APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – The Apache Junction City Council unanimously approved the Meridian Drive annexation on January 20, 2026. This action brings 16.15 acres of Maricopa County right-of-way between Elliot Road and Ray Road under city jurisdiction.
Unified Services Replace Split Jurisdiction
Ownership of Meridian Drive has historically been split among Apache Junction, Mesa, Pinal County, and Maricopa County. Apache Junction owns the east side of the right-of-way. The west side has been divided between Mesa and Maricopa County. This arrangement created problems for residents and developers alike.
According to the staff report, the split jurisdictions “resulted in complications with construction permits, review processes, law enforcement and road maintenance.” These issues emerged as the Superstition Vistas development expanded along the corridor.
Previously, police departments from different jurisdictions were “discouraged to patrol this street due to cross-jurisdictional enforcement issues.” The staff report noted that “the area is not currently enforced by police of either jurisdiction.”
The Apache Junction Police Department is now responsible for patrol and enforcement of the annexed segment. The city will also handle road maintenance for this portion going forward.
Single-Agency Permits for New Development
Construction projects along Meridian Drive previously required reviews from multiple agencies. Developers had to route plans through Maricopa County, Mesa, and Apache Junction separately. This process lengthened review times and created redundancy.
Under the new arrangement, Apache Junction will handle all roadway development permitting for projects along Meridian Drive. The staff report noted this change “removes the need for cross-municipality reviews and individual inspection by each jurisdiction.”
How the Annexation Came Together
Arizona law provides a simplified process for annexing county right-of-way. Both the county and city must approve the transfer at public meetings. No petition process is required.
Apache Junction first approved an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County on November 18, 2025. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors then approved the same agreement on December 10, 2025. These two actions satisfied the legal requirements for the transfer.
The January 20 meeting formalized the annexation through Ordinance 1570.
Unanimous Council Support
The council voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance. Mayor Chip Wilson, Vice Mayor Robert Schroeder, and council members Bryan Soller, Tess Nesser, Bambi Johnson, Peter Heck, and Darryl Cross all voted in favor.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting.
City Responsibilities Under the Agreement
Apache Junction assumes several new obligations under the intergovernmental agreement. The city will bear project-related annexation and permitting costs.
Maricopa County agreed to issue no-cost permits for necessary project-related work in adjacent county areas. The county will have no financial contribution under the agreement.
