June 2025

Forget the old image of sleepy suburbs tucked away from the action. The West Valley is not just waking up — it’s roaring to life. West of I-17, this dynamic region of Arizona is home to over a dozen cities, each with its own character and heartbeat. From the time-tested charm of Avondale to the fast-rising energy of Surprise, the landscape is transforming before our eyes.  But today, we’re spotlighting two cities that aren’t just participating in the region’s evolution — they’re leading it: Peoria and Goodyear.  With more than 1.7 million residents already calling the West Valley home, the momentum is undeniable. Experts project that over half of Maricopa County’s future growth in the next 25 years will unfold right here. It’s more than a population boom — it’s a cultural, economic, and communal awakening.

May 29th didn’t feel like just another town hall. It felt like a turning point for Scottsdale. At the Mustang Library auditorium, every seat was taken. The aisles were packed. Residents stood shoulder to shoulder against the back wall, eager to be heard—and to hear from their new mayor. As Managing Editor of Arizona Ascent, I stood near the back, capturing the moment on my iPhone. I wasn’t just reporting I was witnessing a defining civic moment. At the center of it all was Mayor Lisa Borowsky, just five months into her first term. With no notes or script, she fielded an hour-long volley of questions—sometimes difficult, sometimes heated—on topics ranging from wildfire mitigation and water security to zoning disputes, development concerns, and the future of Scottsdale’s public spaces.