November 2023

Introducing Mesa’s new Economic Development Director, Jaye O’Donnell

Mesa City Manager Chris Brady has announced the appointment of Jaye O’Donnell as the city’s new Economic Development Director. With more than 25 years of economic development experience, 14 of those in Mesa, O’Donnell is set to lead the city into a new era of growth and opportunity.

O’Donnell’s journey in Mesa began in 2009 when she joined the city’s economic development team as the Marketing and Business Development Manager. Over the years, her strategic vision and leadership skills propelled her through the ranks, eventually leading to her role as Deputy Economic Development Director in 2012 then Assistant Economic Development Director in 2016. During her tenure, O’Donnell played a pivotal role in shaping Mesa’s economic identity, transforming the city from a quiet suburb into a bustling international business destination.

One of her significant achievements includes the creation of distinctive brands for employment districts within the city, such as the Falcon District and the Asian District. O’Donnell’s innovative branding efforts not only elevated the profile of these districts but also attracted businesses, contributing significantly to Mesa’s economic vibrancy.

Moreover, O’Donnell managed key initiatives like the Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Grant and Technical Assistance programs, providing crucial support to local businesses during challenging times, showcasing her commitment to nurturing Mesa’s entrepreneurial spirit and ensuring the city’s economic resilience.

Before coming to Mesa, Jaye served five years as the Senior Director of Marketing and Business Attraction at the Arizona Department of Commerce, directing International and Domestic Business Attraction, Trade, and the Arizona Film Office. She’s also served as Director of Advertising, Media Relations, and Fulfillment for the Arizona Office of Tourism.

O’Donnell’s appointment as Economic Development Director underscores the city’s commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting businesses of all sizes. Her vision for Mesa includes attracting high-paying industries, nurturing partnerships between academia and businesses, and empowering micro-businesses and entrepreneurs.

Under O’Donnell’s leadership, key values – known as the Mesa Way – will continue to be the basis of Mesa’s economic development initiatives. By prioritizing excellence, promoting sustainability, fostering collaboration, and respecting the skills and experiences of individuals, Mesa is poised for a future where economic development aligns seamlessly with community well-being.

Mesa Office of Economic Development issues FY 2022-2023 Annual Report 

The economy is booming in Mesa, Arizona, in every industry. From local entrepreneurs and small businesses to internationally recognized companies. The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development (OED) works hard to ensure that Mesa is a great place to do business, a great place to live, and a great place to grow.

In fiscal year 2023, OED attracted, retained, and assisted in expansions of 53 companies. This resulted in more than 4,100 jobs, a record number for the department. These projects resulted in the creation and absorption of more than 5.2 million square feet of space and more than $1.5 billion of capital investment.

A Banner Year! OED exceeded most of its goals in its mission to continue growing the economy with high-quality jobs and investment.

The OED team strives to provide creativity, problem-solving, and support in all aspects of economic development within the city including:

• Business attraction, retention, and expansion
• Small business development and entrepreneurship
• Workforce development
• Redevelopment and revitalization

The support of elected officials, city management, and community stakeholders set the stage for OED and its partners to do great work within the community.

Please take a moment to celebrate this past year’s achievements highlighted in our Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Report.

City of Mesa Office of Economic Development welcomes new Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development has hired Maria Laughner as Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives. She will focus on development priorities related to southeast Mesa, redevelopment in west Mesa, and other economic development projects of strategic importance to the city.

“Maria will be a tremendous asset to our high-performing team,” Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell said. “We look forward to her leadership.”

Previously, Maria worked for the City of Tempe as the Deputy Economic Development Director.

“I’m excited to join the Mesa economic development team,” Laughner stated. “This opportunity allows me to bring my many years of development experience to the table for a dynamic community.”

Laughner has spent more than twenty years in marketing, communications, and business development management in both the public and private sectors. She has experience in various industries including biotechnology, healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, economic development, and non-profits.

Her career highlights include working with five start-up bioscience and technology companies, establishing an Arizona campus for the College of St. Scholastica, and negotiating deals that resulted in more than 2 million square feet and 15,000 new jobs at both the municipal and state level.

Laughner earned a BA from Marquette University, an MS from New York University, and an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Laughner began her position with the City of Mesa on Sept. 11.

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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport celebrates 20 millionth passenger

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Gateway Airport, Airport) has 20 million reasons to celebrate this month. The growing Phoenix area airport surpassed a significant activity milestone, officially welcoming its 20 millionth passenger since beginning commercial air service October 2007. During the past 16 years, the Airport has significantly increased air service and now offers nonstop flights to more than 45 popular destinations across the U.S. The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA, Authority) is anticipating continued growth, as Allegiant and other airlines announce more exciting destinations in the future. Allegiant’s new nonstop service to Portland, Oregon begins November 17. 

“The economic impact generated by millions of sun-seeking out-of-state visitors is enormous, and Gateway Airport continues to be a major driver of the Arizona economy,” said Mayor Chip Wilson, Chairman of the PMGAA Board of Directors. “Gateway Airport provides exceptional value and convenience for air travelers coming to Arizona for that much-needed vacation or visit with family and friends.”

Allegiant Air, a leading ultra low-cost air carrier, has been the predominant airline at Gateway Airport since 2007. Currently, more than 30 of its 45 nonstop destinations at the Airport don’t have nonstop competition at Phoenix Sky Harbor. 

J. Brian O’Neill, A.A.E. PMGAA’s Executive Director/CEO added, “Gateway Airport is appreciative of the airline partners, airport tenants, customers, and local communities that have played such an important role in the Airport’s ongoing transformation. We look forward to opening our new five-gate, 30,000-square-foot South Concourse terminal addition in February and the honor of serving the next 20 million Airport passengers.”  

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