Contract engineer Mike James presented a phased feasibility plan for a 65-acre industrial park near Airport Road, estimating initial infrastructure costs of about $250,000 (excluding water upgrades) and noting FAA land-use release and grant funding will be required to proceed.

Residents asked whether the town should continue opposing the proposed Lava Run wind project; candidates uniformly opposed the project, citing visual impacts, water use, wildlife risk and limited local benefit while noting county permitting authority and a reported federal review.

At a Chamber of Commerce forum in Springerville, mayoral candidates highlighted water infrastructure and drought mitigation, economic revitalization and restoring public trust after recent controversies; they offered differing priorities but broad agreement on the need for more water capacity and transparent government.