2024 Year in Review

Join us as we take a look back at the highlights, milestones and unforgettable moments that shaped 2024. From community achievements to exciting projects, hear why the year was a great time to be in Goodyear!

Transcript

Host Jordan Byrd: 0:05

And welcome into the Growing Goodyear podcast from the city of Goodyear. I'm Jordan Byrd,

Host Tammy Vo: 0:09

and hey everyone, I'm Tammy Vo. Happy Holidays, by the way.

Host Jordan Byrd: 0:12

And Tammy, this is a special episode because this is our year in review, 2024 and what a great year 2024 was in Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 0:20

That is hard to believe that it is almost 2025 time has just flown by. I feel like it was just the holidays. Last year we were celebrating one of our earlier, you know, GSQ, holiday celebrations, and now we're just on a roll into the next one.

Host Jordan Byrd: 0:35

Well, I mean, take it back a few years even, there was no GSQ, there was no Civic Square, there was no holidays on the square and so so much has happened in such a short period of time. And so much has really happened in 2024 as well. And that's what this entire podcast episode is going to be about. We're going to look back on all of the accomplishments, all of the great things that have happened in the last 12 months, and even look ahead a little bit into what might be coming in 2025.

Host Tammy Vo: 1:01

Yeah and if you just look at the numbers, Jordan, we are 112,000 residents now in Goodyear. I mean, we've been just jumping so fast. I mean, that's 54% increase from 10 years ago. When you put those numbers into perspective, it's like, wow, that's a lot of growth, but there's still so much to go. The city is only 15% built out. So it's hard to believe what will look like five holidays from now.

Host Jordan Byrd: 1:24

Well, and when you go back that 10 years, this was a bedroom community, right? And now we are starting to see the makings of that vision for making Goodyear a complete city where people can live, they can work, they can play. And that really is starting to take hold here in 2024 and we're gonna only continue to see that trend as it grows. So we hope you enjoy this look back at what has happened here in 2024, so without further ado, let's get started. GSQ opens for business, the first businesses and restaurants in GSQ, the city's brand new, vibrant downtown open for business in 2024.

Host Tammy Vo: 2:02

Yeah, Jordan. Some of those businesses are The Stillery, Copper and Sage. Hopefully you've been over to those two places. They've got great food.

Host Jordan Byrd: 2:10

I'm raising my hand. I have.

Host Tammy Vo: 2:11

Oh, yeah, delicious. Don't forget about F 45 training. It's a locally owned business, which we love to have in Goodyear. Spitz Mediterranean food. Love it. I, by the way, I'm gluten free, and they have a great gluten free menu if you want.

Host Jordan Byrd: 2:24

Vegan too. I know a lot of residents have been asking for vegan options. They have vegan options.

Host Tammy Vo: 2:28

And very healthy might I say, also, if you want to get your nails done, Classic and Fancy Nails has opened in GSQ. And last, but certainly not least, Bacchus wine in debauchery, which I'm super excited about, is expected to open in GSQ before the end of the year.

Host Jordan Byrd: 2:47

And don't forget, we are not very far away from other options opening up in GSQ in 2025 including High Tide seafood restaurant, Over Easy, a great breakfast brunch spot that's going to add a whole new dynamic to GSQ and Shake Shack that is going to be opening up right on the corner of 150th drive and McDowell, but with more on GSQ and the future of Goodyear's new downtown, here is a snippet from our interview with the owner of the land and developer of GSQ, Globe Corporation, president and CO CEO, George Getz.

George Getz: 3:19

We've owned the property since 1970, so we've owned the property for a long time. It's been farmed for a long, long time, and with the growth that's happening in Goodyear, we just feel we're at a perfect time right now to really kick this thing off, our partnership with the city has never been better, stronger. We love how the city operates, they're pro growth, what their vision is for their downtown, and we want to be a big part of that, and we're being a big part of it with what we've developed already and what we have planned for in the future. So the future is bright for Goodyear, and I know the residents are going to be really excited. You know, prior to this, Goodyear never had a real downtown. It had some office buildings where their offices were, but not a real feel of a downtown, and that's what we're trying to create here is a great downtown for the ninth fastest growing city in the country.

