The Phoenix retail market recorded approximately 1.1 million square feet of net absorption during the first half of 2026, the highest total among major U.S. markets, according to Marcus & Millichap’s third-quarter Phoenix Metro Retail Market Report. The strong absorption reflects continued demand from major retailers, which are leasing newly delivered space and selectively … [More]
Water Grants Offer Valley Businesses up to $10K for Conservation Upgrades
After two successful years of saving more than 81 million gallons of water, Friends of the Verde River, in partnership with Salt River Project, are once again supporting local water conservation projects through the River Friendly Living Grants Program. This initiative provides funding for innovative water-saving projects that benefit homes, businesses, and crucial water … [More]
Smart Steps to Position a Business for Mergers & Acquisitions
Ensure that financial, legal and operational perspectives remain in focus
Mergers and acquisitions activity remains strong across industries. Many M&A opportunities stem from a combination of strategic repositioning and succession planning. Whether exploring current M&A activity as a buyer or a seller, working closely with a trusted team of professional partners as early as possible helps mitigate risk and ensure agreements will honor an … [More]
Economic Security Is the New Language of Trade. Arizona Should Learn It
The core question is about trust
When American and Mexican negotiators closed their third round of USMCA review talks in Mexico City in late July, the agenda read the way these agendas always read. Steel and aluminum. Automobiles. Agriculture. Labor. Electronic payments. And one item that would not have appeared on a trade agenda ten years ago: economic security. I grew up on this border and worked it … [More]
SRP Completes Five-Year Pipeline Project to Secure Valley’s Water Future
As communities across the Southwest face ongoing drought conditions and increasing water supply challenges, SRP announced the completion of the Gilbert Road Pipeline project — a major infrastructure investment designed to enhance water reliability and operational flexibility throughout the Valley. The new system will enable SRP to move water from south of the Salt River to … [More]
Arizona Targets Growth in $42M Export Market with Dominican Republic Partnership
To strengthen economic and international ties between Arizona and the Dominican Republic, Arizona hosted a visiting delegation of government and business leaders on August 24 and 25, 2026. The delegation marked the first visit to Arizona by key leaders from the Dominican Republic. Led by Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Minister of Industry, Trade and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic, … [More]
APS Draws a Line on Arizona’s Data Center Boom: Growth Must Pay for Growth
Arizona Public Service President and CEO Ted Geisler outlined APS’s Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth this week as part of broader remarks shared with Arizona community leaders gathered for the 2026 League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference. The pledge reaffirms APS’s longstanding principles for protecting customers while serving new companies and industries investing … [More]
Small Business Confidence Surges as Hiring Plans Reach Four-Year High
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.4 points in July to 99.8, rising above its 52-year average of 98.0. This marks the highest level since August 2025. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, eight increased, and two decreased. Hiring plans improved substantially and contributed most to the rise in the Index. Real sales expectations and reports of inventory levels as … [More]
Small Businesses Prepare to Hire at Fastest Pace in Nearly Four Years
NFIB’s July Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index rose after four consecutive months of decline, registering 102.1 in July after measuring 100.2 in June. The current reading is above the 2025 average of 101.2 and the historical average of 100.0. In July, 36% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, up 4 … [More]
Arizona Sees 51% Increase in Job Losses over Two Decades
New research reveals which states have seen the biggest increase in businesses cutting jobs since 2000, with only three states actually seeing a reduction in the number of job losses since 2000. The study, conducted by DOKKA, an accounting automation software company, tracked the number of private sector establishments losing jobs from the BLS Business Employment Dynamics … [More]
$927M Impact Underscores Goodwill’s Role in Arizona’s Economy
Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona released the findings of a new economic and social impact study highlighting the organizations’ wide-ranging contributions to Arizona’s economy, workforce, and communities. The study, completed by Viable Insights and the Economic Policy Institute at Northern Arizona University, underscores … [More]
Small Business Hiring Stays Flat as Unfilled Openings Rise
NFIB’s June Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index remained essentially flat, registering 100.2 in June after measuring 100.3 in May. This is the fourth consecutive month the Index declined. The current reading is below the 2025 average of 101.2 but still slightly above the historical average of 100.0. In June, 32% (seasonally adjusted) of small business … [More]
City of Phoenix
“On the consumer side, people are gravitating toward places that feel authentic, welcoming, walkable, safe and community oriented. Downtown Phoenix delivers on all of that,” says Devney Majerle, president and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DTPHX), speaking of the interest behind the growth of downtown Phoenix. “The level of creativity in the environment is increasing every … [More]
Town of Gilbert
The Town of Gilbert eschews the generic term “downtown” for a designation that not only identifies the area but encapsulates its personality: The Heritage District. “We’re seeing strong interest in the Heritage District because both residents and businesses are seeking places that encourage people to stay longer and do more,” says Jennifer Graves, MPA, CEcD, MEDP, the Town’s … [More]
City of Tempe
“A thriving downtown isn’t an accident — it’s mix, management and momentum. Tempe is writing that playbook in real time, blending strategic urban planning, intentional placemaking and collective community effort to ensure the next chapter is even brighter than the last,” says Lori Foster, LPM, president and CEO of Downtown Tempe Authority. Observing that downtown districts … [More]
City of Mesa
“Downtown gets cooler every day,” says Jimmy Cerracchio, executive director of Downtown Mesa Association, which was formed in 1985 by the commercial property owners of Downtown Mesa as a tool to help with the revitalization of the Downtown square mile. Noting the area is trying to grow in a smart and healthy manner by aiming to keep local businesses healthy, he says, “Most … [More]
City of Scottsdale
“Successful downtowns provide a wide range of experiences in a walkable environment,” explains Kevin Burke, AICP, senior director of economic development and tourism at the City of Scottsdale. “The strongest downtowns combine restaurants, hotels, housing, offices, galleries, retail, public spaces and events in a compact, easy-to-navigate setting that creates a sense of place … [More]
Downtown Is the New Economic Engine
Pulsing with the personality of the municipality it anchors
A few years ago, Fry’s made big headlines when it opened a grocery store in downtown Phoenix. Why the hubbub and what the significance was, RED Development’s Mike Ebert discusses in the Phoenix section of this cover story. But point is, downtowns are important economic sectors. What’s driving their growth, and how are cities that are often folded into the general “Metro … [More]
