City of Buckeye revamps Capital Improvement Program to enhance project delivery

The Buckeye City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, focused heavily on the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a critical component of the budget that aims to enhance infrastructure and community services. City officials discussed the need for a more structured and predictable approach to project delivery, addressing past challenges that hindered effective implementation.

City Manager Javier highlighted the importance of the CIP, noting that previous methods of project selection were inconsistent and lacked clear criteria. The city faced a backlog of ideas amounting to $2 billion, which was deemed unrealistic. To rectify this, the city has restructured its approach, narrowing down projects to those deemed essential for the city's success. This restructuring involved collaboration with an engineering firm to develop a more efficient program that emphasizes year-round planning and prioritization.

Key improvements include the establishment of clear performance indicators to measure project success and a centralized management structure for better oversight. The city is also implementing a new project management software, Sensei IQ, to enhance transparency and communication regarding project statuses among departments.

The council also discussed the ongoing challenges related to land acquisition for transportation projects, emphasizing the need for careful consideration to minimize impacts on residents and landowners. The city plans to seek council assistance in navigating these challenges as they arise.

In addition to the CIP discussions, the meeting included updates on various projects and the importance of stakeholder engagement in the planning process. City officials are committed to ensuring that projects align with community needs and strategic goals, fostering a collaborative environment among departments.

As Buckeye continues to grow, the council's focus on a structured and transparent CIP process aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by delivering essential infrastructure improvements efficiently and effectively. The next steps will involve ongoing evaluations and adjustments to the program to ensure it meets the evolving needs of the community.