversifying the types of jobs and services available in Buckeye, noting the collaboration with various partners to drive this growth. The city is only 16% built out, indicating substantial opportunities for future development, particularly in the area known as "the landing" near Verrado and I-10, which is expected to become a significant economic engine for the region.

Healthcare services are also a priority, with strategic efforts to address gaps in medical care. New healthcare facilities are being developed, including a 60,000 square foot medical office building by Abrazo Health, which is set to open this year. The city anticipates its population will nearly triple to around 300,000 by 2040, creating further opportunities for growth and attracting new industries.

In the past four years, Buckeye has successfully brought approximately 4,000 to 5,000 jobs to the community, reducing the number of residents commuting outside the city for work. The future looks promising as Buckeye continues to expand and evolve, positioning itself as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.