Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport embarks on expansion amidst economic surge

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (PMGA) is experiencing a transformative period marked by substantial development and economic growth.
 
The recent unveiling of a new terminal addition, valued at $28 million, signifies an important milestone in PMGA's evolution. Spanning 30,000 square feet and equipped with five gates, the terminal replaces an outdated structure, signaling a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and passenger services.
 
PMGA's expansion extends beyond infrastructure upgrades, with notable developments in the aerospace sector. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. is building a 225,000 square-foot service center, while Virgin Galactic is nearing completion of an assembly facility for next-generation spacecraft.
 
Additionally, PMGA’s master development partner, The Boyer Company, began construction of Gateway East, a 273-acre business park on the east side of the Airport. Its first tenant, XNRGY Climate Systems, will use 275,000 square feet for a research and production facility with an option to build an additional 750,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The facility is expected to employ more than 900 people at full buildout.
 
Located on 360 acres on the southwest side of the Airport, SkyBridge Arizona emerges as a key driver of economic diversification. With a vast expanse of aeronautical development, as well as industrial, office, and retail spaces, SkyBridge promises to reshape the region's economic landscape, fostering job creation and business growth.
 
Coming soon is a 129-key Wyndham hotel, which will enhance the Airport's amenities and cater to the needs of travelers and businesses alike. Also, Northern Arizona University’s Workforce Development Center, focused on hospitality education, broke ground on March 19 and will open late this year.
 
Further contributing to PMGA's economic growth is the arrival of DSV Air and Sea Inc., a global transportation and logistics company. DSV leased hangar space at PMGA to begin processing cargo moving on large freighter aircraft, a strategic move aimed at courting Arizona’s growing semiconductor and electric vehicle industries. Now DSV has plans for a regional headquarters and a 1.73 million-square-foot warehouse just south of PMGA.
 
DSV's investment underscores Mesa's appeal as a strategic business hub and the Airport’s role as a major economic development driver. In fact, the area surrounding PMGA leads the nation in spec industrial development, according to a recent report by CoStar Group, Inc.

“There’s a major economic transformation underway across the entire Phoenix East Valley,” stated Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Director J. Brian O’Neill, A.A.E. “The City of Mesa and Gateway Airport are both experiencing unprecedented growth and significant new job creation as companies relocate and expand operations at the Airport. Currently, there are more than 1 million square feet of aeronautical and non-aeronautical private development under construction at Gateway Airport.” 

As construction projects proliferate and economic opportunities abound, PMGA emerges as a linchpin of regional development. Collaborative efforts between public and private entities, coupled with strategic partnerships, position PMGA as a catalyst for economic growth in Mesa and the east valley. Learn more about PMGA at GatewayAirport.com.

Angie Herrera joins Mesa Office of Economic Development as a Marketing Communications Specialist

In March 2024, the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development hired Angie Herrera to serve as a Marketing Communications Specialist. 

Angie, a Northern Nevada native, ventured to Arizona with a solid foundation in marketing demonstrating her expertise across diverse industries, ranging from healthcare to sports. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Nevada, Reno, and an MBA from Western Governors University.

Throughout her career, Angie has played a pivotal role in managing all facets of marketing campaigns, showcasing her strategic skills and creative flair.

Now, as she embarks on a new chapter, Angie is eager to bring her talents and passions to the City of Mesa promoting small business development, entrepreneurship, business licensing, and Mesa’s Asian District. BIO 

Mesa College Promise Program expands to eligible adult learners

As program enrollment begins, Mesa College Promise is expanding to cover two years of tuition and fees at Mesa Community College (MCC) for eligible Mesa residents who are 24 years or older. The successful program Mesa Mayor John Giles launched in 2021 as a public and private partnership with MCC and the corporate sector eliminates one of the top attainment barriers for adult learners, allowing many in the community to upskill or reskill at no cost. Applications to the Mesa College Promise program are being accepted online for the 2024-2025 academic year for eligible 2024 Mesa high school graduates and newly eligible adults.

With the expansion announcement, Mesa College Promise is now open to any resident of Mesa who meets the following requirements:

• Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA completion and supporting documentation
• Earned a high school diploma or GED
• Not previously attended college or some college/no degree
• Enrolling at MCC in a minimum of 6 credits as a degree or certificate-seeking student in an eligible program of study

One of the first Promise Programs in the state, Mesa College Promise welcomed the first group of 88 students to MCC in the fall 2021 semester, 201 students in fall 2022 and approximately 200 Promise students in fall 2023. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college.

Mesa College Promise scholars greatly appreciate the financial support made possible through the generosity of individual and organizational philanthropic contributions. Additionally, students value the services participation in the program affords them access to ensure their academic success.

Mesa College Promise supports the Achieve60 statewide attainment goal that at least 60% of all Arizona adults have a high-value workforce certification or college degree by 2030. A recent statewide survey shows 86% of residents support that goal.

More than $760,000 of government and business private match funds have been donated to Mesa College Promise since its inception. Google has donated $100,000 for the program's expansion to include newly eligible adults.

Full details about Mesa College Promise and the application link are available at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.

Visit Mesa launches new podcast with Mesa native, Academy Award Winner Troy Kotsur 

Visit Mesa, the destination marketing organization for Arizona’s third-largest city, launched its new podcast entitled City Limitless® – The Podcast on February 1. The first episode featured Troy Kotsur, who is born and raised in Mesa, and is the first Deaf male actor to win an Academy Award.

The interview-style, audio- and video-recorded podcast focuses on insightful discussions and entertaining stories that define Mesa’s city boundaries and beyond. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the City Limitless experience – arts, culture, events, entertainment, food, outdoor adventure, and more. The podcast is the latest venture by Visit Mesa to further enhance the destination’s storytelling platforms.

Episode one features the inspiring story of Troy Kotsur who grew up in Mesa, Arizona, and faced a challenge not many encounter: navigating life as a Deaf individual. He turned this hurdle into a springboard, leading him to become the first Deaf male actor to win an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film “CODA.” Kotsur returned to Mesa for the screening of his heartfelt short film, “To My Father,” at the 2023 Mesa Film Festival, which depicts his journey to winning the Oscar and his father’s inspiring influence on him, despite a tragic accident. The interview explores Kotsur’s experience growing up Deaf, the profound impact of his father losing the ability to sign with him, and his ascent to the ultimate level of success in Hollywood.

“It’s extremely special screening this film in my hometown,” said Troy Kotsur in the first episode of City Limitless – The Podcast. “I am here to celebrate, and there are so many community members that know about my history and my father’s history. This is where I grew up.”

Episodes two and three are also out now. The second episode highlights Arizona Film and Digital Media Director Matthew Earl Jones while episode three recaps the largest craft beverage and food festival held in Mesa. Future episodes will spotlight Professional Bull Riding World Finalist Judd Mortensen, coverage of the first TikTok music event “In the Mix” and more.

City Limitless – The Podcast is available on all major podcast streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as Visit Mesa’s YouTube channel and website. VisitMesa.com