City of Mesa
Home EconDev MenuSecond Quarter 2019
The QUICK JAB
By Bill Jabjiniak
Economic growth and Opportunity Zones driving new industrial development in Mesa
Since January 2018, more than 30 industrial buildings, consisting of nearly 2.5 million square feet, have been constructed, are under construction, or are currently in the entitlement process in the City of Mesa. Many of these projects are located in Mesa’s Opportunity Zones.
Companies including Piper Plastics, EuroContempo, EdgeCore, and PotatoBarn have all broken ground or opened space in the last 12 months in both the Falcon District and Mesa’s Gateway Area.
In fact, so much activity has occurred in and around Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport that in Oct. 2018, the Phoenix Business Journal identified the area as “the next industrial development hot spot.”
The federal Opportunity Zones program, which enables investors to defer and discount capital gains tax owed should they invest in a qualified Opportunity Fund, has driven much of the interest in industrial speculative space in Mesa. Eleven census tracts in Mesa have been designated as Opportunity Zones, further incentive for companies and developers to invest in Mesa. A map of Mesa’s Opportunity Zones can be viewed here.
The chart below includes a sampling of the current opportunities and industrial developments in Mesa. As the economy continues to strengthen and more information is published about the Opportunity Zones program, we expect to see steady interest in these and other properties:
| Recent Industrial Development in Mesa |
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| Site Name |
Location | Bldgs | SF | Delivery Date |
District | Opp. Zone* |
| Gateway Technology Commerce Center |
Ray Rd. between Sossaman Rd./ Hawes Rd. |
2 | 138,901 | May 2019 Under Const. |
Gateway | Yes |
| The Landing | Ray Rd. between Sossaman Rd./ Hawes Rd. |
6 | 281,085 | Q2 2019 Under Const. |
Gateway | Yes |
| Sunbelt Holdings |
NEC Elliot Rd./ Loop 202 |
2 | 286,000 | TBD | Gateway | No |
| The Landing 202 |
SWC Hawes Rd./ Ray Rd. |
TBD | 500,000+ | Q1 2020 | Gateway | Yes |
| Falcon Field Business Center |
3110 N. Greenfield Rd. |
1 | 42,228 | Available Now |
Falcon | No |
| Longbow Gateway One |
3115 N. Higley Rd. | 1 | 147,435 | Available Now |
Falcon | Yes |
| Falcon Industrial Park |
1715 & 1737 N. Rosemont |
1 | 29,412 | Apr. 2019 Under Const. |
Falcon | No |
| Falcon Commerce Park |
1710 N. Higley Rd. |
3 | 130,689 | May 2019 Under Const. |
Falcon | No |
| Majestic Falcon Field |
NWC Higley Rd./ Ingram St. |
1 | 85,554 | Dec. 2019 Under Const. |
Falcon | No |
| Longbow Gateway Phase 2 |
NEC Higley Rd./ Longbow Pkwy |
3 | 211,050 | TBD | Falcon | Yes |
| Metro East Valley Commerce Center 2 |
709 E. Auto Center Dr. |
2 | 363,600 | Sep. 2019 Under Const. |
US 60 Corridor |
No |
| * Denotes whether properties are in one of Mesa's Opportunity Zones. (www.MesaAzOpportunityZones.com) |
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Mesa’s Available Properties
Follow along if you wish and watch the developments move from concept to completion using our new Active Development map at www.selectmesa.com/mesadevelopments. Additionally, viewers can experience an aerial 360-degree, interactive tour of Mesa’s business districts at www.AerialMesa.com.
Mesa-based Urbix Resources named “Startup of the Year” by U of A, awarded IMPACT Award for “Exceptional Innovator” by Greater Phoenix Chamber
On April 1, Urbix Resources, a graphene startup based at Mesa’s LaunchPoint Technology Accelerator, was named “Startup of the Year” at Tech Launch Arizona’s 6th Annual I-Squared Awards. Tech Launch Arizona is the technology commercialization arm of the University of Arizona (UA).
