Planning & Zoning Commission - 08/19/2026

The City of Goodyear Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on August 19, 2026, primarily to discuss a special use permit request for the Desert Rainbow Solar Project, a large-scale solar and battery energy storage facility spanning approximately 5,050 acres. The project, proposed by Desert Rainbow, a subsidiary of AES Clean Energy, aims to generate 550 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 165,000 homes, and includes photovoltaic panels, solar trackers, battery storage, and associated infrastructure. The commission reviewed project details including site layout, environmental considerations such as wildlife corridors, setbacks, and flood hazard areas, as well as community impacts like noise and heat. Economic benefits were highlighted, including an estimated $58 million in tax revenue to Goodyear over 30 years and creation of about 800 construction jobs and 20 full-time positions. Public comments raised concerns about wildlife displacement, local benefits for residents, and utility service areas. After discussion and some stipulation revisions, the commission voted to recommend approval of the special use permit, forwarding the recommendation to the city council for final decision. No other procurement or contracting matters were addressed in this meeting.