By Caroline Yu | Daily Independent
Projections by the Maricopa Association of Governments estimate that Tempe’s population will grow from 167,400, as recorded on July 1, 2022, to 269,700 by the same date in 2060 — an increase of 38%.
Cities across the Valley are expecting growth in their populations over the next 30 years, and Tempe city staff are busy preparing for the influx of new people, businesses and overall traffic while keeping the sustainability of the city and its resources in mind.
Neighboring cities show projected increases as well, with Phoenix expecting a 28% increase, finally reaching over 2 million in population size, and nearby Mesa increasing in population by 18%.
MAG also released employment projections for this time period, with Tempe recording a 31% increase from a total of 192,400 workers in 2022 to an estimated total of 273,000 employees in 2060.
Residents can expect a boom in business, traffic and city investments to prepare for a larger population, but they may be wondering whether essentials like water can sustain such growth in the future, especially with statewide drought concerns.
Coincidentally, Tempe is about to finalize its General Plan 2050 before it’s put on the ballot for voters to approve in March 2024, so future-oriented discussions are at the top of mind for city staff.
Officials in the utilities, transportation and economic development offices shared how the city has been preparing and working together in order to provide the best quality of life for its existing and future residents.
