Arizona has been experiencing robust economic growth lately that it outperformed all other states in various rankings. The Grand Canyon State topped the ALEC-Laffer Rich States, Poor States Rankings in 2022 and was named the Best State for Business by Chief Executive magazine this year.
Its cities are significant drivers of this boom through effective economic management, with Mesa being a standout success story. Located in Maricopa County, Mesa is the leading hub for the state's semiconductor industry in the East Valley section of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
“TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is a major draw obviously. But Intel has also been here for years and they're still expanding. With this semiconductor expansion going on, we're ripe for the supply chain, whether first-tier or second-tier supplier. We're within half an hour to Intel and an hour to TSMC,” Mesa Economic Development Director William Jabjiniak said.
Another key to Mesa’s success is strategic urban planning.
“We've created the Elliott Road Tech Corridor. Its zoning overlay helps you get through business quicker and get entitlements. There’s also the Pecos Advanced Manufacturing Zone, again an effort to invest in infrastructure and cut Entitlement risk. Those developments have been very positive for us,” Jabjiniak said.
Another of Arizona's metropolitan successes is Scottsdale, which consistently ranks among the most desirable communities in America for living, visiting, and business. Its vibrant Old Town is renowned as the premier urban center in the state, boasting over 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops, and 80+ art galleries. Additionally, Scottsdale is recognized as the top city in the U.S. for jobs.