Urbix Resources was founded to commercialize a portfolio of lithium-ion battery and related material technologies. Palash Gangopadhyay, chief technology officer of the company, was an adjunct research professor at the UA College of Optical Sciences when he originally developed the inventions. The company was co-founded by Gangopadhyay along with UA alumni Adam Small and Nicholas Cuevas.
In addition, this past March, Urbix was given the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce award for small business “Exceptional Innovator of the Year.” Urbix is currently building a green tech purification plant with an expected $200 million annual revenue and has raised approximately $5 million to date.
Featuring a portfolio of technology surrounding natural graphite refinement for energy storage and composite markets, Urbix has found global success among key graphite industry stakeholders. During its time at LaunchPoint, Urbix has rapidly advanced its technologies and received recognition as the “Most Investable Business Model” at the 2017 Clean Tech Open. Co-Founder Adam Small was named to the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in Energy.
Urbix is now establishing its flagship commercial purification facility in the City of Mesa. The facility is slated for operation in Q1 2020. This facility is expected to produce 12,000 metric tonnes of purified graphite in its first year alone with a full-capacity capability of 24,000 metric tonnes annually.
Working with key collaborators in the Northeast United States, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil, and Mozambique, Urbix is setting in motion an advantageous purification services business model that will process diverse global feedstocks of graphite for a multitude of downstream applications, including li-ion batteries, through its Mesa facility. Urbix also plans to establish secondary and tertiary facilities in strategic locations near key raw material resources and end users, with planning for those facilities commencing in Q2 2020. www.urbixresources.com
HIGHER EDUCATION ROUND UP
ATSU receives maximum HLC accreditation, ranked first in Arizona for healthcare education
A.T. Still University (ATSU) was recently granted continued accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for 10 years, the maximum length achievable.
The HLC is an independent corporation founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the U.S. It accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the north central region, which includes 19 states.
The University has also been ranked number one in healthcare education for 2019 by Ranking Arizona magazine. Ranking Arizona is the largest business opinion poll in the state. More than 1.2 million ballots were cast for over 15,000 organizations to determine the 2019 rankings.
In the field of healthcare education, ATSU is known for innovation and service. The University is committed to giving back to the community, offering numerous annual events to improve access to quality healthcare for underserved populations and create experiential learning opportunities for students. ATSU’s community programs include free health and wellness events for underserved families, concussion prevention initiatives, youth sports safety training, and a falls prevention outreach campaign for older adults.
ATSU is expanding its Arizona-based programs in 2019. This summer, the University will launch the Doctor of Medical Sciences program, a doctorate designed by and for practicing physician assistants. Also this year, ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona will increase its class size by 50 percent. The University will continue its mission-focused community outreach efforts with events like Give Kids A Smile, where close to 500 uninsured and under-insured children receive free dental care. www.atsu.edu
Mesa Community College launches web-based tool to match students' interests to occupations
A customized version of Emsi Career Coach is now available from Mesa Community College (MCC) at mesacc.emsicc.com. This web-based tool uses comprehensive labor market data to help individuals match their interests to specific occupations and the academic programs the college provides to aid in attaining necessary education and credentials. The free tool also includes an online assessment to explore careers based on personality and strength.
Transitioning military service members can use their military occupation code to match their current job with civilian occupations.
“It is our hope the availability of MCC Career Coach will excite curiosity and provide necessary information to guide individuals toward courses and programs that will prepare them to meet the demand of our current and emerging industries in the Valley,” Michael Voss, MCC Dean of Career and Technical Education, said.
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Falcon Field Airport hosts aviation events
State of Falcon Field Luncheon
Falcon Field Airport, in partnership with the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, hosted the first State of Falcon Field luncheon on Feb. 19. The sold-out crowd of 150 guests heard from two panels of aviation and aerospace businesses about current trends and projected growth on and around Falcon Field Airport.
The panel discussed what the new contracts, market segments, and customers will mean as it relates to facility needs on the airport over the next two to three years. Across the board, the companies stated they are seeking new hangars with higher hangar doors to accommodate larger aircraft, access to internet for more efficient business operations, and more modern facilities which could include hangars with offices and shared corporate spaces.