Host Tammy Vo: 4:09

We talk about discussions that Globe is having with some of these potential restaurants and and stores. What is their reaction when you talk about, hey, what do you think about coming to Goodyear? What's their reaction to that?

George Getz: 4:23

Well, in the past, it's been a little bit mixed, until they open, and then when they open, they're like, this is the best store opening we've ever had. Our sales are higher than any other store we've ever had, whether it's Harkins, when we did Oreganos, when we did Cheddars, when we did BJs, you go right down the list. Everybody that's opened up, they've opened up to higher sales than they've ever had. And so we've got a track record now of proving that when they start to do their own market information, they're all starting to come back saying, You're exactly right. We can have better sales than we thought we were going to have. And so that's why we've been having more success, and we will. To have more and more success because of the demand and the desire for better restaurants, better retail, better everything in Goodyear and we're going to bring it to them in a lot of different forms and fashions. But as we start to create this downtown and this urban feel, you'll start to see more vertical, whether it's hotels, whether you see multi family or I'd love to see some higher rise condos down there. I think that would go over really well with the city. Think there's a lot of people that would love to live in, you know, a three or four story condo tower in a downtown, urban setting in Goodyear where they can walk to the movies, walk to entertainment, walk to restaurants and shopping and that kind of thing. So, you know, again, it's all part of this urban development that we're trying to create in a vibrant downtown. That's what you want, is a vibrant downtown

Host Tammy Vo: 5:52

Business growth.

Montage: 5:53

The valley to come down with a big case of Buc-ee's fever. It's like a bakery and a restaurant and a bunch of other things, like a fudge store all rolled in together in Goodyear. It's more than just a gas station. Girl, I can't even tell you, it is a game changer of a gas station, if you can even put it on that level. Okay, so you guys, this was all the buzz in our newsroom. People living in Goodyear also looking forward to the experience. Actually, very excited to see what's bringing it to town. I can't wait to get a shirt. Rachel McNeil says cleanest restrooms in America. Get the beaver nuggets and the chopped brisket sandwich. My mouth is watering. This will be the chain's first location in Arizona, and the biggest yet nationwide. Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo saying about 200 people will be hired at this location with a starting pay above minimum wage. We wanted to know what you at home are most excited about. And the web team actually told me that when they put this up, this became the most popular poll we have ever done for any story. Oh my gosh. So just the anticipation of it coming here. If you go across the I 10 to the other side, the north side, there is a ton of development going on right now with restaurants as well as other amenities. So guys, there's just a ton of excitement in Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 7:15

Man, was that a big headliner this year or what Jordan? Buc-ee's announced they are coming to Goodyear.

Host Jordan Byrd: 7:22

For a lot of people here in Goodyear, they may have never heard of Buc-ee's a year ago in 2023 but 2024 was definitely the year of Buc-ee's, not only in Goodyear, but as you could hear in those clips, there is excitement statewide, Valley wide, Southwest wide. I mean, people all over are excited about Buc-ee's coming to Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 7:41

And some of us here at the city were like, city were like, What is this Buc-ee's all about? So, Jordan, I know you went to Buc-ee's.

Host Jordan Byrd: 7:46

Oh, my goodness. What an experience that is. I mean, it it lives up to the hype. And it really is hard to kind of articulate the magic of Buc-ee's until you step foot in a Buc-ee's. I mean, I've never seen a gas station that has shopping carts before you enter in the building. I mean, that just gives you the idea of the products and the offerings that they have.

Host Tammy Vo: 8:05

Yes, and they are coming next year. So that the big announcement was this year in 2024 but next year you'll be able to actually visit Buc-ee's in Goodyear.

Host Jordan Byrd: 8:13

But what was also so exciting about business growth here in the city of Goodyear in 2024 was Buc-ee's wasn't the only big name brand that has planted their flag in Goodyear, we have the opening of White Castle, the opening of Winco grocery store, the opening of Bubba's 33 just to name a few. And as always, Tammy, whenever these companies come to Goodyear, they open up a new location, a new restaurant, a new store. It always seems to be one of their highest performing that they've ever seen before.

