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Lighting Glendale’s Future: How LED Upgrades Are Improving City Spaces

Lighting Glendale’s Future: How LED Upgrades Are Improving City Spaces

McKinstry partnered with the City of Glendale, Arizona, to upgrade the City’s modern LED lighting. The upgrades improve the spaces residents and employees rely on every day while helping the city operate more efficiently.

Working alongside Glendale, McKinstry retrofitted or replaced more than 4,700 light fixtures across nine facilities. The project is expected to reduce energy costs by about $113,000 annually, freeing resources in programs and services that directly benefit the community.

The project highlights how Glendale’s investment delivers practical results: brighter, safer and more adaptable spaces that improve daily experiences for residents, employees and visitors.

Why LEDs Matter

Lighting accounts for nearly 15 percent of a typical building’s electricity use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. LEDs offer a range of advantages over traditional fluorescent or incandescent lighting:

Lower energy use: LEDs consume up to 75% less energy, reducing utility bills and operational costs

Longer life span: They last up to 25 times longer, cutting maintenance costs and minimizing disruptions

Improved light quality: LEDs provide brighter, more consistent illumination, enhancing safety and comfort in public spaces

Environmental benefit: Using less energy also reduces greenhouse gas emissions

For Glendale, the switch avoids more than 691,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity use each year, equivalent to removing dozens of cars from the road, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A Project Built for Impact

The Glendale retrofit was more than a simple bulb swap. McKinstry conducted room-by-room audits, managed rebates with Arizona Public Service to capture nearly $47,000 in incentives and implemented advanced lighting controls in facilities such as the Civic Center. These smart systems automatically adjust lighting based on occupancy and natural light, making buildings more adaptable while maximizing operational efficiency.

“From the audits and design to the final verification, our team ensured Glendale’s investment would deliver exactly what was promised,” said John Doyle, lighting tools and training manager for McKinstry. “Projects like this are about giving cities the confidence that every dollar is working as hard as it can.”

Community Benefits That Shine

The retrofit touched a wide range of community-serving spaces, from aquatic centers and senior facilities to fire service stations and administrative offices. For city leaders, the project not only reduces operational costs but also creates safer, more welcoming environments for the public.

“It’s been a fantastic partnership, and the city is pleased to work on this project with such a great company,” said City of Glendale Field Operations Director Michelle Woytenko. “McKinstry was flexible and accommodating to avoid disruptions for residents. The retrofit will provide cleaner and safer light and support our sustainability goals with longer-lasting, environmentally friendly LED fixtures.”

Looking Ahead

LED retrofits are becoming more common in cities across the country, and Glendale’s project shows how thoughtful planning and execution can deliver lasting value.

By improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and creating brighter, more inviting spaces, the city demonstrates how smart investments in infrastructure can benefit both residents and city operations.