The recent approval of a master-planned community in Apache Junction could increase the city’s population by 25,000 within the next 10 years. Last week the City Council approved plans that will bring more than 10,000 homes to the area.

Developers Brookfield and D.R. Horton purchased over 2,700 acres of land last year that will be used for the master-planned community. Apache Junction Mayor Chip Wilson says planning is important to manage the city’s growth. 

“This is all going to be planned, so that we control the growth into our community. So it’s not just a haphazard, put-together situation,” said Wilson. 

The city’s development services director, Larry Kirch, says he hopes the developers consider housing prices as they move forward. 

“Well, we have two different developers. They have two different business models, if you will. The first developer, I think, will develop houses that are relatively affordable in the market. I mean today’s day and age we’re seeing starter homes in over $300,000, so $350. So having that supply for first-time home buyers will help," Kirch said. 

Building permits are expected by the middle of next year, and D.R. Horton expects to have model homes available by January 2023.