In fiscal year 2023, we 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.
- Business attraction, retention, and expansionMore than 2,600 jobs with an average annual salary of $61,300!
- Small business development and entrepreneurship capital investment.
- Workforce development
- Redevelopment and revitalization
Mesa by the Numbers
POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPGICS
Mesa continues to grow in population and workforce while remaining one of the most affordable cities in the Phoenix metro.
PERMITS ISSUED
PHOENIX-MESA GATEWAY AIRPORT 
The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is Mesa’s busiest commercial airport in one of the fastest-growing areas of the city. Serving more than 60 destinations across the country, the airport sees millions of commercial passengers pass through its doors every year.
Awards & Accolades
Mesa Office of Economic Development is honored to be recognized as a high-performing organization from business development and growth, including personal and professional accomplishments, to various programs designed to improve quality of life in the community. This fiscal year, OED received recognition in the form of the IEDC’s annual Excellence in Economic Development awards as well as Arizona Association of Economic Developers Golden Prospector awards.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
What We Accomplished
The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development generated a banner year. We exceeded our performance metrics in key categories related to creating jobs and attracting development that injects new investment into our economy.
LOCATES AND EXPANSION HIGHLIGHTS
BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM
Connecting with established companies in Mesa is a key touchpoint for OED to ensure we are meeting the needs of our businesses and helping them to grow and continue their success within our community. During the first six months of the fiscal year, OED was down a dedicated Project Manager for Business Retention and Expansion. However, the last six months of the year proved fruitful as we managed to realize 58% of goal with 86 visits to Mesa companies. Of those, 40%, or 34 companies were visited for the first time. Of the businesses visited, 59% said they are expanding and 36% said they are stable.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATION HIGHLIGHTS
Special Initiatives
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
As workforce continues to be a national issue for many industries, the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development has taken action.
This year, we rolled out our workforce development strategy, building on the previous year’s outreach and research within the community. The strategy highlights Mesa’s goal of providing equitable access to resources for Mesa jobseekers and employers.
The first deliverable of the strategy is the new JobConnect Mesa website, a one-stop shop for employers and employees looking for support. Here, employers can find many options for posting jobs, recruiting employees, and partnering with local higher-educational institutions.
In addition, job seekers can find a centralized resource for job postings in Mesa. Training resources also are provided to help those in the workforce level up their skills. Other resources are provided for those seeking work, looking for career guidance, and other support provided by regional and statewide organizations.
Access to skilled labor remains a top priority for business growth, and Mesa is committed to supporting and fostering connections between employees, service providers, and prospective employers to meet the needs of both jobseekers and employers.
Talent Attraction Efforts
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CITY OF MESA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF MESA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF
We’re here to help businesses grow – with purpose and partnership.