Surprise was founded in 1938 by Flora Mae Statler, the daughter of Charles Gillett, an Arizona pioneer who helped establish Glendale as a temperance community. Gillett owned significant land in Glendale and the Verde Valley. For many years, it was believed that Surprise was founded by Statler’s husband, Homer C. Ludden, a real estate developer and state legislator. However, property records discovered in 2010 revealed that Statler owned the land before meeting Ludden. According to modern accounts, Statler named the area “Surprise,” famously stating she “would be surprised if the town ever amounted to much,” a sentiment her daughter later confirmed.

Surprise operates under a mayor-council government structure. The mayor is elected at-large by all eligible voters, while the city council consists of six members, each representing one of the city’s six districts. Both the mayor and council members serve four-year terms, with elections taking place in the final year of each incumbent’s term. Together, the mayor and council are responsible for enacting city laws, shaping policies, and overseeing municipal services. Day-to-day operations of the city are managed by a city manager, who is appointed by the council.

Advanced Manufacturing and Technology: Surprise has become a favorable destination for advanced manufacturing and tech companies due to its infrastructure and support for innovation. The city has zoned specific areas for industrial and high-tech businesses, making it easy for companies to set up and expand operations.

Healthcare and Bioscience Growth: Healthcare is a leading industry in Surprise, with major facilities such as Banner Del E Webb Medical Center anchoring this sector. The city also supports bioscience development, offering a favorable environment for biotech startups.

Strategic Location and Access: The City of Surprise benefits from proximity to major transportation routes, including the Loop 303 and US 60. This access makes it attractive for distribution, logistics, and warehousing sectors, enabling efficient movement of goods across Arizona and the Southwest.

Access to Talent and Education: Surprise is home to Ottawa University (OUAZ), a comprehensive educational establishment and residential campus offering bachelor’s degree programs in more than 25 disciplines. The city also benefits from proximity to major institutions like Arizona State University (ASU), Grand Canyon University (GCU), and Maricopa Community Colleges, which provide a pipeline of skilled graduates in healthcare, engineering, education, and business.

Supportive Business Environment: Surprise provides an array of incentives to attract and retain businesses, including streamlined permitting processes, tax incentives, and support of workforce development. The Surprise Economic Development Department actively collaborates with companies to support growth and provide resources for expansion.

Bell Road: One of the main thoroughfares of Surprise, running east-west across the city. It connects to nearby communities and is lined with commercial centers, retail shops, and restaurants. Bell Road is a primary route for residents accessing local amenities and services.

Loop 303: Major freeway running north-south along the eastern edge of Surprise, providing direct access to Interstate 10 on the south, and to Interstate 17 on the north. The Loop 303 is a vital route for commuters and commercial transportation, making it an important corridor for logistics and distribution.

U.S. Route 60 (Grand Avenue): Running diagonally from Phoenix through Surprise, Grand Avenue provides direct access to Downtown Phoenix and is heavily used by both local and long-distance travelers. Grand Avenue is also a commercial route with various commercial and industrial centers along its length.

Interstate 10 (I-10): Although not within Surprise itself, I-10 is easily accessible via Loop 303 and provides a major east-west route across Arizona. It is a crucial corridor for moving goods across state lines.