This page brings together James De La Rosa’s service record, leadership profile, and commitment to District 5 in one place.
I currently serve as District 5 Representative and in multiple leadership roles tied to economic development, enterprise oversight, infrastructure, and community progress. It is my belief that my service reflects a commitment to follow-through, accountability, and building lasting opportunity for the people of District 5 and the Gila River Indian Community.
Began serving as District 5 Council Representative - First Term
Gila River Resorts and Casinos breaks ground on a $143 million expansion in Chandler, AZ, featuring a new 11-story "Sunrise" tower with 205 rooms
As a member of the Casa Blanca School Owners Team, helped support the groundbreaking of the new Casa Blanca Community School, a $45 million project
Began serving as Chairman of the Economic Development Standing Committee, helping guide strategy, strengthen collaboration among entities, and support long-term economic opportunity and growth
Casa Blanca School Owners Team (Member) - New “State-of-the-Art” Casa Blanca Community School Completes Construction Utilizing Innovative 105L Leasing Program
Casino Expansion Owners Team (Member) - The Gila River Indian Community broke ground on the $180-million Santan Mountain Casino, Located near Chandler, AZ.
Began serving as Chairman of Gila River Development and worked to advance destination assets, encourage business growth, and move major development efforts forward
Casino Expansion Owners Team (Member) - Completed the expansion of the Gila River's Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler, a $143 million project
Advocated for and helped guide the transition of the Casa Blanca Post Office to its current standalone space
Gila River Arts and Crafts Building, Demolished for Future Community Development
Re-Elected as District 5 Council Representative - Second Term
Began serving as Chairman of the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority, supporting oversight connected to infrastructure, energy, and utility progress
Casino Expansion Owners Team (Member) - Completion of Gila River Resorts & Casinos Fourth Casino San Tan Mountain, A $180 million project
Gila River Development - Official groundbreaking for the New Sacaton Market
Helped support the creation of the Economic Development Opportunity Standing Committee (EDOSC) to strengthen economic development efforts beyond the Community’s borders
Secured Pre-Development Funding for The Arts and Crafts Re-Vitalization Project
Gila River Development - NHRA, Firebird Motorsports Park, and the Gila River Indian Community announced a multi-year extension to keep the Arizona Nationals at the Historic Firebird dragstrip
Supported the transition of the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority into Gila River Development and related destination brands to better reflect the Community’s identity, assets, and long-range vision
The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Fuel Tax Exemption Program begins, a pilot program for the State of Arizona that allows eligible tribal members to receive an immediate $0.18 per gallon discount on gasoline purchases at participating stations within the Community
Welcomed the inaugural Ford Championship, an official LPGA tournament, to Whirlwind Golf Club
GRICUA began receiving 20 MW of power from the Box Canyon Solar Project, marking a major utility milestone
Ground Breaking was held for the Olas S-thoñ Solar Project a historic, trailblazing initiative the first utility-scale solar development located directly within the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). Developed by the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority (GRICUA)
The Grand Opening of the New Sacaton Market, bringing new services, food options, and over 85 new jobs to The Community
Implementation of The Community's First Targeted Economic Development Plan
Helped support the creation of a Boys & Girls Club satellite site in District 5
Chandler Ostrich Festival relocates for the first time in two decades to RawHide at Wild Horse Pass
The official Gila River Indian Community specialty license plate is released through the Arizona Department of Transportation
Funding approved for the District 5 Street Lighting Project, covering planned lighting improvements on Wren St, Orchard Rd, Preschool Rd, Ira Hayes Blvd, Lollipop Lane, Moonlight Lane, Sweetwater Circle, and Seaside St.
Continues serving on Council and across key boards, committees, and oversight bodies focused on community benefits, economic development, infrastructure, and long-term opportunity
