Mayor Gallego, City Council Approve Light Rail Extension That Will Bring New Jobs, Opportunity to Maryvale

On January 27, 2026, Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council approved a new expansion of its class-leading light rail system to west Phoenix, delivering a tremendous opportunity to the Maryvale community.

The City Council voted by a 7 to 2 vote to expedite light rail along Indian School Road. Last night’s action aims to provide west Phoenix with its fair share of transit and development opportunities and will connect Valley Metro and west Phoenix’s residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.

“We’ve seen it again and again – when light rail expands, communities benefit with better access to jobs, education, housing, and more parts of our city,” Mayor Gallego said. “Last night, the City Council and I voted to keep the dream alive and connect light rail to the West Valley. Light rail expansion has been, and will continue to be, a key priority for me.”

The City of Phoenix and Valley Metro had been working to extend light rail to our state’s Capitol and west down the middle of Interstate 10. However, the Arizona State Legislature has the specific legal authority to block stations within a certain part of the state Capitol Mall, via legislation previously signed by then-Governor Ducey.

The new path will serve Maryvale, as well as the Encanto and Alhambra villages. It will allow residents to more easily access jobs, education, entertainment, and a host of other amenities across the Valley. Equally important, it will provide a whole new opportunity to showcase Maryvale’s community spirit, culture, and warmth.