Chandler Advances Water Rate Plan, Tech Campus Expansion, and Reviews New Housing Data

Chandler leaders closed out the week with a series of decisions that touch nearly every corner of the city’s growth story — from water rates and infrastructure to jobs and housing supply.

Water Rates and Long-Term Infrastructure

The City Council this week advanced a proposed water and wastewater rate adjustment aimed at keeping pace with rising treatment costs and long-term drought planning. City staff said the changes would help fund system upgrades, including pipeline replacements and technology improvements designed to reduce water loss.

Officials emphasized that Chandler’s utility system operates as a self-supporting enterprise fund, meaning ratepayer dollars directly support maintenance, capital improvements, and regulatory compliance. A final vote is expected in the coming weeks after additional public input.

Price Road Corridor Expansion

Council members also approved zoning and development agreements tied to a planned expansion in the Price Road technology corridor. The project includes new office and light industrial space and is expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs over the next several years.

City economic development staff described the move as part of Chandler’s strategy to attract high-wage employers while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related businesses.

New Housing and Growth Data

Updated housing and demographic figures presented to council show Chandler’s population continuing to climb at a modest pace, with growth of roughly 2 to 3 percent year over year. However, residential permit activity has slowed compared with the pandemic-era building surge.

City planners noted that while single-family construction has cooled, multifamily and mixed-use projects remain active, particularly near employment centers. Officials are also reviewing how infrastructure capacity, transportation planning, and water availability will shape future housing approvals.

As budget discussions intensify this spring, council members signaled that balancing infrastructure investment, economic competitiveness, and affordability will remain central themes heading into the next fiscal year.

Sources

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/chandler/2026/03/27/chandler-water-rate-proposal-infrastructure-upgrades/

https://www.yourvalley.net/chandler-independent/stories/chandler-approves-price-road-tech-corridor-expansion,

https://www.chandleraz.gov/news/city-council-reviews-housing-growth-data-march-2026