Glendale residents have until Tuesday to return their ballots in a special election that could shape the future of a $1.2 billion resort project. The project has drawn both excitement — and concern.
The passage of Propositions 401 and 402 would mean construction could move forward on VAI Resort. Supporters say the resort could generate more than 2,000 jobs and $2.2 billion in tax revenue.
“I hope Glendale residents, and I believe that they are, smart enough to understand that this was a 7-0 vote by the council; you know, they’ve entrusted us to make these decisions," Glendale Vice Mayor Lauren Tolmachoff said.
But critics, including the advocacy group Worker Power, say the deal favors corporate interests over neighborhood needs.
One major point of contention is the rezoning of a 10-acre parcel for VAI’s corporate offices and parking. Some residents thought it was promised as park space, but Tolmachoff said that was never in the cards.
“It was never planned to be a park. The CIP covers 10 years of planning, and it’s not in there, because it was just how the land was zoned," she said. "It doesn’t mean that’s what it was ever going to be.”
If voters reject the propositions, Tolmachoff says the resort’s opening could be delayed by several months. The resort says it expects to fully open in spring 2026.
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Despite a divided result in last month’s special election, Glendale city officials say the $1.2 billion VAI Resort project is moving forward. -
Glendale voters have spoken in a special election that will impact the development of a $1.2 billion resort project. With only one proposition passing, it’s left the city wondering how to proceed. -
Early counts show Glendale voters were split over two propositions involving the $1.2 billion VAI Resort project. Tuesday’s special election was triggered by a zoning dispute. -
A Sunday night gun battle in a parking lot in downtown Glendale has left three people dead and five others injured. Detectives say they’re working to identify how many people were shooting. -
Maricopa County prosecutors will not file criminal charges against a Glendale police officer who shot a man in early January in a case of mistaken identity. Glendale police were looking for an armed domestic violence suspect whose ex said would not go down without a fight.
