Finally. It is basically a done deal. San Tan Valley is a town. Being Arizona’s newest town also makes us the 92nd overall. Plus, being the largest in population to incorporate in state history.
Although the town will not become official until July 1, 2026, the process of getting there is allowed to begin.
Since residents and businesses continue to move here daily, newcomers may not understand the significance of such an accomplishment. Meanwhile, many other residents may not know what it means for them. We’ll get into all that here. But whether you were in favor of this or not, one thing seems right to recognize here:
It took well-intended people with a great deal of passion and perseverance. They endured endless political efforts to bring this milestone moment to life.
Prop 495
The trail to becoming a town began in 2005. Then, residents organized the first attempt to incorporate this area in Northern Pinal County. Simply put, incorporating means being legally able to form a local government and make decisions within its geographic limits.
If at first you don’t succeed….try, and try, and try, and try again.
The latest and greatest political push to incorporate as a town came historically on the fifth try. On August 5, 2025, Proposition 495 was placed on the ballot. The measure read as follows:
Shall the area described in the legal description included with Petition No. INC-20241028 be incorporated as a town under the name of “San Tan Valley, Arizona” pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-101?
The result was a landslide outcome. 2 out of 3 eligible residents voted YES.
Inaugural Town Council
Next, the political process went to the Pinal County Board of Supervisors. In mid-September 2025, the board approved a resolution to formally declare and order the incorporation of the town under the name, “San Tan Valley.”
The board also interviewed 13 candidates to serve on the new town council. From that group, it voted for 7 members. It appointed 6 men and 1 woman 7 to the inaugural San Tan Valley Town Council. In alphabetical order, they are:
Tyler Hudgins
Bryan Hunt
Gia Jenkins
Daniel Oakes
Daren Schnepf
Brian Tyler
Rupert Wolfert
Once the council members were chosen, they voted among themselves to elect a leader. This led to Daren Schnepf being named the first Mayor of the Town of San Tan Valley, Arizona. Tyler Hudgins was voted to be the Vice-Mayor. Best wishes one and all.
Town of San Tan Valley FAQ
One thing is already easier. Now we can all use the term, “around town.” Before, it was complicated and confusing. Anyway, the talk around town of San Tan Valley is people wondering and asking, “What does all this mean?”
We won’t get into the pros and cons. That dust storm has already blown away. So, let’s look at the key points.
How does incorporating impact our taxes?
Taxes was probably the main issue for approving the incorporation initiative. Before, it was said tens of millions of taxpayer dollars from STV went to Pinal County and the State of Arizona. Now, all local tax revenue will stay here in town and get invested directly into funding our safety, streets, neighborhoods, etc.
Why a town, not a city?
The Incorporate STV team led the push. Its members believed designating the town name aligned more with the character and vision of the community. It said, “Being a town emphasizes a focus on maintaining the close-knit, small-town feel. And that sets the tone for a more approachable, resident-centered government. One focused on collaboration, transparency, and serving the unique needs of our growing population.
Why didn’t we get to vote for Mayor and Town Council?
You will. But the legal and political process dictates otherwise. The inaugural mayor and town council members will be serving the community by getting things in order. A new mayor and town council will be elected by the people when the town officially takes control in Summer 2026.
What’s next?
Let’s let the words of STV Inc. Chairman and town council member, Tyler Hudgins explain. “One of the top things needing to be done is finding a town manager,” he said. “Getting our governmental functions in place: town clerk, town attorney and getting a location where residents can come and meet their town clerk and their local government.”
Is the town council holding public meetings?
Yes. The town council holds its meetings twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday. The meetings begin at 5:30 pm. They are available to watch live on YouTube. You may also attend in person. The town council meetings are held at the Pinal County San Tan Valley Government Complex. The address is: 31505 N Schnepf Road, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.
Will incorporating as a town impact Ironwood Chiropractic?
No and yes. Our chiropractic clinic will continue to prioritize compassionate, safe, and effective patient care. Furthermore, the highest objective of every patient feeling better will remain intact.
What will change is now we will have to remind everyone:
“In the TOWN of San Tan Valley… Ironwood Chiropractic is the first stop after auto accidents.”