Feedback: August 2023

Q: How is the availability or development of various housing product impacting economic development in your city? 

Scott Cooper 

Economic Development Director (interim)
City of Scottsdale
Sector: Government

Our region’s steady economic growth and diverse employment opportunities are continuing to draw businesses and individuals to the area. As a result, Scottsdale, like the rest of Arizona, is experiencing high demand for housing of all types. 

The impact of this demand remains to be seen as the city’s ability to attract new businesses remains consistent and growth in certain industries is evident. The city’s economic development department also remains committed to supporting our existing businesses, knowing that most business growth in cities like Scottsdale comes from expansion of established businesses.

Scottsdale’s desirable mix of urban amenities and natural beauty will continue to attract companies and individuals who are looking for a business-friendly environment, strong economic base and skilled workforce. Our department will continue to monitor and plan for the many factors that can impact economic development within our city.   

Scott Cooper is currently serving as the City of Scottsdale’s interim economic development director after previously holding the position of business attraction manager. Cooper’s extensive 25 years’ economic development experience started in Iowa, where he served as CEO of a joint economic development/chamber of commerce organization for seven years. He relocated to Arizona to work for the City of Scottsdale’s Economic Development department from 2002 to 2007. Cooper has also led economic development organizations for the Town of Fountain Hills and, most recently, in Oregon.

Dan Henderson, CEcD

Economic Development Director
Town of Gilbert
Sector: Government

In Gilbert, we are working collectively on ensuring sustainable housing options are a priority. As part of our Town’s 2018 General Plan, we identified the need for mixed-use housing Town-wide and developed zoning to meet those needs. Many of the outcomes as a result of that planning are coming to fruition in Gilbert today. As a result, we are seeing more businesses selecting Gilbert, which, in turn, has created new high-impact corridors such as Verde at Cooley Station and Rivulon, and the continued growth surrounding San Tan Marketplace. 

Award-winning communities have driven up demand for residency in the last two decades when the Town experienced explosive growth. We credit our community planners, developers and their undeniable foresight to predict the desired amenities and lifestyle attributes that would appeal to a wide range of demographics that make up Gilbert. As we continue to grow, our Town leaders will look into a housing study to monitor the ongoing challenges of the housing market not just in Gilbert, but within our unique position here in the East Valley.   

Dan Henderson has dedicated his decades-long career to supporting the growth of businesses and communities across Arizona. Since Henderson joined the Town of Gilbert in 2007, he and his team have focused exclusively on business attraction, retention and expansion. Under his leadership, the scope of work now includes economic development, redevelopment and tourism, vital economic pillars that impact the long-term prosperity and resiliency of the community. 

Mayor Joe Pizzillo

Mayor
City of Goodyear
Sector: Government

Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and we work hard to ensure the city remains a great place to live, with a high quality of life for our residents. That means welcoming businesses that offer good-paying jobs and having a variety of quality housing options for our residents, as well as amenities for recreation, shopping and entertainment. Jobs create a demand for new housing; new housing drives population; and population growth helps to attract the new retail, restaurants and entertainment that people desire.

The Goodyear City Council has been strategic in planning for diverse housing options to fit the preferences and needs of our growing community. People want to live in our beautiful city, and it is important that we have available housing for residents at all stages of life; from young professionals looking for an apartment to families looking for large single-family houses or retirees looking to downsize, Goodyear offers something for everyone. This thoughtful planning is instrumental to our success in growing into a complete city where people want to live, work and play.   

Mayor Joe Pizzillo was elected mayor in 2022 and has served on the Goodyear City Council since 2009. He brings more than 30 years of experience in state and local government budgeting and finance, including serving as Goodyear’s budget manager. He is also an adjunct professor of accounting and finance with Estrella Mountain Community College and Grand Canyon University.