SE Valley Times

Jay Tibshraeny, a native of Chandler, Arizona, has been recognized as the 2025 Celebration Plaza honoree. This accolade highlights his extensive service and leadership in enhancing Chandler's financial stability, economic growth, and overall quality of life.

Tibshraeny's public service career includes seven terms as Mayor and 24 years on the City Council. His efforts in adopting effective financial policies have contributed to making Chandler one of the most financially stable cities in the nation.

During the high growth periods of the 1980s and 1990s, Tibshraeny invested in parks, recreation, and transportation. Collaborations with Chandler Unified School District led to shared facilities such as aquatic centers and libraries on school campuses.

A notable achievement under his leadership was using a new financing option to expedite the Loop 101 Price Freeway completion. This development paved the way for opening the Chandler Fashion Center and spurred growth in the Price Corridor. Tibshraeny's advocacy for this area helped establish it as a hub for innovation and technology jobs.

In 2013, American City and County Magazine named him Municipal Leader of the Year for his economic development contributions. His initiatives post-Great Recession focused on job creation, university partnerships, neighborhood outreach, transparency through technology, and community health improvements.

Tibshraeny also supported recreational projects like Paseo Trail and Chandler Museum. In recognition of his efforts in this field, he received awards from both Arizona Parks and Recreation Association and U.S. Tennis Association.

His timeline of service includes roles on various commissions from 1980 to 2022: Planning and Zoning Commission member (1980-1986), City Councilmember (1986-1994), Vice Mayor (1990-1994), Mayor (1994-2002; 2011-2019), Arizona State Senator (2003-2010), Justice of the Peace (2019-2022). He also represented Chandler in several regional organizations.

Celebration Plaza is located at Tumbleweed Park’s center with a water feature and monument wall where civic leaders are honored annually based on public nominations reviewed by the Chandler Museum Foundation before final selection by the City Council.