Host Tammy Vo: 8:42

And I know we talk a lot about GSQ and Goodyear's future downtown, but if you think about Canyon Trails Towne Center, wow, that has really exploded in this last year. Highest sales growth ever for some of the new businesses over there, like Michaels, Five Below, Freddie steak burger opened up. I mean, that is just a really hot corner with a lot of options and amenities for residents.

Host Jordan Byrd: 9:05

And what was also impressive about what happened at Canyon Trails Towne Center this year, for the first time in its 15 year history, it is now fully leased out, with even more exciting businesses coming in 2025. Keeping Goodyear safe.

Host Tammy Vo: 9:21

Here at the city in Goodyear, we were excited this year, in 2024 to welcome our new police chief with the hiring of Chief Brian Issitt.

Host Jordan Byrd: 9:31

He spent 22 years as a member of the Phoenix Police Department, serving in a variety of roles such as the SWAT team, training Bureau, counter terrorism and the traffic unit.

Host Tammy Vo: 9:41

And he's got a lot of experience. He came to the city from his previous role as Deputy Director with the Department of liquor licenses and control, and here is just part of our interview with Chief Issitt after he was hired as Goodyear's police chief.

Chief Brian Issitt: 9:55

This isn't Brian Issitt's police department. This is our police department. This is the Goodyear Police Department. And so if there's any one thing that that I have learned over the course of time, this whole thing that we like to call public safety, it's a team sport. We're working together to make this community the safest that it can be. So it's a team effort between us and the community and we're going to work together. I want everybody in this community to feel like, okay, this is my police department.

Host Tammy Vo: 10:28

How excited are you to be part of a city that is growing so quickly? I know it does definitely come with challenges in terms of resources with policing, but what about just like the excitement that comes with being in just a really fast growing city?

Chief Brian Issitt: 10:42

I love it. I'm so excited to be here. I think that this is a dream for me, and just to be part of this already, in just the short amount of time, just the support that I've received from our city manager to Mayor Pizzillo and council, and then just the community members that that I've been fortunate enough to meet, the support is is outrageous. This is a place that, for me, is exciting. The future growth of this city is only going to lead to more innovation, especially in the law enforcement capacity and how do we protect the citizens of this the city as we continue to grow and expand. So this position was a dream come true.

Host Jordan Byrd: 11:27

But police wasn't the only department here in Goodyear in public safety making news in 2024. Goodyear also opened its eighth fire station in 2024 with the opening of fire station 188 near Harrison Street and Citrus Road.

Host Tammy Vo: 11:42

And this station is really continuing to kind of lead this trend in the safety of firefighters by enhancing some of the safety measures and the design of their stations and the fire trucks as well that keeps our firefighters safe from dangerous cancer causing carcinogens.

Host Jordan Byrd: 11:59

The city also rolled out its brand new emergency alert system this year called gy alerts. This free service sends customized alerts via text message, email and voice messaging to residents so that they can stay informed about potential threats to their safety and take actions that can protect themselves and others. And if you would like to sign up for gy alerts, go to Goodyear az.gov/gy alerts. A banner year for parks. There was a lot to celebrate in 2024 when it comes to Goodyear's Parks and Recs department, everything from Goodyear ballpark to the city events to everything that happens at the Goodyear rec campus. It really was a special year this year.

Host Tammy Vo: 12:44

And the ballpark has really become a staple in Goodyear. We've got people who come from all over the country for games, and we celebrated at the ballpark our 15th anniversary in 2024 welcoming over 146,000 fans to spring training this year and in the 15 total years of the ballpark, did you know that Goodyear ballpark is nearing 2 million total fans that have enjoyed a game here in Goodyear?

Host Jordan Byrd: 13:11

But it's not just spring training that makes Goodyear ballpark so popular and such a staple of the Goodyear community. Thanks to youth tournaments and adult tournaments played year round, the ballpark hosts over 1500 tournaments a season that brings in people from all over the country right here to Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 13:28

And it's not just baseball. Of course, a lot of families and community members come together at the ballpark as a gathering spot for a lot of different events, like Fourth of July spectacular that takes place over the summer, the Fall Festival. That's a huge one, and not to mention several other just important and meaningful events like high school graduations.

