Growing up in Buckeye, he left high school early, earned his GED, and pushed forward to complete college.
“I went to school here all the way through, dropped out after a year and a half of high school, got my GED, and then my associate’s degree in visual communications,” he said. “I actually graduated from college the same year I would’ve graduated high school.”
Now a fourth-generation Buckeye resident raising the fifth, his story is one of persistence, family roots and the resilience that has long defined this small but fast-growing desert city.
For Curtis Beard, serving on the Buckeye City Council isn’t about politics or self-interest. Beard said his decision to run for City Council stemmed from a simple belief: the city’s rapid growth should benefit everyone, not just a select few.
“I was inspired to run because I believe Buckeye’s growth should benefit everyone, not just a few,” Beard said. “My biggest responsibility is to listen to our residents and make decisions that keep our community safe, thriving, and united as we plan for the future.”
Beard believes that development will help improve life in his district, even for people living around the Old Town Buckeye area.
"Miller Road will be a lot nicer once it’s widened, and eventually it’ll be six lanes all the way down," he said. "It just takes time, but things are getting better than they were 30 years ago.”
Beard, who represents District 3, brings a business owner’s mindset to city leadership. With two decades of experience running small businesses, he said he approaches spending city funds as though the money were his own, striving for fiscal responsibility and practical decisions.
“Being involved in operating several small businesses helps me to look at spending money as if it was mine, not just taxpayers,” Beard said. “It’s about making responsible choices for what’s best for the residents and community in whole.”
Balancing growth with preservation
As one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Buckeye faces pressure to accommodate expansion while maintaining the character of its neighborhoods. Beard said he supports “smart growth” that creates opportunity without erasing Buckeye’s small-town feel.
“Buckeye’s growing fast, and that’s a good thing, but I don’t want us to lose what makes our neighborhoods feel like home,” he said.
Among the projects Beard is most eager to see completed are the widening of Miller Road to ease congestion and the arrival of a Fry’s grocery store, which he said will be a major benefit for residents. Citywide, he pointed to the upcoming opening of the Joe Foss Shooting Range as a draw for both locals and visitors.
“There’s so much growth citywide it’s hard to mention all of them I’m excited about,” he said.
Infrastructure and safety
Infrastructure has been one of Buckeye’s biggest challenges as new developments spread across the city. Beard said the city’s general obligation bond has helped kick-start widening roads and building critical utilities, though more work remains.
“Over time it will all come together and Buckeye will be the best city ever,” he said.
Public safety, Beard added, is a top priority. He recently toured the city’s new 911 communications center and praised its state-of-the-art technology.
“All the technology that we have and no other cities have is incredible,” Beard said. “The police, fire & communications staff all do a fantastic job and I firmly believe we have the best departments and staff.”
Community and small businesses
When it comes to quality of life, Beard highlighted the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which was crafted through extensive community outreach. He also emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, calling them “the heart of Buckeye.”
“Small businesses are the heart of Buckeye, they create jobs, keep money in our community, and give the city its character,” Beard said. “Supporting them means a stronger future for all of us.”
Looking ahead
In the next five to ten years, Beard envisions his district growing with more local jobs, safe streets, shopping centers and parks — all while retaining the small-town feeling that drew families to Buckeye in the first place.
“I want it to feel even more like home,” he said. “I’d say we are on the path to bring all of that over the next 5+ years.”
Beard also said he is working with another council member to create a down payment assistance program to help families put down roots in Buckeye.
“This will be an amazing program and hope to have something soon,” he said. “It’s all about helping people the best way you can.”
For Beard, leadership is less about holding office and more about listening. He regularly shares his contact information, attends cleanups and community events, and urges residents to take part in civic programs.
“My door is always open,” Beard said. “Listening is the best way to make sure residents’ voices guide our decisions.”
