economic development

February Legislative Update

Arizona’s 53rd State Legislature is early in their session and over 700 bills have been introduced. Members of our EVP Advocacy & Government Relations Committee are receiving weekly updates from our government public relations firm Triadovcates. A few highlights from the recent update include the following:

Health Care: Another possible storm cloud appeared on the budget horizon with the release of analysis by ASU Professor Lee McPheeters indicating that repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and the loss of the Medicaid coverage that was included, would have a multi-billion impact on the State’s economy.  This puts even more urgency on Gov. Ducey’s efforts to work with the federal delegation to find a suitable replacement.

Economic Development: HB 2492, Jobs, Incentives, Credits and Grants was introduced before the deadline by Representative Weninger.  This bill is responsive to the Competitiveness Initiatives section of the EVP policy priorities.   The bill includes a suite of ideas to protect and promote Arizona’s manufacturing base, including adjustments to the current R&D tax credit, the development of a job creation fund, and other ideas.

Three other bills that are closely being tracked:

  • HB 2152 Arizona Emissions Bank; Credit
  • SB 1212, Angel Investor Tax Credit Expansion
  • HB 2213, GPLET Reform

Education: Battle lines are forming at the Legislature regarding two proposals in both the House and Senate to revise and expand the existing Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.

Transportation: As a partnership, we formally entered a vote of support for Senate Bill 1025 to the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill is an ADOT sponsored bill to provide Absolute Immunity on our State freeways.

Other:  A series of measures were heard and passed in House Government that would change the rules for ballot initiatives, including one proposal (HCR 2002), that would refer to the ballot the question of repealing the “Voter Protection Act” (aka Prop 105).  This act requires a ¾ vote of the Legislature to change any voter approved initiative, and only “in furtherance” of the initiative’s intent.

 

Download Update

City of Mesa Launches New Brand For Falcon Field Area

Falcon District Primary

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development has launched a new brand for the Falcon Field Economic Activity Area in northeast Mesa. The area has been designated the “Falcon District” complete with a new logo and website to promote the District as a destination for aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and technology companies.

The Falcon District is anchored by Falcon Field Airport and encompasses more than 35 square miles of retail, commercial, and industrial parks, as well as quality residential neighborhoods. Companies such as Boeing, MD Helicopters, Orbital ATK, Special Devices Inc., and NAMMO Talley have major operations in the Falcon District.

This new brand for the Falcon District will help bring local and national recognition as a vibrant advanced manufacturing hub, ideal for medical technology companies, advanced business services, and next generation aerospace and defense. We will be telling the story of the Falcon District as a very special place with a dense cluster of world-class manufacturing and technology companies, an abundant and highly-skilled workforce, and open space which offers protection from encroachment, security and certainty for long-term planning.

The branding effort was a result of recommendations detailed in the Falcon Field Economic Activity Area Strategic Plan published in September 2014. The plan contained several action items for the District including increased emphasis on business attraction, expansion, and retention activities, as well as a brand and marketing plan to promote the opportunities. During the summer of 2015, the Office of Economic Development conducted meetings, interviews, and focus groups with area employers, property owners, developers, residents, and stakeholders, which resulted in the new Falcon District brand.

The website, www.MesaFalconDistrict.com, contains information including key industries, demographics, utilities, workforce, available real estate, and much more.

 

View Mesa’s Full Fourth Quarter Economic Reporter

Downtown Gilbert Serves the Future

GIlbert Hertiage District

It’s the past, present and future of Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District. Mayor John Lewis noted that the family friendly atmosphere was a large part of Gilbert’s success in re-developing the area, as well as being a reflection on Gilbert’s overall ethos during our October board meeting.

He shared the history of both Gilbert’s formation as a community, as well as the Heritage District, with credit going to the early settlers of Gilbert, and both Joe Johnston (Joe’s BBQ, among others) and the founders of Hale Theatre, who had a vision for the Heritage District area and served as catalysts for the incredible growth and success that is currently being enjoyed by the area.

ICYMI:

  • There are currently 15 places to eat in the Heritage District area, with 6 more planned in the upcoming year alone.
  • Ticket Force will also be moving their HQ into the area, which will bring more pedestrian traffic and need for restaurants and retail.
  • Various other RFP’s are in the works for other spaces in the District, and Lewis called these results a “30 year overnight success” that was the result of “aggressive patience” and planning by all involved.
  • There was a deep commitment to the vision and infrastructure required to successfully develop the area, both by Town leadership and by residents.

For more on Gilbert’s Economic Development visit: www.gilbertedi.com

View Board Presentation

EVP’s Arnett Interviewed on KFNN Money Radio- PHX East Valley

roc arnett

East Valley Partnership’s Roc Arnett was recently interviewed on KFNN Money Radio’s Business for Breakfast program on job growth and education in the PHX East Valley.  Listen to Arnett’s interview by clicking the above audio link and discover the growth of the East Valley for yourself!

2015 Economic Profile debuts

East Valley Partnership, in conjunction with Salt River Project (SRP) and Wells Fargo Bank, is proud to debut the 2015 PHX East Valley Economic Profile – a comprehensive look at our region, filled with the latest economic and demographic information.

The Economic Profile is updated and distributed on an annual basis and was created from an economic development standpoint, in an effort to help define and market the PHX East Valley as a region.

To download the 2015 Profile directly as a PDF file, please click here.

A limited number of printed copies are also available – to obtain a hard copy, please contact the EVP offices at (480) 834-8335.

2014 SRP Forum to feature gubernatorial candidates on economic development issues

Details were announced this week for the 2014 SRP Forum event, an annual collaboration between East Valley Partnership and SRP to stimulate thought about how we grow and collaborate for the betterment of our area and state.

This year’s Forum event will feature two of the final candidates for Governor of Arizona, as determined by the August 26 primary election. The final Democratic and Republican candidates will join us on Wednesday, September 10 at Chandler Center for the Arts to discuss economic development issues facing our state.

EVP extends its appreciation to long-time title sponsor SRP, as well as The Arizona Republic & Channel 12-KPNX, who will moderate and broadcast the program.

For more information on the event, click here to download the invitation flyer & registration form (PDF).