Host Jordan Byrd: 13:49

2024 was a big year for events. Here in Goodyear, the city hosted more than 15 events, and we added a brand new event this year with the rhythm and roots event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Host Tammy Vo: 14:01

And the city's parks and rec department was also honored with the Arizona Parks and Rec Associations outstanding cultural awareness program for its yearly Juneteenth Family Day event.

Host Jordan Byrd: 14:13

With more on what makes Goodyear events the best in the valley. Here is Goodyear festival and events coordinator, Natalie Reinen.

Natalie Reinen: 14:20

There really is something magical about Goodyear Civic Square during the holidays. Every single night, I feel like I walk out and I'm in awe of all the lights and also just the people that are out. So they wanted to come on a Tuesday night and have a picnic in the park under all the lights you can. We added more selfie spots this year, that was a huge thing that we saw a lot of people taking advantage of last year. So we have more selfie spots this year.

Host Jordan Byrd: 14:47

When do you guys start preparing for holidays on the square considering just how many different components and different nights and different themes are all incorporated in this one event?

Natalie Reinen: 14:58

We really do start planning a year in advance, putting together themes and vendors and thinking about Christmas decor. It has to start that early. We have so many other events that are also we're thinking a year in advance, so we start early to make sure every experience is one that's worthy for our residents.

Host Jordan Byrd: 15:20

Well, Tammy, that is just a sampling of what has happened here in 2024

Host Tammy Vo: 15:24

We've been busy.

Host Jordan Byrd: 15:25

I know, and we always end this podcast with saying, Remember, it's a great time to be in Goodyear. But when you look back at 2024 and even kind of look ahead to 2025 that statement rings truer today more than ever. It really is a great time to be in Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 15:42

And I think one thing we've heard of a lot of our residents say that mostly everyone agrees on is everyone's really excited for the growth in terms of, like the restaurants, like cool, new restaurants, right? New restaurants, new shopping. I mean, not just that, but, you know, schools, you know, the parks and all those things that really makes Goodyear what it is. And the one thing that I often hear our mayor say is, you know, we strive in Goodyear to keep that small town kind of community feel that Goodyear has known for many years, while also sort of embracing and balancing the growth. And I really think that some of these events that we've talked about through the year, the parks events, the smaller the gatherings that are growing still, are ways that I think the city is really achieving that.

Host Jordan Byrd: 16:30

Well, in a way, there's a little bit of envy now, being on Goodyear right where we have these events, we have these amenities, we have these attractions that are catching the attention of people all around the region, and so whether it's Buc-ee's or GSQ and all the businesses coming in there, or the city events that you mentioned, and that's just to name a few, that's just scratching the surface. Really, there really is this envy that man, what is Goodyear doing that is so right right now. And it just feels like where this city is going and where our residents have invested in the vision of the city. The sky's the limit right now for the city of Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 17:06

And we certainly could not do it without the leadership of our mayor and council. Of course, at the end of this year, we will be saying goodbye to two of our long standing council members, Council Member Sherry Lauritano and council member Bill Stipp will be leaving at the end of their terms, and we will have two new council members, Benita Beckles and Trey Terry.

Host Jordan Byrd: 17:27

We're also going to have two brand new public schools coming to Goodyear in 2025 the brand new Goodyear High School, the Mavericks, will be opening their doors in the fall of 2025 as will a brand new elementary school. Loretta Zumbro, so you had talking education, you're talking fun things to do, places to eat, places to go.

Host Tammy Vo: 17:48

And don't forget, if you would like to check out some of these highlights that we've talked about. The city's InFocus magazine is a great way to do that. December's issue, even in more depth, goes over all these sort of achievements and exciting things that happened in 2024 so check that out. Should be in your mailbox, and if not, you can head to Goodyear. az.gov/infocus.

Host Jordan Byrd: 18:07

So thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Growing Goodyear podcast. 2024 was an amazing year here in Goodyear, and we can't wait to see what happens in 2025 so until next time, remember it's always a great time to be in Goodyear. That concludes this episode of Growing Goodyear. Make sure to leave us a review and subscribe on your favorite streaming or podcast player app. If you have any questions or comments, email us at communications at Goodyear az.gov and don't forget to follow us on the city of Goodyear's social media pages.