Town of Paradise Valley

Well known as one of the most affluent, aesthetically pleasing communities in Arizona, Paradise Valley lies in the heart of metropolitan Phoenix nestled between Phoenix and Scottsdale and encompasses 15 square mile. Due to the natural beauty of the desert and the surrounding hillsides and mountains, the Town provides residents and visitors with the sense that Paradise Valley is a very special place to be.

In 1889, the Rio Verde Canal Company sent two surveyors to what is now the Town of Paradise Valley. They were so taken by the beauty and tranquility of the desert landscape; they named the area “Paradise Valley.”  In the 1950’s, fearing that their quiet desert living would be swallowed up by neighboring cities, the Citizen Committee for Incorporation organized, and the Town was incorporated in May 1961. At that time, the residents wanted an efficient and interactive government that would preserve the unique lifestyle and environment of this wonderful place they called "paradise.” Today, and throughout the Town’s 60-year history, residents are very involved and committed to the original vision: preserving and maintaining quiet surroundings, open space and valuing limited government.

Arizona Business Journal consistently ranks Paradise Valley as the wealthiest community in the state. It also leads in the percentage of residents with advanced levels of education (69.8% of adults have a Bachelor’s degree or higher). Most of the Town’s homes are on lots of one acre or more with average home values of $2.6 mil and upward. Despite the Town’s relatively small area (15 square miles) and population (12,658) compared to other cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Paradise Valley is home to eight world class resorts, making it one of Arizona’s premier tourist destinations.  Currently in construction is the Town’s newest resort, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Luxury Estates and Villas.

Limited commercial enterprise is permitted in town as long as it is compatible with the residential lifestyle.  In addition to the resorts, this includes several places of worship, public and private schools, medical offices and three golf courses. The combination of its temperate climate, central location, and unlimited recreational, cultural and shopping opportunities nearby makes Paradise Valley an ideal place to live, play and work.

The Town of Paradise Valley has a Council-Manager form of government.   The Town Council consists of the Mayor and six Council members. The Council members are elected to serve four-year staggered terms and the Mayor is elected every two years. Since incorporation in 1961, Town government has relied on resident volunteers, including the Mayor, all Council Members, the Presiding Judge, Associate Judges, Judges Pro Tem, and Hearing Officers. The Council appoints the Town Manager, the Town Attorney, the Municipal Judges, and members of all committees, commissions and boards.

The Town budget of $57.1 million includes an operating budget of $49.3 million for FY 21/22.  The capital improvement  budget is $7.8 million. Town revenues come primarily from  Hotel Sales Tax , Bed Tax, Construction Sales Tax, Other Local Sales Tax and state shared revenues. The Town also relies on its neighboring cities for some essential services.  It has intergovernmental agreements with the City of Phoenix for fire service and the City of Scottsdale for wastewater management. Those residents who are not covered by Scottsdale for wastewater management are either septic, or on the City of Phoenix sewer system.  Other utilities, such as gas, electric, refuse collection and recycling, are provided by private companies.

The Town Manager is responsible for the management of the Town and oversees Finance, Police, Community Development, Administration, IT and Public Works.   The Town currently has approximately 110 full and part-time employees.

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