2025 is officially in the books, with plenty of big things passing through Glendale.

From Andretti Indoor Karting and Games opening its doors to the public, to incoming shifts in Glendale’s city management, there were plenty of highlights for the city.

As we enter 2026, here are some of the top stories from 2025.

Velma Teague Library is saved for now

The Glendale City Council halted plans to demolish the Velma Teague Library on Jan. 14, placing the project on hold indefinitely. The decision does not reverse the council’s Oct. 22 vote to relocate the library from Downtown Glendale to the Promenade at Palmaire, but it pauses demolition plans amid public opposition tied to the library’s century-long presence in the city.

Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro led the effort to reconsider the decision, working with Mayor Jerry Weiers to place the item on the council agenda. The library is located in Baldenegro’s Ocotillo District. Under the city charter, the mayor can directly add an item to the agenda, while other councilmembers require support from three colleagues.

“We represent 260,000 people,” Weiers said. “We don’t just represent ourselves or a few individuals, so to me, the councilmember in his district was concerned about it, wanted to bring it back.”

Baldenegro urged councilmembers to support pausing the demolition plan, citing divisions within the community. “I don’t want to contribute to more,” he said.

Although Baldenegro initially voted for the relocation, he later withdrew his support after speaking with constituents. He thanked Martha Dennis, a longtime opponent of the demolition, for discussing the library’s importance. Baldenegro said he understands timing, public funds and limited opportunities, but emphasized the need to listen to residents.

The council voted to amend agreements with Holly Street Studio LLC and Okland Construction Company Inc., which are working on the Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project. Their scope includes City Hall, council chambers, an amphitheater, Murphy Park and a parking structure, but no longer includes the library.

Council Member Bart Turner and Vice Mayor Lauren Tolmachoff raised concerns about the process, questioning whether it set a precedent. Tolmachoff called it potentially “dangerous.” Despite some confusion, the amended agreements were approved unanimously.

Council Member Lupe Conchas said the decision showed that listening to the community leads to sound policy.

Glendale Airport receives $19 million from FAA

The Glendale Regional Airport is set to receive $19 million in Federal Aviation Administration grant funding to expand and enhance its facilities, positioning the city to tap into the commercial flying industry. City Manager Kevin Phelps said the investment could become a major economic driver as corporate travel increases across the West Valley.

Phelps noted significant growth in large corporate projects throughout the region, including developments in Glendale, Goodyear and Buckeye, as well as the TSMC project to the north. He said the changing landscape has led to an increase in corporate travelers, making commercial aviation at the Glendale airport a realistic strategy.

For the past two years, the city has explored ways to transform the airport into a higher-volume asset, focusing on corporate activation as other Valley airports — particularly Scottsdale Airport — face overcrowding. The grant funding will allow Glendale to utilize 134 acres of recently acquired land for development, creating space to accommodate corporate jets.

Phelps said the land offers a “wide-open canvas” and is an advantage as international investment continues to grow in the greater Phoenix area, bringing in larger aircraft that require more space.

The anticipated opening of the $1.2 billion VAI Resort next year is also expected to increase demand for airport access. Phelps said the resort will attract affluent visitors from across the country and internationally, and a modern regional airport capable of accommodating corporate jets would be a significant benefit.

Phelps added that the investment will benefit surrounding cities, including Peoria and other West Valley communities, by providing an alternative airport option for corporate travelers and supporting continued corporate investment across the region.

Addressing concerns about noise, Phelps said the airport’s orientation prevents aircraft from flying over residential neighborhoods where noise would cause impacts.

Phelps thanked the FAA for its partnership and investment, saying infrastructure is key to building strong communities. He emphasized the airport expansion will support corporate travel growth without negatively impacting other regional airports.

Deer Valley dedicates baseball field to late coach

Larry Eubanks left a lasting legacy at Deer Valley High School, one he may never have imagined. The longtime Skyhawks baseball coach died at 71 after battling Stage 4 thyroid cancer.

