May 2023

Economic Development, A Team Sport

Now, more than ever, economic development is a team sport. No economic development organization can be consistently successful without the help of many people, departments, organizations, and partners throughout the city, region, and state.

In Mesa, the Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) looks to the mayor and council to provide vision and direction, to the city manager and his office for guidance and support, and to many city departments for assistance in their areas of expertise.

For example, Mesa’s Development Services Department helps to drive sound design policies and programs that streamline the entitlement process and fast track quality development. Mesa’s Engineering Department plans and implements the City’s strategic infrastructure investment to meet business needs today and well into the future. Mesa’s Water Resources Department develops and executes intelligent water policies acquiring water from multiple sources to ensure companies and residents have what they need today and for years to come. The City Attorney’s Office provides timely development agreements with creative solutions to help projects move forward quickly and smoothly. These are just a few of the city’s departments critical to the economic development process.

At a regional and state level, Mesa OED coordinates closely with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority on specific business attraction projects and the promotion of Mesa as a premier business location. Also, Mesa OED participates in the Arizona Association of Economic Development and the International Economic Development Council for important networking and education to build relationships and acquire skills and training to enhances staff’s economic development proficiencies.

In addition, Mesa OED relies on an advisory board, industry associations, and business partners that furnish Mesa OED with leads, support, information, guidance, and crucial real estate opportunities such as land and buildings that are necessary to attract quality companies.

This list of partners is not comprehensive and every project requires different players and strategies. Like a well-functioning football team, every player does their part to get the project over the goal line. Just as the running back gains no yardage without a good offensive line, Mesa OED can make little progress without its partners.

Thank you to the many that help Mesa OED deliver time and time again. Your importance to the economic development team is paramount.

SelectMesa.com

Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program Launch and Learn Event

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is sponsoring the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program Launch and Learn on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Benedictine University’s Mesa campus, 225 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona. 85201.

Mesa businesses are invited to come and hear from Mesa small business owners about how they were helped by the Small Business Assistance Program, learn about what is new for next year’s program, and sign up to get a free professional headshot at the event. Complimentary food and drinks will be served.

REGISTER HERE

Mesa seeking proposals for development at Falcon Field Airport

The City is seeking proposals from developers, aircraft owners, and/or businesses to lease and develop approximately 9.6 acres of City-owned land.

The first review of responses to the Notice of Intent to Lease will take place after May 22, 2023. This request for development interest will remain open until a successful entity is selected.

MORE DETAILS

Please submit questions and information requests by email to ondre.seltzer@mesaaz.gov.

Visit Mesa launches partnership with Wheel the World

Visit Mesa has partnered with Wheel the World, a program designed to provide travelers with advanced information on accessible experiences in Mesa and connect them with suggested itineraries based on their personal requirements. This free service is available to all visitors and can be accessed through AccessibleMesa.com and WheeltheWorld.com.

Wheel the World is an online marketplace for visitors with disabilities to travel and experience the world in a way best suited for them. Through Wheel the World’s website, visitors can create a personalized profile allowing Wheel the World to recommend accommodations and activities in Mesa that are compatible with their travel aspirations and personal needs. The program allows visitors to book hotels and tours and provides reliable accessibility information in advance. Specialized customer support is also available for online users. 

Additional programs supported by Visit Mesa include Aira, a guided visual Interpretation service, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, and the on-going efforts surrounding Mesa, Arizona’s designation as an Autism Certified City. VisitMesa.com