An update of Tempe's general plan, containing the city's vision of what Tempe will look like in 2040 and how it will function as a community. The plan is guided by these principles: balanced land use; enhanced quality of life and preservation of neighborhood character; increased economic vitality; sustained mobility/greater accessibility; and sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Eye on the Future 2020, the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan, provides a guide for decisions concerning growth and development, and considers strategies for addressing growth-related impacts. Among the strategies is the creation of scenic corridors for unique roads in Maricopa County. The Carefree Highway area is one of these roads, and thus the Carefree Highway Scenic Corridor Guidelines are established to help enhance this area’s special characteristics.