To honor his life and impact, the Deer Valley High School District named the school’s baseball facility after him. Prior to a matchup against Paradise Honors, Eubanks’ family, friends, and former coaches and players gathered on the field for the dedication. His son, Tommy Eubanks, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Tommy said the family knew the dedication was planned while his father was nearing the end of his life, but his illness prevented him from attending. Hours before Larry passed away, Tommy told him the field would be named in his honor.

“He just went, ‘Oh, my God,’” Tommy said, adding his father would have been emotional but quietly proud.

The highlight of Larry’s coaching career came in 2006, when he helped lead Deer Valley to a 24-7 record and a state championship. Tommy served as an assistant coach that season before later accepting a head coaching job at Mountain Ridge.

Tommy said he learned a great deal from coaching alongside his father, describing strong camaraderie among the staff and the freedom Larry gave him while still providing guidance.

Larry remained with the Skyhawks until his cancer diagnosis. During that time, the community rallied behind him, raising more than $25,000 to help with medical expenses.

Following his passing, the Eubanks family helped establish the Larry Eubanks Scholarship, which awards $1,500 to a student-athlete to use at a school of their choosing. Applications are reviewed by the family and emphasize athletes who share Larry’s passion for sports.

Tommy said the dedication reflected who his father was — someone who deeply cared about his friends, students, athletes, and the life lessons he tried to teach both on and off the field.

Longtime request for vet memorial may be fulfilled

For more than a decade, a group of Glendale veterans has sought a memorial within their community to honor fallen comrades. The city is now exploring the most efficient way to provide that commemoration, prompted by a conversation between Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro and a veteran.

“There’s a lot of veterans that are dying since we started this project, and we need to get this done,” Baldenegro recalled the veteran saying.

On Oct. 22, 2024, Baldenegro requested a Council Item of Special Interest regarding veterans recognition at Veteranos Park. At a recent workshop session, the City Council reached consensus to continue the project’s progress. No formal decisions were made, as workshops do not include votes, but city staff were approved to continue research and development.

Veteranos Park, formerly El Barrio Park, is a two-acre park across from the Glendale Community Center. It currently includes benches, a ramada, a picnic table, an exercise station and a large tree. Proposed changes include installing three donated flagpoles, adding a military-themed mural, removing the ramada and exercise station, and hosting a veterans recognition event with a ribbon cutting for new park signage and a Heart of Glendale bronze plaque. The proposals were requested by veterans from the Ocotillo District.

The city held a public meeting at the park and conducted an online survey in February. Of 44 respondents, 40 supported a military-themed mural. Most supported removing the exercise station and installing flagpoles, while most opposed removing the ramada.

After public outreach, the veterans group asked Baldenegro to place the mural on hold. Baldenegro said the project has been ongoing for at least nine years and that veterans still want a mural eventually, but the process would require additional time and approvals.

The veterans requested moving forward with flagpole installation first. The council reached consensus to proceed with the full project, with intent to move the mural to a second phase to avoid delays.

Andretti center drives into Glendale

When racing legend Mario Andretti searched for a second Valley location for Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, Glendale quickly emerged as the top choice. Managing partner Eddie Hamann said the city aligned with the values of the Andretti brand and family, as well as the region’s continued growth.

“We’re not the type of brand that’s going to build this in every corner of every state,” Hamann said. “Every city we pick, they are cities that align with our values and the values of the Andretti family.”

Andretti attended the grand opening of the Glendale location on April 29 and thanked the city for welcoming the entertainment center into the community. He said the company’s growth has been remarkable and a source of pride.

The $43 million facility features multi-tiered racetracks that take drivers uphill, downhill and through sloping turns. In addition to karting, the center offers attractions, arcade games, laser tag and spark bowling.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games previously opened its first Valley location in Chandler. Hamann said the process of bringing the new facility to the West Valley was smooth, citing the city’s diligence throughout the permitting process and its ability to keep the project on schedule.

The entertainment venue is located off Loop 101 near Topgolf, in the same corridor as the under-construction VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park. Mayor Jerry Weiers said the addition strengthens Glendale’s entertainment district and brings new jobs, economic activity and visitors from across the Valley.

