Santan Valley, Arizona — Set against the backdrop of the Santan Mountains, Santan Valley is one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona.

“Even though there were only two roads in and out, there were still cows and I loved it,” said Evelyn Carr. “But it’s definitely time for us to grow up.”

Kerr has lived in Santan Valley for 17 years and believes it’s time for Santan Valley to become a city.

“We believe that incorporating is a good idea because we need roads. Control what’s going on in our city,” she said.

Carr is one of a growing number of Santan Valley residents who want their community to become a city.

In April, an organization called STV Inc. 2024 notified Pinal County that it would seek to have Santan Valley recognized as a city.

“There are 100,000 residents in Santan Valley and over 100,000 more. It is the largest unincorporated area and Pinal County is ill-equipped to run a city,” said STV Inc. said Tyler Hudgins, a member of the 2024 board of directors and one of the leaders of Santan Valley. effort.

Geographically, Pinal County is about the size of Connecticut.

The San Tan Valley is in line with all other communities when it comes to county tax distribution. A city would not only provide access to federal funding, but would also give it greater control over what residents want.

Pinal County Superintendent Mike Goodman will represent Santan Valley.

“Let the government control the people and that’s what the municipality does,” said Pinal County Superintendent Mike Goodman, who represents Santan Valley. “They get the amenities of the county. I am able to give a local voice and that is one of the reasons I was elected.” Thank you for your incorporation efforts. ”

Goodman says cities are better equipped than counties to build roads and parks and fund firefighting.

The groups leading this effort will have to convince voters that this is the case.

Later this summer, organizers will hold a series of open houses to explain their plans to Santan Valley residents. They are also meeting with the local governments of Pinal County, Mesa and Gilbert to seek their input and hopefully their support for incorporation.

A map of Santan Valley’s future city still needs to be drawn, and the group needs to gather enough signatures in a petition before the oversight board takes the initiative in voting in November 2024.

Only residents living within the proposed city limits will vote to incorporate.