Chandler will honor Jay Tibshraeny, the hometown hero and former mayor, on Feb. 22 for his nearly four decades of public service in the city. Tibshraeny, a key figure in Chandler's transformation from a quiet desert town to a thriving hub of innovation, will be celebrated as the 2025 Celebration Plaza honoree. His achievements include securing the city’s financial stability and driving economic growth, along with significant improvements in the quality of life for residents. Tibshraeny's legacy will be recognized during a morning ceremony at 9 a.m. at Tumbleweed Park's Celebration Plaza, a venue dedicated to honoring civic leaders.
Before receiving the key to the city, Tibshraeny began his public service career on the city's planning and zoning commission in 1980, as noted in a city press release. After serving six years, he moved on to the City Council, where he served as a councilmember and held the vice mayor position from 1990 to 1994. His terms as mayor spanned from 1994 to 2002 and again from 2011 to 2019, with a stint as a state senator for Chandler from 2003 to 2010. Among his notable achievements is his role in preserving the Price Corridor, which helped create thousands of jobs, earning him widespread respect for his contributions to the city's growth and success.
Chandler's Celebration Plaza is designed to honor individuals who have contributed to the community through civic leadership, public service, or strong commitment. The plaza features a permanent water feature and monument wall near the center of Tumbleweed Park, representing this purpose. Nominations for the honor are open to the public, with submissions directed to the Chandler Museum Foundation, which then passes recommendations to the Chandler City Council for final approval.
The Chandler Museum is a place where visitors can explore the city's history and culture through its artifacts and exhibits. It preserves local stories and community heritage, highlighting Chandler's development over time. Those interested in learning more about the museum’s offerings or Chandler’s role in the technological landscape can visit the Chandler Museum website for additional information.
