Walmart announced a multi-year workforce development grant in Phoenix as part of a broader effort to help workers build skills, connect to quality jobs and advance their careers in a labor market being reshaped by artificial intelligence and other technological change. Over the next five years, Walmart and Walmart Foundation aim to help workers across select communities move … [More]
Upscale 168-Room Hotel Planned for Tempe Innovation District
Novus Innovation Corridor, a multi-phase mixed-use development spanning 355 acres integrated with Arizona State University’s largest campus, will add an upscale hotel in the heart of its main street entertainment district. The seven-story, 116,855-square-foot property at Novus Place and Packard Drive will be part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, a growing global family … [More]
New Community to Bring 214 Single-Family Rentals to West Valley
NexMetro Communities, a developer of cottage-style, build-to-rent (BTR) home neighborhoods, is opening its 26th Avilla Homes project in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, marking more than a decade of continuous development in the market. Avilla Marigold features 214 single-level, mostly detached, cottage-style homes, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with … [More]
Veteran Banker Takes Over Arizona Operations for Growing Financial Firm
Alerus announced Derek Holt has joined the company as senior vice president and Arizona market president. In this role, he will lead the Arizona commercial and industrial banking team in delivering high-touch, personalized service to existing clients, develops new business relationships, and ensures seamless access to Alerus’ comprehensive financial solutions to support … [More]
Hit Boozy Theater Concept Gets a Gothic Makeover for Fall
Just in time for the spooky season, the creators of the smash-hit Drunk Shakespeare are bringing back "Drunk Dracula" for a limited engagement in Phoenix this fall. Tickets go on sale Aug. 17, with performances running Sept. 24 through Nov. 1. One actor gets drunk, the rest try to survive, and Bram Stoker's classic gets a boozy makeover that's equal parts gothic and Halloween … [More]
Hiring Disconnect Grows as 44% of Companies Report Unfilled Jobs
The hiring process itself may be getting in the way of filling open jobs, as U.S. companies report more unfilled roles, longer timelines and positions closing without a hire while job seekers say automated systems are making it harder to feel heard, according to a newly released Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. The disconnect comes as 44% of U.S. hiring … [More]
Waymo Expands into East Valley with 55-Square-Mile Addition
Waymo, the world’s largest fully autonomous ride‑hailing service, will expand its Phoenix service area by an additional 55 square miles, bringing its total Valley footprint to more than 350 square miles. Riders can now hail Waymo across several newly added East Valley neighborhoods, including Gilbert, more of Chandler, and out to San Tan Ranch. With Phoenix‑Mesa Gateway … [More]
Upscale California Dining Concept Chooses Fashion Square for First Out-of-State Location
Porta Via, the beloved family of Southern California restaurants known for its seasonal California cuisine, warm hospitality and neighborhood atmosphere, announced plans to open its first restaurant outside California in early 2027 at Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of the nation's premier luxury shopping and lifestyle destinations. The Scottsdale restaurant marks the fifth … [More]
Denver Technology Firm Completes Major Chandler Expansion
All Copy Products, the Denver-based office technology dealership, and its IT division Verticomm, announced the completion of their new 39,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility at 6640 W. Chicago St. The new facility, located in West Chandler, represents a significant upgrade in both scale and capability to match the company’s next 50 years of growth. Of the total … [More]
29-Hangar Aviation Development Gets Green Light in Chandler
The Chandler City Council has unanimously approved a ground lease with a new subsidiary of Vesper Aviation, CHD Curtis East LLC, to build 29 new executive hangars for sale or lease at Chandler Municipal Airport. Vesper Hangars, the new development, will span 113,000 square feet located on the airport's northern boundary, addressing growing regional demand for hangar … [More]
Construction Giant Breaks Ground on 12-Acre National Employee Campus in Tempe
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy), one of America’s oldest and largest builders, recently broke ground on the reimagination of a 12-acre learning and training campus that also includes a hotel and conference center in Tempe dedicated to employee development and leadership training. Set to open in early 2028, the McCarthy Anchor Campus at 2100 S. Priest Drive will … [More]
The Small Business Talent Crunch Is Making Hiring a Global Decision
Small businesses continue to struggle to find qualified workers. In June 2026, 84% of small business owners hiring or trying to hire reported receiving few or no qualified applicants, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. That pressure can make nearby international markets appear to be a quick geographic solution. But choosing a country before defining … [More]
Landmark Phoenix Office Tower Set for Dramatic JW Marriott Transformation
LaPour Partners has unveiled plans for JW Marriott Phoenix, a 340-key luxury hotel planned within One Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix. The project will adapt the existing 19-story, 351,600-square-foot Class A office building into an urban resort. Constructed in 1989, One Arizona Center is located at 400 E. Van Buren St. within Arizona Center, a one million-square-foot … [More]
Valley Bioscience Veteran Comes Out of Retirement to Launch Family Business
Glass Doctor Auto of North Central Phoenix is preparing to open, bringing a new locally owned auto glass business to the community under the ownership of one of the region's veteran pharmaceutical and bioscience leaders. Janet Spear, who spent three decades in pharmaceutical manufacturing in the Greater Phoenix area and served in leadership roles across Arizona's bioscience and … [More]
Sprouts to Anchor Major Commercial Expansion in Goodyear’s Estrella
Common Bond Development Group, the developers behind some of the Southwest's most notable retail and hospitality projects, announced details for its latest commercial development: a premium, grocery-anchored shopping center in the master-planned community of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Initiated to fill a retail void in the surrounding community, the project brings … [More]
780K-SF Industrial Development Planned at North Phoenix Mega-Project
Mack Real Estate Group and McCourt Partners announced plans for the first phase of industrial buildings for lease within the approximately 2,400-acre Halo Vista master plan in North Phoenix, following the announcement by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company of plans to increase its investment in Arizona to $265 billion. The Halo Vista development team aims to attract TSMC … [More]
Valley Pizza Staple Expands West with State Farm Stadium Restaurant
The Arizona Cardinals Football Club announced that Spinato's Pizzeria & Family Kitchen will become the new restaurant partner inside the BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, replacing Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar. The new restaurant, located on the north end of the Great Lawn on the west side of State Farm Stadium, is scheduled to have its grand opening ahead of the … [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]
