Scott Phillips of the Surprise Center Development Company updated the Planning and Zoning Commission on the City Center master plan process, saying the company is preparing a long-term (30-year) strategy that emphasizes preserving land for employment, attracting higher-wage jobs and coordinating infrastructure and education to support growth.

Phillips said the company has held mayoral business roundtables and is preparing to engage a consultant. He described a vision that protects about 160 acres for employment and allows for taller development along Civic Center Drive, with proposed 15-story height limits in certain areas to support dense corporate campuses. "We are stewards of the property," Phillips said, adding that much of the West Valley’s future employment growth is still forthcoming.

Phillips outlined macro trends he said are reshaping the West Valley: a shift toward technology, higher-density employment, healthcare technology and significant investments tied to semiconductor and supply-chain projects. He cited examples including Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) and other large employers in the region and said Surprise Center is positioning its land inventory and marketing to capture portions of that growth.

He highlighted infrastructure needs—power, fiber, transportation and education/workforce development—and said the City Center team is coordinating with Ottawa University on workforce programs such as electrical engineering certificates. Phillips said power capacity is a key constraint and emphasized cooperation with utilities and regional partners.

Commissioners responded with support and suggestions. Commissioner Perry urged a focus on jobs paying in the $150,000–$300,000 range to improve local job opportunities and reduce commuting. Commissioner Keating suggested a destination attraction that puts Surprise on the map; he proposed an armed forces museum as an example of a distinctive draw. Commissioners expressed general support for intentional, employment-focused land preservation and for continued coordination with the city on recruitment and infrastructure.

Phillips said the master plan update will include public outreach, consultant engagement and continued coordination with the city; he invited feedback from the commission on employment types and community culture to guide the process. No formal action or vote was taken; the presentation was informational and will inform later master plan steps.