The Buckeye City Planning and Zoning Commission got a look at major planning efforts Tuesday aimed at shaping future development around Buckeye Municipal Airport, signaling long-term ambitions to turn the area into a hub for jobs, industry and community growth.
The initiative, known as the Airport Specific Area Plan (ASAP), will serve as a “mini general plan” focused on land use, infrastructure and economic development surrounding the airport — though not the airport itself.
Commission members, consultants and planning partners formally introduced the project during a commission workshop meeting outlining a process expected to run through the end of 2026.
Project leaders said the plan stems from Buckeye’s 2018 General Plan, which identified the airport area as one of six key activity centers needing a more detailed vision. Once approved by the Buckeye City Council, the ASAP will guide future zoning decisions and ensure new development aligns with that vision.
Four-Phase Planning Process
The effort will unfold in four phases:
- Pre-Flight (current phase): Data collection, existing conditions analysis, and initial outreach
- Takeoff: Stakeholder meetings with landowners and technical advisors
- Cruising: Public workshops and drafting of the plan
- Landing: Public review, virtual reality presentations, and final adoption by City Council
The planning team includes infrastructure firm Kimley-Horn and economic consultants Elliott D. Pollack & Company, alongside city staff and project consultants.
Coordinating a growing vision
During Tuesday's workshop, discussion emphasized that the ASAP will align with several other major city planning efforts, including the recently approved Airport Master Plan, transportation planning and long-range infrastructure strategies. These coordinated efforts are intended to support anticipated growth — including the possibility of expanded aviation activity and even future commercial service.
An 86-square-mile study area is being analyzed to better understand regional conditions such as land ownership, floodplain constraints and current land uses, which are largely agricultural.
The final planning boundary is expected to expand beyond the airport’s current activity center, particularly to account for updated noise contours.
Balancing growth and community concerns
During early discussions, participants highlighted key concerns including aircraft noise, safety and the impact on nearby communities. At the same time, officials pointed to opportunities for economic development, drawing comparisons to areas around Mesa Gateway Airport and Scottsdale Airport, where aviation has attracted manufacturing, logistics and supporting businesses.
The airport is viewed as a potential magnet for large employers, with the broader goal of creating a “complete community” where residents can live, work and shop locally — reducing long commutes.
Public comment a key component
Members of the commission stressed that public participation will play a central role in shaping the plan. A three-part workshop series is planned, including:
- Visioning sessions with visual preference exercises
- Scenario planning using 3D models
- A virtual reality “immersion lab” allowing residents to experience proposed development concepts
- Outreach efforts will include a dedicated project website, direct mail to property owners, and community meetings, with the first public workshop tentatively scheduled for summer 2026.
Next steps
In the coming weeks, the project team will finalize the study boundary, begin stakeholder interviews with major landowners, and convene a technical advisory committee. Additional updates will be provided to the Planning Commission as the process moves forward.
City officials say the effort represents a critical step in preparing Buckeye for continued growth — and ensuring development around the airport is both strategic and sustainable.