Weiers said the center represents a major investment and contributes to Glendale’s growing reputation as a regional hub for entertainment and tourism. He noted the city’s continued growth and the diversity of experiences available to families, residents and visitors.

Thanking Andretti for choosing Glendale, Weiers said the center fits well with the city’s vision by offering a family-friendly and unique attraction. He said he looks forward to the excitement and opportunities the new entertainment venue brings to the city.

VAI election results official

The results of Propositions 401 and 402, which addressed rezoning questions tied to the $2 billion VAI Resort, are now official. The Glendale City Council declared and adopted the results of the May 20 special election during its May 27 meeting.

Proposition 401 was rejected, while Proposition 402 was approved. Proposition 401 would have rezoned land designated as parks and open space to allow construction of a parking lot. Proposition 402 amended the VAI Resort Centerpoint Planned Area Development.

A total of 27,629 voters participated in the mail-in election, representing a 22.29% turnout citywide. Final results showed Proposition 401 failed with 13,324 votes in favor and 13,815 against. Proposition 402 passed with 12,904 votes in favor and 12,432 against.

Although the election took place May 20, Maricopa County Elections allowed voters with questionable ballot signatures to cure them through May 23. The county rejected 242 ballots.

Proposition 401 asked voters to approve or reject the city’s zoning agreement with VAI Resort, which would have allowed the company to build a parking lot on its property to serve as the resort’s corporate headquarters. Proposition 402 modified zoning rules within the Planned Area Development, allowing roadway changes, permitting VAI to flush filters for swimming pools and water features directly into the sewer system, and allowing the nearby Mattel Adventure Park to exceed Glendale’s dark sky ordinance.

Following the election, VAI Resort CEO Grant Fisher described the approval of Proposition 402 as “a step in the right direction” for Glendale. In a statement, Fisher said the resort is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue through taxes and tourism.

VAI Resort will include more than 1,100 hotel rooms, an amphitheater and high-end dining options. Fisher said the development will be built by Arizonans and serve as a major destination for the state, adding that the company looks forward to welcoming visitors to Glendale.

Glendale names new police chief

The city of Glendale has appointed Colby Brandt as its new police chief after he served four months as interim chief. Brandt, 52, has spent 28 years with the Glendale Police Department and said his priorities include improving traffic safety and increasing recruitment.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Brandt said, adding that community engagement and listening to residents will be central to his leadership.

A lifelong West Valley resident, Brandt is a second-generation law enforcement officer. His father briefly worked for the Glendale Police Department before serving 32 years with the Phoenix Police Department. Brandt is a graduate of Greenway High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1992, saying he entered the military because he was too young to become a police officer at the time.

Brandt’s career with Glendale includes assignments as a patrol officer, property crimes and auto theft detective, patrol sergeant, neighborhood response squad sergeant, patrol lieutenant, general investigations lieutenant and gateway patrol commander. He also served as commander of administrative services, overseeing training, personnel, budgets, grants, audits and research.

Brandt said Glendale is open to innovation and has become one of the most technologically advanced police departments in the country, citing the Real-Time Crime Center and the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center. He said he played a key role in integrating the Real-Time Crime Center, which has since become a model for other cities.

As Glendale has grown, so have policing demands. Brandt noted that State Farm Stadium and the Westgate Entertainment District did not exist when he joined the department. Today, officers serve hundreds of thousands of visitors during major events. The city has created a Westgate-based entertainment squad, which will expand further with the opening of VAI Resort.

Brandt said staffing shortages remain a major challenge, noting the department had 30 vacancies when he became interim chief. He is also prioritizing traffic safety and enforcement.

Brandt holds degrees in public administration and homeland security and has completed multiple state and federal leadership programs.

Sen. Gallego shares WV insight

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego recently visited the West Valley to provide updates on federal developments and discuss issues affecting the region, state and country. Hosted Aug. 13 at Estrella Mountain Community College by the West Valley Regional Chamber, the event drew chamber members and Avondale residents.

“I continue to work for everyday Arizonans,” Gallego said, adding that Arizona is growing and he aims to keep that perspective.

