Linked Retail, Housing, Parks, and Infrastructure Upgrades Continue to Reshape Chandler in 2026

Chandler’s vibrant evolution in 2026 exemplifies a city that seamlessly blends cultural vitality, sustainable growth, and cutting-edge infrastructure. Building on its foundational initiatives, the city’s recent developments reflect a forward-thinking approach to community enrichment, economic diversification, environmental responsibility, and connectivity. From lively festivals and artistic expressions to major infrastructure enhancements and innovative housing projects, Chandler is positioning itself as a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous metropolis.

A Cultural Renaissance and Expanding Community Engagement

This year, Chandler has seen a remarkable surge in cultural activities and community-based initiatives that foster pride and regional prominence.

• Public Art and Murals: The city’s public art program has gained unprecedented momentum, with murals by acclaimed environmental artist Meg Harpe from Mesa now gracing neighborhoods across Chandler. These murals, crafted from salvaged materials such as street signs, luggage, old appliances, and remnants of a 1940s car door, serve as powerful storytelling mediums. They emphasize ecological consciousness, local identity, and community resilience, transforming neighborhoods into open-air galleries that both inspire environmental stewardship and support local artists.

• Arts Exhibitions and Creative Spaces: Chandler’s arts scene continues to flourish:

  • The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts showcased its recent exhibition “(Be) Longing,” exploring themes of cultural identity and community connection, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, dialogue-driven arts ecosystem.
  • The opening of PIP Coffee and Clay, a creative hub offering handcrafted coffee, pottery, and art classes, has become a favorite gathering spot, further enriching Chandler’s cultural fabric.

• Festivals and Community Events: The city’s calendar remains bustling:

  • The Downtown Chandler Fine Art & Wine Festival celebrated its fifth edition in February, drawing larger crowds with live performances, wine tastings, and artisan vendors—highlighting downtown’s cultural renaissance.
  • The Pollack Chandler International Film Festival expanded its programming, showcasing more screenings, workshops, and international collaborations—raising Chandler’s profile as an arts destination.
  • HopeFest 2026 focused on mental health and wellness, featuring performances by Vinyl Station, resource booths, and community food drives supporting local charities.
  • Multicultural celebrations at the Chandler Farmers Market—including Chinese New Year, Black History Month, and intercultural festivals—continue to foster diversity and unity.
  • Family-oriented events like the Easter Celebration and the 24 Karrot Trail—a fun outdoor activity where families collect eggs along scenic routes—encourage outdoor activity and community bonding.

• Community and STEM Outreach: Highlighting Chandler’s dedication to nurturing future innovators, NASA engineer Kobie Boykins visited the Chandler Center for the Arts, inspiring local students with insights into space exploration and engineering.

• Iconic Events with Expanded Lineups: The 36th Annual Ostrich Festival at Rawhide, held from March 13–15 and 20–22, announced two additional headliners:

  • Kansas, the legendary rock band, electrified audiences.
  • Ravyn Lenae, an emerging R&B artist, joined country star Jo Dee Messina and The Revivalists.
  • These additions signal Chandler’s rise as a premier entertainment hub.

• Outdoor Wellness Initiatives: Programs like Yoga at the Park, hosted by Golden Neighbors, continue to draw large crowds, emphasizing outdoor health and community wellness. Additionally, the Chandler Fire Department’s “There’s Power in a Teddy Bear” campaign promotes emotional support alongside safety, exemplifying Chandler’s holistic approach to community well-being. The recent Black Family Health & Wellness Expo further underscores the city’s commitment to health equity and community empowerment, providing resources, health screenings, and educational sessions tailored to Black families.

Downtown and Retail: Innovation and Diversity Flourish

Chandler’s downtown districts are experiencing a renaissance driven by redevelopment efforts, entrepreneurial spirit, and culinary diversity.

• Mall Redevelopment: Led by Macerich, Chandler Fashion Center is nearing completion of a major transformation featuring expansive outdoor plazas, versatile event spaces, and pedestrian-friendly zones. This redesign has repositioned the mall as a vibrant community hub, hosting festivals, farmers markets, and cultural events that attract regional visitors and foster local pride.

• Emerging Local Businesses and Culinary Diversity:

  • Heladita, renowned for handcrafted ice creams and paletas, has expanded into Food City stores, increasing regional accessibility and customer reach.
  • Seafood City, a Filipino grocery chain, continues to be a cultural gathering spot, reflecting Chandler’s diverse demographics.
  • Negotiations are underway with North Italia to introduce innovative dining concepts, further diversifying Chandler’s culinary scene.
  • The 16 Handles Frozen Yogurt at Fulton Ranch Towne Center remains a social favorite for residents.
  • Greenwood Brewing, a woman-owned craft brewery, has filed plans to establish a downtown location at 55 N. Arizona Avenue, featuring a 2,500-square-foot patio designed to foster community interaction and bolster Chandler’s thriving craft beer scene.

• Support for Entrepreneurs: The city actively promotes innovation through pop-up markets, incubator programs, and business assistance initiatives, nurturing a resilient and diverse local economy that encourages new ventures and sustains existing small businesses.

Housing, Parks, and Environmental Sustainability

Chandler continues to prioritize sustainable growth, housing affordability, and ecological responsibility.

