President Novello and General Manager Steven updated the board on the master plan: consultants have been engaged, a consultant presentation is scheduled for the Jan. 9 workshop, and the midyear strategic-plan update is set for Jan. 15 with public engagement opportunities to follow. Steven reported the consultant contract totals $279,029 (the board had budgeted $250,000) and told directors the negotiated contract includes a statistically valid survey without the optional extra cost.

Director Schlemmer delivered a detailed recap of the board’s peer-community tours (Victory at Verrado, Pebble Creek, Sun City Festival and two new libraries). He said the visits highlighted demand for flexible "gathering" spaces, lower shelving and brighter lighting for older adults, and multi-use courtyard and coffee-bar areas that encourage informal interaction. Schlemmer cautioned that food-service and dining operations can be financially risky; other directors observed staffing-level differences and reserve-fund approaches as important variables when comparing communities.

Staff said masterplan.suncitywest.com will host project materials and engagement schedules. The consultants will meet community members during the midyear update and will present drafts for board review, with adoption of a final master plan expected in early fall 2026.

Why it matters: The master plan will shape long-term capital priorities and amenity designs for Sun City West, and the tours informed board thinking on quick wins (furnishings, paint, flexible spaces) versus larger investments that require careful fiscal planning.

What’s next: Consultant kickoff at Jan. 9 workshop; midyear community engagement on Jan. 15; staff and consultants to return with engagement outcomes and draft recommendations to the board.