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Mayor - Lyn Truitt
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Lyn Truitt has been mayor of Surprise since January 1, 2008. He believes open government, jobs in cutting edge industries, educational opportunities and integrated transportation form the foundation of a bright Surprise future. His belief in community spirit and partnerships inspire a vision of Surprise as a creative, innovative, compassionate place, drawing talented people and creative forces from across the nation and around the world.
During his term, Surprise has set new standards for opening government with the introduction of live internet streaming of city council meeting and an interactive on line agenda where residents select an agenda item and immediately view the relevant portion of the meeting.
Mayor Truitt introduced monthly "workshop" public meetings where council members meet informally to discuss ideas and receive information from staff on issues such as transportation, economic development and the environment. His innovative live evening broadcast of the first Surprise State of the City speech was a unique community outreach event that garnered the Mayor a national "Telly" award for commentary.
Mayor Truitt and the council have encouraged more citizen involvement by appointing unprecedented numbers of residents to city boards and commissions, including the Transportation Committee, the re-named Quality of Life Commission, a new Personnel Appeals Board, a new Board of Adjustment Committee, and an ad hoc Committee on Foreclosure, as well as an ad hoc Citizen Committee on General Obligation Bonds that produced a recommendation for a bond election in Surprise in November, 2009, plus creating a committee on Tourism to benefit Surprise.
Mayor Truitt acts on his belief that innovative community partnerships enhance quality of life. His leadership helped create a unique Surprise partnership with the city, Interfaith Community Care and Rio Salado Lifelong Learning Center. The partnership unites educational opportunities for all ages with a multi generational care center and a historic city park, creating an open, inviting environment where generations come together in the heart of Surprise. The partnership was nationally recognized in 2009 with a nomination for the National League of Cities "Municipal Excellence Award."
He is also deeply involved in regional issues, serving as a member of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council and the Transportation Policy Committee.
Mayor Truitt has seen many important transportation developments since taking office: Grand Avenue will be expanded through Surprise beginning in the fall of 2009, expansion work on SR303 is underway, the reconstruction of Bell Road is scheduled to be finished this fiscal year, the city has purchased land for a Park and Ride facility, and Surprise is actively engaged in long range regional transportation planning that includes commuter rail service.
Innovative education partnerships such as the "Communiversity" at the new Surprise City Hall with Rio Salado College, and creative cutting edge job strategies such as the formation of the Arizona Techcelerator concept at the former Surprise City Hall campus are examples of the Mayor's leadership on these vital issues.
An active community member for many years, prior to his election Lyn chaired the Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission, served as a volunteer at Saint Mary's Westside Food Bank and on several school committees. He continues to be a strong supporter of local educational excellence.
Lyn and his family moved to Surprise in 1997. He has two children and three grandchildren. Lyn is owner/broker of L.E. Truitt & Associates Real Estate Brokerage and a Certified International Property Specialist. As a CIPS, Lyn has helped families relocate to the United States from 23 different countries, an experience he believes has broadened his perspective and given him insight into the dream of education and opportunity shared by people all over the world.
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