Economic Development in Mesa

During the past year, the City of Mesa has experienced strong growth and
economic development. The number and diversity of businesses choosing to
locate to Mesa clearly indicates that the city’s economic vitality
continues to increase. These companies are coming to Mesa because of its
ideal location, access to a great labor force and extensive opportunities
for growth.

In the healthcare industry alone, we have seen, and will see, combined new
investments totaling more than $700 million and 3,000 new jobs added to our
community. With the expansion of Banner Desert Medical and its new
Children’s tower, the opening of Mountain Vista Medical Center that will
serve the far eastside of the community, and the announcement of another
new hospital that will locate next to the recently opened A.T. Still School
of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa is realizing a boom in new economic activity.

Recently, Mesa also announced exciting economic development activity in the
aerospace industry. Both of the city’s aviation centers, Williams Gateway
Airport (WGA) and Falcon Field, have experienced significant successes in
attracting new businesses in the past year. WGA has welcomed two of the
industry’s most coveted tenants, Embraer Air and Cessna. Combined, these
new tenants will add 160 new jobs and invest $31 million.

Working with partners such as the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and WGA
staff, the City was able to show both of Embraer Air and Cessna, the
long-term benefits of locating to WGA with its unique access to the
excellent aviation training schools at Arizona State University Polytechnic
and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

In addition, Allegiant Air, the newest tenant at WGA, will be announcing
passenger service to and from thirteen locations throughout the United
States in the next few months.

Falcon Field continues to increase in its appeal as a preferred location to
operate aeronautical businesses. In the past six months, Falcon Field has
signed leases that will bring more than 360,000 square feet of
industrial/office space with tenant improvements estimated at more than $30
million and 300 new jobs.

The City of Mesa has also successfully attracted a diverse group of
businesses to our community. Mesa competed to land CMC Steel in the city’s
designated industrial zoning district next to WGA. This new $130 million
steel mill with 110 new jobs will recycle metal into rebar used in
construction. Not only will this steel mill be a first for Arizona but
also the production of rebar in Mesa will lower construction costs in the
region. The foresight by city planners to designate this area for
industrial uses was a significant enticement in bringing CMC Steel to Mesa.

Drivetime, the nation’s largest dealership has located a new call center
employing 500 people in Mesa as well as investing $16 million to purchase
their building located in east Mesa. New industrial and office parks
planned or under construction will add an additional 750,000 square feet of
industrial park space and more than 1.2 million square feet of office space
to the community with an estimated capital investment of $235 million.

While the City of Mesa has enjoyed significant economic development
successes during the past year, efforts to work with existing businesses
and recruit new prospects continue to move forward. The City of Mesa has
already initiated two meaningful dialogues regarding the future economic
development of the General Motors Proving Grounds and the area surrounding
WGA.

I believe the City of Mesa’s best days are still ahead. Working together,
with our community partners, will allow us to be competitive in attracting
quality businesses to this great city and continue the economic development
successes we currently enjoy. It is my hope that the City, our residents,
and community leaders, can focus our energies and efforts in a positive and
cooperative way to realize a shared, common goal of making Mesa a vibrant
community where people can live, work, and play.

Christopher J. Brady
City Manager