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Queen Creek staff previews 2028 general plan update, schedule and added elements
Summary
Development Services staff described the scope and timeline for a 2028 general plan update, explaining statutory element requirements triggered by population growth, an outreach program for residents, and an anticipated council and voter timeline for adoption and ratification.
Sarah Clark of the Development Services Department told the Planning and Zoning Commission the town will begin work on a 2028 General Plan update that will expand required elements because Queen Creek’s population has increased since the last plan.
Clark said the general plan “provides the framework for decision making for the town and guiding its future growth,” and described elements (chapters) such as land use, circulation, open space, housing and safety that together shape development review and policy.
Clark noted the town’s population was “just under 50,000” at the last update and that the town now approaches 80,000 residents, which triggers additional elements under state statute. She said the 2028 cycle will expand or add items including transportation, housing, public safety, public service and facilities, conservation and redevelopment, bicycling and energy chapters among others.
On timing, Clark said staff requested a consultant and, subject to council budget approval, will start an RFP process in mid-2025 and expects the plan development phase between December 2025 and July 2027. Her slide set listed an anticipated council vote in July 2027 and a voter ratification election between November 2027 and March 2028.
Clark described a broad outreach program that will include open houses, social media outreach, online engagement, stakeholder meetings, focus groups and meetings with town committees and commissions. She told commissioners they will meet regularly in monthly work study sessions and act as liaisons to encourage public participation.
Clark said the general plan is ultimately approved by council and must be ratified by voters; she reminded the commission the 2018 general plan was ratified by voters with roughly an 84% approval rate. She also explained how the land use map functions as a tool to guide which zoning districts and development types are appropriate for different parts of town.
Staff cautioned that state legislative changes on housing, including discussions about “missing middle housing,” will present challenges during the update and must be considered in mapping and policies. Clark said other town departments (transportation, parks, police, fire) are preparing master plans that will feed into the general plan update.
Commissioners asked questions about statutory guidance and specific project areas during the presentation. There was no public comment and no action taken at the work study session.
