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City/Town Snapshot: Town of Prescott Valley, AZ
Prescott Valley is a growing, thriving town about 90 miles north of Phoenix. Now the largest municipality in Yavapai County, with a U.S. Census estimated population of
nearly 42,000, the 38.1 sq. mile community boasts four mild seasons, and is within easy reach of endless outdoor recreational opportunities. Acres of turf fields, along
with cool summer weather, draw a myriad of sports events and tournaments year 'round.
Residents and visitors can enjoy entertainment at the Prescott Valley Event Center. The Mountain Valley Splash Pool sits in the middle of the community's largest park,
with a lighted ballfield complex, two large soccer fields, an amphitheater, a skate park, and walking and biking paths. The Town has a large network of multi-use paths,
and 24 community parks. The Civic Center hosts Art at the Center, a collection of sculptures and other art, and residents enjoy outdoor movies and concerts on the grounds.
Incorporated in 1978, Prescott Valley's past includes historic Indian and military communities and cattle ranching. Early settlers included Thomas Barlow Massicks, who
built a military town, a Victorian-style mansion, and a still operating dam in what is now known as Fain Park.
The community has a reputation for innovation, and has received notable awards for water management, architecture and financial management. In a first-ever accomplishment,
Prescott Valley Council in 2007 directed a public auction of the water credits derived from the effluent recharge process - a deal that can eventually yield $67 million for
the town. The effluent auction received a second place international award from Global Water Intelligence.
Prescott Valley fared better than many municipalities during the recent recession because of its focus on maintaining a healthy "rainy day" fund, and its quick reaction to
the economic downturn. The town found unique ways to avoid layoffs, such as staffing its new public library by asking employees in other departments to provide a certain
number of hours per week to the facility when it opened.
Post-recession, the town has seen a healthy uptick in new housing starts, and three record-setting years in sales tax revenues as new businesses find a community eager to
welcome them.
Prescott Valley has gained more than a million square feet of new commercial construction in the past six years, including Sprouts, TJ Maxx, Dick's Sporting Goods, Carl's Jr.,
Culver's, Chipotle, Ulta Beauty Supply, Walmart and Jimmy John's. On the horizon are The Men's Wearhouse, Volkswagen, Little Dealer, Little Prices and others. Local
industries also are planning expansions, boosted by the opening of the new Enterprise Parkway, which directly connects the community's industrial area for easy access to
State Route 69.
Served by the Humboldt Unified School District and a number of charter school choices, students also are getting a leg up on their futures. With a partnership between HUSD,
Yavapai College and Northern Arizona University, students now can graduate from high school with an associate's degree, and gain degrees through NAU/Yavapai's fast track program.
For more information on Prescott Valley, visit their website.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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