• Housing Developments: The Basha site housing project is progressing well, creating family-oriented neighborhoods integrated with parks, schools, and retail spaces to promote walkability and community cohesion. Additionally, a 57-home middle-housing project advances to address housing shortages and meet statewide affordable housing goals.

• Parks and Green Spaces: The historic Dr. A.J. Chandler Park is undergoing extensive upgrades, including eco-friendly landscaping, new outdoor gathering zones, playgrounds, and fitness areas. These enhancements aim to promote outdoor activity, community wellness, and ecological sustainability.

• Recycling and Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Chandler’s green practices are expanding:

  • Discarded holiday items, such as artificial Christmas trees, are being repurposed into park landscaping materials.
  • Scrap metals are recycled into sustainable building components.
  • The city continues efforts to reduce waste, promote eco-friendly construction, and incorporate sustainable landscaping practices.

• Environmental Advocacy: Chandler reaffirmed its stance against environmentally risky projects, notably opposing the proposed $2 billion AI data center by Active Infrastructure. Mayor Kevin Hartke emphasized, “It was the right decision,” highlighting the city’s focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation.

• Community Outreach and Safety: Enforcement efforts against illegal tobacco and substance sales near schools, such as recent arrests near Hamilton High School, remain a priority. The Teddy Bear outreach campaign continues to symbolize Chandler’s comprehensive approach—prioritizing safety, emotional support, and community trust.

Infrastructure, Mobility, and Economic Development

Chandler’s infrastructure projects are vital in supporting its expanding population and economic ambitions.

• Freeway and Interchange Upgrades: Improvements to I-10 include lane expansions and interchange enhancements aimed at easing congestion. The Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange underwent a temporary closure for approximately two weeks to facilitate construction, causing short-term disruptions but paving the way for significant long-term traffic flow improvements. Future plans include a new Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange designed to further alleviate congestion and support projected growth.

• Local Road and Sewer Repairs: Recent updates include a section of Chandler Boulevard temporarily closed for sewer repairs; one lane has now reopened, restoring partial traffic flow. The city continues to coordinate weekend lane closures and detours for ongoing sewer and roadway projects, with real-time updates provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

• Industrial and Commercial Expansion: A new Class A industrial complex near I-10 and Loop 202 is progressing, offering large-scale warehouses and logistics facilities to bolster Chandler’s industrial capacity. Additionally, C.E. Precision Assemblies has announced a major expansion into a larger West Chandler facility, aiming to create high-tech jobs and attract aerospace and manufacturing investments.

• Corporate Growth: Notably, Oaktree Funding Corp., a nationally recognized mortgage banker, has doubled the footprint of its Chandler headquarters, signaling confidence in the city’s economic resilience and growth potential.

• Major Employers and Business Expansion: The city’s business landscape continues to diversify, with companies like Oaktree Funding Corp. expanding significantly, and C.E. Precision Assemblies investing heavily in local manufacturing. These developments underscore Chandler’s appeal as a hub for high-tech, finance, and industrial sectors.

Civic Governance, Education, and Community Engagement

Chandler’s leadership remains committed to transparency, educational excellence, and fostering a vibrant community.

• School District Performance: The Chandler Unified School District continues to excel, earning favorable ratings in the 2026 Arizona Auditor General’s District Financial Risk Analysis, ensuring stable, high-quality education for residents.

• Youth and Leadership Development: The appointment of Angel Encinas as Vice Mayor exemplifies the city’s focus on diverse leadership. The Youth Career Event on February 25 successfully connected young residents with local employers, fostering skills and employment readiness. Chandler High School’s First National Signing Day celebrated student-athletes committing to colleges nationwide, reflecting strong community support.

• Community Outreach: The city hosted visits from notable figures such as NASA engineer Kobie Boykins, inspiring students in STEM fields. The Teddy Bear campaign continues to symbolize Chandler’s holistic approach—prioritizing safety, emotional support, and community trust.

Public Safety and Community Well-being

Chandler remains vigilant in maintaining a safe environment:

• Enforcement Near Schools: Recent arrests for illegal tobacco and substance sales near Hamilton High School exemplify ongoing efforts to curb illegal activity in youth-centric areas.

• Community Outreach Programs: The Teddy Bear outreach campaign continues to symbolize Chandler’s dedication to emotional support and safety, fostering trust between residents and law enforcement.

Current Status and Outlook

Chandler’s comprehensive approach—integrating cultural vibrancy, sustainable development, infrastructure modernization, and inclusive governance—positions it for sustained growth and resilience. The addition of Kansas to the Ostrich Festival lineup and expanded programming at the Pollack Chandler International Film Festival elevate its regional profile as an entertainment destination.

The completion of major freeway upgrades, ongoing housing and green space projects, and robust support for local businesses reinforce Chandler’s trajectory toward becoming an even more attractive, sustainable, and livable city. Its strategic emphasis on innovation, diversity, and environmental stewardship ensures residents and visitors will enjoy a thriving community well into the future.

In essence, Chandler in 2026 epitomizes a city where historic charm meets modern ambition—rich in cultural vibrancy, driven by economic diversity, and committed to sustainable growth. Its ongoing evolution demonstrates a community prepared to meet future challenges with confidence, collaboration, and a shared vision for prosperity.