Big Sky, Bold Vision: Exploring Growth and Community in Buckeye
Every leadership journey is a chance to better understand the diverse systems and communities that make up our state. For Explore Class 5, our visit to Buckeye offered a sweeping look at one of Arizona’s fastest-growing and most geographically expansive cities. It was a day grounded in our core themes of equity, adaptability, and interconnectedness, as we explored how a community balances rapid innovation with a deeply rooted sense of heritage.
The morning began at The Landing, where Janene Van Leeuwen welcomed the cohort and coordinated transportation across Buckeye’s vast footprint – no small feat for a city of its scale. To set the stage, Suzie Boyles provided an essential overview of the city’s economic momentum and the strategic vision guiding its expansion. Her insights reminded us that growth is not just about numbers; it’s about the intentional planning required to sustain a thriving region.
Our themes of interconnectedness came to life as we stepped into the past at the Buckeye Valley Museum. Chris Larson highlighted the vital importance of preserving local history even as the landscape shifts around it. This balance between honoring the past and planning for the future was echoed throughout the morning. Erin Kuiper and Tedy Burton shared how the Buckeye Chamber supports local businesses and fosters the social fabric of the community. Ronni Thompson spoke about the revitalization efforts in downtown Buckeye, illustrating how urban cores can be re-imagined for a new era. Councilman Berry grounded the day’s learning in lived experience, sharing a heartfelt perspective on growing up in Buckeye and Allenville.
As we transitioned to the region’s natural and technical infrastructure, the focus shifted to the complexities of stewardship. Jackie Meck and Kelly Wolf discussed the ecological impact of invasive salt cedar trees, a sobering reminder of the environmental challenges that accompany Western growth.
While traveling through Skyline Regional Park, participants experienced the stunning natural beauty that makes Buckeye unique, with Michael Alvarez sharing insights into the city’s recreational assets. The tour continued at the Buckeye Airport, where Scott Gray outlined forward-looking plans for aviation—a key component of the city’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
The final stop at Teravalis brought the sheer scale of Buckeye’s future into sharp focus. Kimberly Banach outlined the vision for a 100,000-home master-planned community, emphasizing innovative approaches to water conservation and sustainable development. These conversations underscored a critical lesson for our cohort: leadership in Arizona requires the adaptability to embrace massive scale while remaining committed to long-term sustainability.
As the day concluded, one theme stood out: Buckeye’s leadership is aligned around a shared vision of thoughtful, intentional growth. From history and heritage to infrastructure and innovation, the Explore Class left with a deepened appreciation for a city shaping its future while maintaining its soul.
Foundations like these remind us that leadership begins with learning—about place, about systems, and about the people working together toward a shared future.
Thank you to all of our Buckeye partners who made our trip such a success! See all the pictures from our trip on Facebook.
| Laurel Arndt | Program Manager, White Tank Mountain Conservancy |
| Christine (Chris) Larson | Library & Museum Supervisor |
| Ronni Thompson | Buckeye Main Street Coalition Board Member |
| Erin Kuiper | Incoming Buckeye Valley Chamber President & CEO |
| Tedy Burton | Buckeye Valley Chamber Friend Raiser |
| Councilmember Jamaine Berry | Buckeye City Council |
| Kelly Wolf | |
| Michael Alvarez | Recreation Programmer |
| Kimberly Banach | Marketing Lead, Arizona Region | Howard Hughes Communities |
| Scott Gray | Buckeye Municipal Airport | Aviation Director |
| Suzie Boyles | Buckeye Economic Development Director |
| Mayor Jackie Meck | Former Mayor of Buckeye |
| Janene Van Leeuwen | Neighborhood Services; City of Buckeye |
| Sarah Silk | Buckeye Council Assistant |
