The Planning Center completed the extensive and innovative El Mirage General Plan update in 2009.  Located in the heart of the rapidly growing Northwest Valley in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, El Mirage grew from a small rural town dependent on agriculture to a diverse urban economy with a population of 32,607 residents. The El Mirage General Plan responds to various complexities by setting in motion a bold course of action for the future.

Mayor Michele Kern stated: “This Plan shows that the City is aggressively forward looking and is ready to support the creation of new innovative businesses for our residents.” Anne Reichman, Program Manager with ASU Global Institute of Sustainability wrote, “I applaud El Mirage for its commitment to include key principles in the areas of sustainable design, economic vitality, affordability, and energy efficiency. Its focus on achieving higher density and mixed use development, downtown revitalization, economic diversification, increasing energy efficiency, and reduction in its carbon footprint will help transform El Mirage into the thriving desert jewel mentioned in its vision statement.”

Winner of the 2011 Valley Forward Environmental Excellence Viable Community Merit Award, the General Plan contributes to regional connectivity by offering strategic local solutions to regional mobility and access needs.