Chandler Utilities, Budget Calendar and Housing Pipeline in Focus

Chandler’s policy and infrastructure agenda is picking up speed this week, with utility rates now in effect, the city budget calendar moving forward, and new housing data offering a snapshot of growth pressures.

Utility Rates Now in Effect

A 15% across-the-board utility rate increase took effect earlier this month, impacting water, wastewater and solid waste services. City data shared in recent community discussions shows Chandler’s combined average utility bill remains lower than some neighboring East Valley cities, but residents are still feeling the bump.

For a typical household, combined city utility costs average around the low-$80 range per month, depending on usage. Officials have said rate adjustments are tied to infrastructure upgrades, water reliability planning and long-term system maintenance.

Budget Process Hits Key Milestone

On March 24, the City Manager released the Trial Budget and preliminary Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2026-27, marking a major step in Chandler’s annual budget cycle.

Community hearings are scheduled in April, followed by the proposed budget in early May and final adoption in June. The calendar sets the stage for decisions on public safety staffing, parks and recreation funding, street improvements and technology investments.

Affordable Housing and Growth Pressures

State housing records show continued investment in income-restricted development in Chandler, including projects along McQueen Road that add more than 150 affordable units to the city’s inventory.

At the same time, the city’s updated General Plan documents ongoing concerns about limited land supply and balancing job growth with attainable housing. Chandler continues to attract major employers and regional investment, which keeps demand for workforce housing high.

With budget talks underway and growth projects moving through the pipeline, the next few months will help shape how Chandler manages costs, infrastructure and housing supply into 2027.

Sources

https://phoenix.legistar.com/View.ashx?GUID=27DB0BFA-9908-457F-9222-3CAE9FC645CC&ID=14830849&M=F
https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/2025-04/ADOH%20State%20Housing%20Trust%20Fund%20Expenditure%20Report%20FY%2024%20and%20FY%2025-Rvsd%202-13-25.pdf
https://www.reddit.com/r/Gilbert/comments/1r85iau/gilbert_town_council_approves_water_solid_waste/
https://www.chandleraz.gov/sites/default/files/departments/development-services/City-of-Chandler-Existing-Conditions-Report.pdf