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Maricopa council approves lease to bring Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology campus to former city-hall site
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously Nov. 4 to lease roughly 5 acres of city-owned land to Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (referred to in the meeting as “Cabot”) to build a two-phase campus, with an initial 6,000 sq ft facility expected to open in July 2028.
Maricopa — The City Council voted Nov. 4 to approve a lease that will bring the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (referred to at the meeting as “Cabot”) to a roughly five-acre parcel that previously housed the city’s old City Hall, city staff said.
City staffer Josh Bowman introduced the proposal as "a lease on some land owned by the city," saying the first phase would include approximately 6,000 square feet of office and classroom space and that the campus aims to open in July 2028. Bowman said the project would be built in two phases, with a second phase of additional classroom space planned two to three years after the first phase.
Supporters on the council framed the lease as a workforce and educational benefit. Council member Manfredi said the project would end an hour-long bus ride many juniors and seniors now take to reach the nearest campus and called the program "a great way to start a career" for students who can graduate with job-ready certificates. Council member Noor said the local campus should make participation easier for Maricopa students and help align schedules with local school districts.
Council member Gettle moved to approve the lease; Manfredi seconded. The council recorded an affirmative vote and Mayor Nancy Smith declared the motion carried.
The lease will bring vocational programs—presenters said they expect offerings similar to Cabot’s current clinics and career-technical classes—to Maricopa, creating local opportunities for training in trades and services that city leaders described as part of the city’s workforce development strategy. City staff said exact program offerings for the Maricopa campus are still to be determined and that detailed plans will return as the development review and permitting process advances.
The council did not provide a detailed development timetable beyond the July 2028 target for opening the initial facility; funding sources and final program lists were described as to be determined during subsequent administrative reviews.