Surprise Government Relations Administrator Jodi Tas asked Gallego about immigration and ICE activity, Medicaid cuts, housing costs, air quality, water and energy conservation, child care, cryptocurrency, inflation and tariffs.

Gallego criticized the Trump administration’s increase to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement budget through the One Big Beautiful Bill, saying expanded enforcement is an inefficient use of tax dollars that harms the economy. He said undocumented immigrants without criminal records should be given legal status after fines and background checks, calling recent raids “racial profiling.”

Gallego cited the case of Kelly Yu, a Peoria business owner detained at the Eloy Detention Center after immigrating illegally from China in 2000. He questioned whether large-scale enforcement actions were an effective use of resources.

Gallego also spoke against Medicaid cuts included in OBBB, which will reduce federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over 10 years. He said the cuts would severely affect the West Valley, noting hospitals rely on Medicaid and some maternity wards have already closed. In 2023, Maricopa County had a 14.4% Medicaid coverage rate, according to Georgetown University.

On inflation, Gallego said tariffs hinder economic growth and called international trade a strength for border states. He described tariffs imposed since January as abusive and damaging to jobs and trade.

Gallego said he supports the Working Families Act to cap child care costs and introduced the Housing Affordability Act to address rising housing prices. He said regulatory changes to manufactured housing were bipartisan and help sustain West Valley growth.

West Valley Chamber representative Jeffrey Campos expressed confidence in Gallego’s support for local businesses.

State Farm Stadium remembers Charlie Kirk

More than 90,000 people gathered at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 21, to honor the life of conservative activist Charles James “Charlie” Kirk. Attendees included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr. and numerous public figures.

Speakers reflected on Kirk’s legacy and his Christian faith. His widow, Erika Kirk, recalled one of his favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 6:8 — “Here I am Lord; send me” — and said God answered that call. Vance said the gathering was not a funeral but a celebration of Kirk’s life and faith, calling it a revival rather than a moment of silence.

The event was hosted by Turning Point USA and featured gospel music, sermons, signs and speeches from friends and colleagues. Erika Kirk has since assumed the role of CEO of Turning Point.

Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 while hosting an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities said Tyler Robinson fired the fatal shot from a nearby rooftop and was charged with murder Sept. 16. Kirk was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where doctors attempted lifesaving measures. Trump announced Kirk’s death later that afternoon. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty.

Erika Kirk said she forgives Robinson, stating it reflects what her husband and Christ would do. A memorial video narrated primarily by Erika highlighted Kirk’s career, aspirations and impact on others.

Donald Trump Jr. said he was devastated by Kirk’s death and recalled that Kirk wanted to be remembered for courage in his faith. He described Kirk as a martyr and compared him to the biblical Stephen.

Additional speakers included religious leaders, political figures and media personalities. Frank Turek, who described himself as Kirk’s religious mentor, praised Kirk’s security team and said they did everything possible to save him.

Erika concluded by urging men worldwide to embrace leadership, faith and respect within their families.

Banger to take over city manager role

The Glendale City Council voted unanimously Oct. 14 to hire Patrick Banger as the city’s next city manager. Banger, former town manager of Gilbert, will begin Jan. 12 with an annual salary of $400,000.

Banger led Gilbert for 14 years through a period of rapid growth, making him the longest-tenured city or town manager in the East Valley following the retirement of Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. Glendale issued a press release prior to approving Banger’s contract, in which Banger said he was honored to be selected and looked forward to working with city leadership and employees to continue Glendale’s momentum.

Mayor Jerry P. Weiers said Banger is a proven innovator whose experience aligns with Glendale’s focus on economic development and industry diversification. Glendale cited Banger’s leadership in innovation, including creating a municipal position focused on integrating artificial intelligence into local government and guiding long-term sustainability planning.

Banger said his 14 years in Gilbert prepared him for the role and that he is ready to bring the same energy and commitment to Glendale. He was one of two finalists for the position. The other finalist, Vicki Rios, has served Glendale as assistant city manager since 2019.

