In 1998, amid dramatic growth that was reshaping Arizona communities and putting a strain on resources, the state legislature passed the Growing Smarter Act. 

One of the most important provisions of the Growing Smarter Act required general plans for each city and county. The plans, or blueprints for growth, must be updated at least every 10 years and put to the public for a vote.

The City received extensive public input to inform the development of the plan, accepting hundreds of public comments for six months prior to creating the first draft. City commissions and local organizations were also directly engaged to offer input and additional feedback was sought once a draft plan was prepared. Now we're seeking additional input to rework this plan to better reflect our community’s vision.

Since Vista 2040 was not approved in 2024, the City will continue using the previous plan, Vista 2030, to inform planning decisions. The process of developing an updated plan has begun anew and it will be brought back to the voters in the 2026 General Election, as required by state law.

Text and map amendments may be made to the plan in the future, even after being adopted by the voters. However, any proposed amendments to Vista 2040 would require public input through a formal public hearing process.

No. Vista 2040 is planning and policy document that will inform the Mayor and Council as they make planning decisions and develop the City Council’s Strategic Plan, which is created every two years with near-term objectives. Any expenses require budgeting, and the budget is approved by Mayor and Council each year.

The community, the Mayor and City Council, Boards, Commissions, and other advisory entities, are all intended users of Vista 2040. Citizens can use the Plan to learn about the City, how to maintain and enhance the City’s quality of life, and the community’s long-term plans. The Mayor and City Council will use the Plan to formulate strategic plans that specify the long-range projects that city staff will focus on.

No. The Plan identifies broad-based land use categories upon which zoning is based.