Chandler

Chandler, Arizona, founded by Dr. Alexander John Chandler, was officially established on May 17, 1912. Dr. Chandler had acquired 18,000 acres of land from the federal government, pivoting in 1891 to turn it into a structured townsite developed around agriculture and later attracting winter visitors and farmers. The town originally developed a township model focusing on agriculture due to the abundance of water from canals, promoting cotton and citrus as profitable crops.

On April 1, 1941, Williams Air Force Base was established southeast of Chandler and quickly became a significant military site during World War II. The base trained thousands of pilots who went on to serve in the war and played a crucial role in military operations due to its strategic location. Williams became one of the foremost pilot training facilities in the world, contributing to the Allied victory through enhanced air force capabilities.

In 1989, the technology company Intel opened its first manufacturing plant in Chandler, Arizona. This development marked a significant technological and economic milestone for the area. Intel's initial investment and subsequent expansions played a critical role in transforming Chandler from a predominantly agricultural town to a hub for technology and manufacturing in the Southwestern United States. The facility provided numerous high-tech jobs and led to advancements in chip manufacturing processes.

The Chandler Ostrich Festival is a significant event in Chandler's cultural calendar that began in 1991. Proposed initially as a means to revive interest in Chandler's early history as a breeding ground for ostriches, the festival quickly became a popular family attraction. Offering a mix of entertainment, music performances, and educational exhibits about ostriches, it draws thousands of visitors annually, fostering community pride and providing a boost to local businesses.

Chandler decided to revitalize its historic downtown starting in the late 1990s, with major projects culminating in 2000. The city undertook extensive refurbishing efforts to preserve and promote its historic assets, renovate streetscapes, and boost local businesses. This revitalization led to an economic upswing by attracting new businesses, residents, and tourists. Significant landmarks, including the historic San Marcos Hotel, were preserved during this period.

In 2008, Intel announced a major expansion of its Chandler site by investing $3 billion to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities, focusing on developing new chipmaking technologies. Intel's expansion emphasized the city's growing status as a technology hub and offered a significant number of new high-tech jobs. This investment was pivotal in sustaining Chandler's economic growth and drawing further interest from other tech companies.

On May 31, 2012, Chandler celebrated its centennial, marked by a series of events showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage. The centennial was a poignant moment for residents reflecting on the evolution from its early days as an agricultural hub to a diverse, modern city. Celebrations included parades, exhibits, and festivals celebrating the civic achievements and community spirit of Chandler and its inhabitants.

Chandler Innovations, a business incubation program, officially launched in March 2016. Aimed at supporting early-stage technology companies, it provides resources, mentoring, and funding opportunities for growing businesses. This initiative underscores Chandler's commitment to nurturing tech entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and enhancing the local economic environment, becoming a key factor in cementing Chandler's position as an innovative city.

On November 26, 2018, Waymo, the autonomous driving technology division of Alphabet Inc., launched its first self-driving taxi service in Chandler, Arizona. This marked a significant milestone in autonomous vehicle technology as Chandler was chosen as the launch city for public use due to its supportive infrastructure and regulatory environment. The program expanded over time, further establishing Chandler as a pioneer in transportation innovation.

In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandler initiated a comprehensive city-wide response, which included health advisories, public safety measures, and economic relief efforts. The city coordinated with state and national guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, implementing a phased approach to re-open businesses and schools safely. This response highlighted the city's adaptability and commitment to public welfare during a global crisis.