Let’s build Maricopa stronger together.  

That was the gist of Mayor Nancy Smith’s third State of the City address held last night at Desert Sunrise High School.  

While the majority of her speech served as a highlight reel of the city’s milestones and accomplishments over the past year — such as watching the Industrial Triangle come to fruition and officials’ constant backing of State Route 347 funding and expansion— a small portion revolved around the event’s theme, “Building Stronger Together.” 

Using LEGO blocks as a metaphor, Smith advocated for residents to continue helping to shape Maricopa into a “full-fledged city.” 

“LEGOs are designed not only to connect, but also [be] connected to,” she said. “They click together, forming connections that were solid and enduring.” 

Maricopans were the bricks in her analogy.

“A single brick doesn’t do much on its own, but when you connect it with others, when each of us brings our strengths, our skills, commitments, [then] we create something lasting,” she said. 

This call for growth adhered closely to previous State of the City speeches.  

Last year, Smith applauded home developers for helping to drive the city’s economic, governmental and infrastructure growth.  

“Developers aren’t just building roofs,” she said in 2024. “They’re laying the groundwork for future opportunities. When rooftops emerge, developers are seeing a thriving community.” 

Former Mayor Christian Price echoed this viewpoint in his 2021 Willy Wonka-themed address, claiming the city held the “Golden Ticket” to successful growth and again in his “if you build it, they will come” 2019 address.