BUSINESS
Investing in economic growth The Monroe Avenue project represents more than a road improvement for local merchants. It is one of the first visible investments tied to the Downtown Area Specific Plan, which seeks to create a more walkable and economically vibrant district capable of attracting new residents, visitors and businesses, city council members said. "This project is the first step in implementing the City Council approved Downtown Area Specific Area Plan," city documents state. "The goal of the plan is to transform downtown Buckeye into a welcoming place for everyone, while fostering community belonging and encouraging economic growth." The corridor currently serves as the primary commercial spine through downtown, connect- ing restaurants, retail shops, service businesses, community events and civic destinations. City leaders said improving the street's functionality and pedestrian experience is expected to encourage visitors to spend more time downtown and support local businesses. Safety and access key to business success James Braveboy Jr., project manager with the city's Capital Improvement Program, said the new roadway design was approved by City Council in August 2025 after extensive planning. "Our City Council approved a three-lane configuration with one lane in each direction with a left turn lane at every intersection," Braveboy said. The redesign is intended to improve traffic flow while making it easier and safer for customers to access downtown businesses. "This is designed to improve our traffic flow, pedestrian safety, sight visibility safety and also parking is going to be closer to the curb," Braveboy said. The project removes the confusing off-curb parking spots that put cars several feet away from the sidewalk. Traditional parallel parking is now designated along Monroe Avenue. A recent study published in the journal Cities found that "pedestrianizing" commercial streets increased retail sales and customer activity. And it’s through the Downtown Area Specific Plan that city officials hope to attain that goal. "To ensure downtown Buckeye remains charming and home to so many unique and specialty businesses and restaurants, the city is working to make the area more pedestrian friendly and maximize parking," the plan states. "This will make getting to these locally owned businesses easier and safer."
Foundation for future investment The resurfacing project is only the beginning of a broader downtown improvement effort. Future phases are expected to include new curb and gutter infrastructure, upgraded pavement, wider sidewalks, decorative street lighting, landscaping, and other streetscape enhancements designed to create a more attractive business district. Those improvements could help downtown Buckeye compete for new restaurants, specialty retailers, professional offices, and residential development as the city continues its rapid population growth. The city's planning documents envision additional housing options and new businesses opening downtown over the coming years, creating a larger customer base within walking distance of existing merchants. For business owners, the strategy is aimed at creating the type of environment that encourages both private investment and increased consumer spending, the city stated in a video update about the project.
Construction to continue through summer
The $24.4 million project, a result of a flooding study conducted by the Flood Control District back in 2004, is expected to
REMAKING THE HEART OF THE CITY Monroe Avenue improvement aims to boost Downtown Buckeye businesses
"This [project] is designed to improve our traffic flow, pedestrian safety, visibility safety and also parking is ... closer to the curb," Braveboy said. Although temporary traffic impacts are expected throughout the summer, city officials view the project as a long-term investment in downtown's economic future. As Buckeye continues to grow into one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities, city leaders are betting that improvements to Monroe Avenue will help position downtown as a destination where residents can shop, dine, work and gather — while providing existing businesses with a stronger foundation for growth. Still to come The city plans to place storm drainpipe and catch basins in Monroe Avenue from Miller to 9th Street to relieve flooding for the “10-year, 2-hour storm for Downtown Buckeye,” according to city documents. Floodwaters would be channeled into a drainpipe system under 6th Street to South Street and then east to 7th and outfall into a retention basin constructed by this project.
be completed in 2028. Night lighting
Once Monroe Avenue is reassembled, the city is considering a decorative lighting installa- tion that would crisscross Monroe between 3rd and 7th streets as part of ongoing efforts to enhance downtown Buckeye’s appearance and nighttime atmosphere. Amy Murray, the city’s Public Works director, is proposing the $600,000 idea. Elected leaders are still mulling the idea, but Councilmember Tony Youngker has defended the proposal, saying improvements are necessary to make downtown Buckeye more attractive for future development and investment, noting that he has spoken with developers interested in downtown. “The consensus that we get back is, ‘What is the city doing to make this a more attractive area? What are you doing to make it so people actually want to be down here?’” Youngker said in June.
BY DAVID KENNARD D OWNTOWN BUCKEYE IS ENTERING ANOTHER PHASE OF ITS TRANSFORMATION WITH THE COMPLETION work on the Monroe Avenue Resurfacing Project, a key piece of the city's long-term strategy to attract investment, support local businesses and create a more vibrant downtown district. The project included repaving and restriping Monroe Avenue from Miller Road to Eason Avenue and including a continuous center turn lane. City officials say the new look is designed to improve traffic operations and safety, as well as strengthen the business environment in the historic downtown core. "Downtown Buckeye is evolving into a dynamic hub of activity and community engagement," according to the city's Downtown Area Specific Plan. "The charming boutiques, cozy cafes and family-owned businesses are what currently make downtown Buckeye unique and special."
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InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026
July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com
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