Glendale began its search in July, four months after City Manager Kevin Phelps announced he would step down after nearly 10 years. Phelps will remain in the role until January and is credited with strengthening Glendale’s finances and business development, resulting in more than $3 billion in private investment.

Banger has 24 years of government experience and seven years in the private sector. Before Gilbert, he served as city administrator in O’Fallon, Missouri. He holds degrees from Missouri State University and Webster University and has received statewide recognition for city management.

Banger guided Gilbert through budget challenges following the Great Recession and helped manage its growth from about 211,000 residents to nearly 289,000.

Glendale voters pass Question 1, reject Question 2

Glendale voters delivered mixed results in the Nov. 4 Special Bond Election, narrowly approving one measure and rejecting another. Bond Question 1 passed with 53% approval, while Question 2 was rejected by a margin of less than 1%.

Glendale Star staff requested comment from Mayor Jerry Weiers’ office on Nov. 11 and received a statement saying the situation was “too fluid to comment.”

Bond Question 1:

Flood Control

Voters approved the sale of up to $30 million in general obligation bonds for flood control and water retention basin improvements. The funding will be used in partnership with the Maricopa County Flood Control District to help protect city infrastructure.

Projects include the construction and maintenance of storm drains, pipes, inlets and retention basins to improve drainage on city roadways. As previously reported by the Glendale Star, the bond replaces a similar flood control bond that had been fully expended after 20 years.

Standing water on roadways is considered a public safety hazard and can damage roads, increasing the need for costly repairs or rebuilding.

Bond Question 2:

City Operations Facilities

Voters rejected Question 2, which would have authorized up to $35 million in bonds for repairs and improvements to city operations facilities, particularly the Field Operations Complex. The complex supports fleet services, the solid waste division, graffiti removal and fueling services.

Several buildings on the campus were constructed in the 1970s and 1980s and lack modern infrastructure, including air conditioning, and require upgrades or replacement.

Without bond funding, Budget and Finance Director Levi Gibson said the city will need to reevaluate its budget. Because the operations campus is solely funded by the city, other capital improvement projects may be deprioritized to address the facility’s needs.

According to Maricopa County Elections, 27,427 ballots were cast, representing a 22.82% turnout. Results were unofficial at the time of publication and continue to be updated.

City considers easement agreement with VAI Resort

The Glendale City Council recently discussed a potential easement and maintenance agreement with VAI Resort for a shared access driveway between the city and the resort. Director of Development Services Randy Huggins said the agreement is common in commercial development.

City Manager Kevin Phelps explained the shared driveway was proposed to avoid construction of a required 20-foot fire access lane under city code. Originally, the city considered selling additional land so VAI could construct a private fire access road. However, the city also anticipates future development of adjacent vacant land that would require fire access.

In July 2024, VAI Resort purchased 8.25 acres to build a private parking garage with 4,250 spaces, 800 of which are leased by the city. The shared driveway would be located between the garage and nearby undeveloped city-owned parcels and include a roundabout. The area is bordered by Cardinals Way, 91st Avenue and Montebello Avenue.

City Attorney Michael Bailey clarified that the access would be treated as a city-owned driveway, not a public road, and would not have a street name. Huggins said the driveway would provide access to city-leased parking and undeveloped land, improve traffic flow and reduce paved surfaces while preserving developable land.

Phelps added that VAI Resort would pay for construction, design, maintenance, utilities, sidewalks and landscaping, all built to city standards, while the city would retain ownership. He estimated the roadway’s value at just over $3 million and said it would enhance circulation and future land viability.

Mayor Jerry Weiers asked about traffic capacity, and Phelps said the three-lane design would allow flexible traffic flow during major events. Vice Mayor Lauren Tolmachoff raised concerns about parking use during Cardinals Stadium events. Phelps explained the city cannot use its leased spaces for stadium patrons, but VAI may rent its private spaces and would install gates to restrict access.

Phelps said traffic concerns could be managed through closures, lane changes and turn adjustments. He noted the roundabout was primarily an aesthetic choice aligned with the resort’s design.