Arizona's largest unincorporated community appears to be on its way to becoming Arizona's next town.
The San Tan Valley incorporation committee claimed victory and lauded voters' “landmark decision” in the Aug. 5 election. It stated its lead was “mathematically insurmountable” in an Aug. 6 news release.
“We have planted the flag as Arizona’s 92nd municipality — making our community the largest incorporation in state history. It’s a powerful example of what happens when neighbors come together with a shared vision and unwavering belief in our future,” said Tyler Hudgins, the committee’s chairman, in the news release.
The community located in Pinal County, south of Queen Creek, has grown to more than 100,000 residents. It would become the largest municipality in the county.
It also would be among the 15 most populated towns and cities in the state.
Over the past 15 years, several incorporation efforts had been launched, but none had ever been placed on a ballot and sent to the voters.
By the afternoon of Aug. 6, the proposition was passing, with 66% of residents voting in favor of becoming a town.
About 1,820 provisional and late early ballot drop-offs remained to be tabulated, according to a Pinal County spokesperson. The next update will be Aug. 7.
Arizona allows voters to drop off early ballots at the polls on Election Day, and those ballots must be processed and verified before they can be tallied.
Election results in Arizona are unofficial until local officials have tabulated and canvassed the results. It's unknown how many ballots remain to be counted.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to canvass the election results on Aug. 18.
"We've heard loud and clear from the public that they want to be able to govern themselves," he said.
Board member Mike Goodman, who represents the San Tan Valley area, was thrilled with the unofficial results.
He said the residents will be able to take responsibility for their own growth, and he will do everything in his power to support them. San Tan Valley will also be another partner in regional planning, he said.
"It's going to provide them lobbying power when they go to the state of Arizona to get their portion of the tax dollars," he said.
After the election is canvassed, the Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss the next steps in transitioning the unincorporated community into a town with its own council.
San Tan Valley will take local control in July 2026, at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at [email protected] or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X @maritzacdom.
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