About Us:

Considered the gateway to the Northwest Valley of the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, El Mirage has grown from a small town, dependent on agriculture, to a diverse urban economy with a 2010 census population of 31,767.  The City’s mission is to offer exemplary service to all who live, work, and visit El Mirage.  We take great pride in treating each citizen equally and professionally, in a manner that fosters continued confidence in the City’s leadership

History:

Since the City’s incorporation in 1951, El Mirage has transcended its rural, agricultural beginnings to emerge as a diverse urban community.  The City’s affordable housing, small-town feel, and proximity to Phoenix have attracted young working families, retirees looking for community cohesion and a less hurried pace, and entrepreneurs seeking expansion into new markets. 

The Hohokam, an ancient Native American culture, were the earliest inhabitants of what is known today as El Mirage.  The Hohokam occupied a wide area of south-central Arizona from roughly Flagstaff south to the Mexican border.  They are thought to have originally migrated north out of Mexico around 300 BC to become the most skillful irrigation farmers in the Southwest.  The ingenious Hohokam developed an elaborate irrigation network using only stone instruments and organized labor.  They were commonly known as the “Canal Builders.”

In 1867, most of the Hohokam canals were retrenched and used for farming.  Federal irrigation projects constructed in the 20th century provided a more consistent and assured water supply throughout the Phoenix valley for agriculture.

During the early 1930’s, migrant farm workers settled in El Mirage on the west bank of the Agua Fria River.  Mexican migrants came to El Mirage to help build the canals and harvest the first crops.  They founded El Mirage in 1937 to provide stability and education for future generations.  El Mirage was incorporated in 1951.  At the time of incorporation, the City was primarily a compact residential community.  The City has grown and according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, El Mirage grew from 5,001 residents in 1990 to 31,767 residents in 2010.  It is anticipated the City will continue to experience growth in the next decades.