In addition to modern hangar space, aviation companies reported they will need additional trained workforce to fill the projected jobs that will be created in manufacturing and aircraft maintenance market sectors.
The panels included representatives from Air Evac, CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Serastar, Precision Avionics, Valkyrie Aero, AQST Space Systems, AZ Tech Council, MD Helicopters, and The Boeing Company. Event sponsors included The Opus Group, McCarthy, Phoenix/Mesa Hilton, Air Evac, Precision Avionics, and Lee & Associates.
HAI Heli-Expo 2019 Trade Show and Reception
Falcon Field Airport, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Lee & Associates, and the Phoenix/Mesa Hilton, represented the City of Mesa and Arizona at Helicopter Association International’s Heli-Expo 2019 rotor aviation trade show March 4-8 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The week of networking began with the Arizona Helicopter Industry Reception. More than 240 guests attended the networking reception hosted by Falcon Field Airport and sponsored by many Arizona companies and partners including IAR, Extex, Kamantics, Essential Turbines, Northstar Aero, Able Engineering, Robertson Fuel Systems, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Focus Aerospace, and MD Helicopters.
Discussions are already underway to plan next year’s Arizona helicopter industry networking event to be held in conjunction with Heli-Expo 2020 in Anaheim, California. To join the effort, contact Lynn Spencer at 480-644-4276 or lynn.spencer@mesaaz.gov.
MESA ARTS CENTER | Connect to your Community – Sponsorship Opportunities
As the largest multidisciplinary arts center in the southwest, Mesa Arts Center engages more than 430,000 visitors annually in arts experiences that are joyous, dynamic and welcoming. With a strong focus on community-engaged practice, we believe in connecting our business and corporate partners to events and sponsorship opportunities that engage your employees and customers in vibrant experiences, enhance your brand, and reach new customers.
- Place your company in the spotlight with Performing Live sponsorships
- Visualize your brand at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum exhibitions
- Foster celebration and shared experiences at MAC Festivals
- Season Kickoff
- Día de los Muertos – the Valley’s largest celebration!
- Mesa Arts Festival
- Out to Lunch Concert Series
- Spark! at Dark Series
- The Collective – a creative leadership program that builds a more innovative workforce
- Captivate imagination through MAC’s Engagement Programs
Having trouble choosing just one sponsorship opportunity?
Create a unique, custom, mix-and-match sponsorship package that offers you an opportunity to reach a large audience through a variety of marketing and branding options.
For more information on any of our sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact Renee Lopata, Development Director, at 480-644-6615.
Visit Mesa putting the City on path to becoming first autism-certified U.S. travel destination
Visit Mesa is embarking on a journey to make Mesa, Arizona the first-ever autism certified travel destination in the United States. Working alongside the hospitality community, Visit Mesa will achieve this place-making designation by establishing Visit Mesa Partner businesses as CAC’s: Certified Autism Centers. This citywide effort will position the city as a CAD: Certified Autism Destination.
Through International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and AutismTravel.com, Mesa businesses will be part of a network of trusted travel professionals already serving the ASD community. IBCCES is setting the standard for autism (and other cognitive disorders) certifications and the only known organization focused on the hospitality/travel industry. Their key insights, paired with their Autism Travel nationwide presence, will help Mesa hotels and attractions better understand the ASD community and their growing need for travel destinations, attractions, and hotels that are autism-certified. Certification illustrates to those families affected by ASD that they can trust Mesa as a dedicated tourism destination serving individuals with autism.
Travelers with special needs take 32 million trips a year and annually, $262 billion is spent on services for the autism community. Visit Mesa and the governing Board of Directors believe certification is the right thing to do to serve this growing, yet under-served community. Visit Mesa has already secured commitments from Mesa visitor industry leaders who are committed to participate in the Autism Certification Process with their front-facing employees and key staff. To learn more about this effort, and to participate in the certification training, contact Visit Mesa at 480-827-4700 or find out more online at www.visitmesa.com/autism-travel/.