San Tan Valley Committee Celebrates Win in Bid for Town Status

A New Chapter for San Tan Valley

San Tan Valley, Arizona's largest unincorporated community, is on the verge of becoming the state’s 92nd municipality. This historic move marks a significant shift in the area’s governance and development. The incorporation committee celebrated the results of the August 5 election, calling it a “landmark decision” that has set the stage for a new chapter in the community's history.

The committee emphasized that their lead was “mathematically insurmountable” following the election, as reported in an official news release. Tyler Hudgins, the committee’s chairman, expressed pride in the outcome, highlighting the community's unity and shared vision for the future. He noted that this achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when neighbors come together with a common goal.

Located in Pinal County, south of Queen Creek, San Tan Valley has grown to more than 100,000 residents. If the incorporation is finalized, it will become the largest municipality in the county and one of the 15 most populated towns in Arizona. This development is expected to bring increased local control and representation to the area.

Over the past 15 years, several efforts to incorporate the area have been made, but none reached the stage of being placed on a ballot for public vote. The recent election marked a turning point, with approximately 66% of residents voting in favor of becoming a town. Although some provisional and late early ballots remained to be counted, the results were seen as a clear indication of the community's desire for self-governance.

Arizona allows voters to drop off early ballots at the polls on Election Day, and these ballots must be processed and verified before they are counted. As a result, election results remain unofficial until local officials complete the tabulation and canvassing process. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to canvass the election results on August 18.

Mike Goodman, a board member representing the San Tan Valley area, expressed his excitement about the unofficial results. He emphasized that the residents will now have the opportunity to take responsibility for their own growth and development. Goodman also highlighted the importance of San Tan Valley becoming another partner in regional planning, which could provide the community with greater influence when advocating for tax dollars from the state.

Once the election is officially canvassed, the Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss the next steps in transitioning San Tan Valley into a town with its own council. The community is expected to take local control in July 2026, marking the beginning of a new fiscal year for the newly incorporated municipality.

This development represents a major milestone for San Tan Valley and its residents. With the support of local leaders and the community's strong showing in the election, the area is well-positioned for a future of self-governance and sustainable growth. The transition will not only empower the residents but also strengthen the region's overall development and planning efforts.

As the community moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition and building a framework for effective local governance. The incorporation of San Tan Valley is a testament to the power of community engagement and the potential for positive change when people come together with a shared vision.