Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley addressed San Tan Valley’s council meeting on January 7, 2026, to discuss partnership between the neighboring municipalities. She identified State Route 24 and Pinal Parkway as shared transportation priorities.
Wheatley called transportation a top concern for residents in both communities. She said the two towns could coordinate their lobbying efforts at the state legislature.
Arizona’s legislative session begins next week. Billingsley said he plans to provide legislative updates to the council.
Queen Creek’s History of Support
Queen Creek incorporated 37 years ago. Wheatley noted her town has supported San Tan Valley’s incorporation efforts since 2004, backing ballot measures in 2010, 2017, and 2023 as well. In November, the two towns entered into a financial agreement providing up to $250,000 monthly for San Tan Valley’s operating expenses. Queen Creek also provides water service to portions of San Tan Valley.
“One of our best assets is the ability to work together,” Wheatley said. She added, “We have a lot of work to do.”
Queen Creek Officials in Attendance
Wheatley said a majority of her council attended, naming Council Members Dawn Oliphant, Robin Benning, and Jeff Brown. Town Manager Bruce Gardner also joined the delegation.
“As a council, we would love to attend more,” Wheatley said. “We do have meetings the exact same days and the exact same time.”
San Tan Valley Mayor Daren Schnepf welcomed the group. “We look forward to continuing our relationship as we grow,” he said. He called transportation “one of our big topics that we’ll be having moving forward.”
