July 2026

Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) is in the rear-view mirror and we are pleased to announce that Mesa’s economic development efforts have delivered our strongest results to date. Our team assisted in attracting, expanding, or retaining 50 companies representing $3.4 billion in capital investment, 5,064 jobs created or retained, and 8 million square feet of commercial space absorbed. We are proud to celebrate an increase in the number of companies assisted – from 47 in Fiscal Year 2025 to 50 in Fiscal Year 2026 – and growth in commercial space absorbed from 5 million to 8 million square feet. Capital investment also remained strong at $3.4 billion, compared with $3.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2025. The jobs FY2026 generated an average annual wage of $74,229, reflecting the quality of the employment opportunities being created throughout our community.

Mesa’s Small Business team recorded 2,633 engagements (nearly 175% above goal) with entrepreneurs and business owners and delivered an estimated $255,000 in value through business assistance, training, consulting, and other resources. 

As we launch into a new fiscal year, we are also working to complete the City of Mesa Economic Development Strategic Plan FY2027-2029 to be unveiled September 17, 2026, at the Mesa City Council Strategic Planning session.  

Additionally, with the new fiscal year, we welcome new leadership and new voices to Mesa’s Economic Development Advisory Board.

For FY 2026/27, Frank Sanders, Corporate Vice President with Intel, will serve as Chair, and Michelle Genereux, Land Rights Manager with SRP, will serve as Vice Chair. Their industry knowledge, regional perspective, and commitment to Mesa’s continued economic growth will be tremendous assets in the year ahead.

We are also pleased to welcome three new Board members: Benjamin Ayers, Co-Office Director at Mancini; Joe O’Reilly, Founding Director of Arizona State University’s Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence; and Nacale Roberts, Human Resources Leader at The Boeing Company. Each brings valuable experience in areas central to Mesa’s growth, including architecture and design, education and workforce development, and major-employer talent strategy.

This fiscal year, the Board will meet quarterly and selected Board members will also host and facilitate two to three invitation-only industry roundtables with Mayor Mark Freeman. These changes will allow for more focused conversations, stronger connections with key industries, and deeper insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping Mesa’s economy.

Whether we are working with a global corporation, a growing local manufacturer, a small business owner, or an industry partner, our focus remains the same: strengthening Mesa’s competitive position, supporting quality jobs, and creating lasting opportunities for our community.

We are grateful to our Board members, City leadership, partners, and business community for their continued support and engagement. I look forward to building on this year’s accomplishments and advancing the important work ahead. SelectMesa.com

Applications now open for the 2026 Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program

Applications opened July 7 for Mesa’s award-winning Mesa Business Builder (MBB) Small Business Assistance Program, which provides free, personalized consulting and expert guidance to help local businesses grow and succeed.

“Mesa is a city that invests in its people and its businesses. Programs like Mesa Business Builder are a direct reflection of our commitment to making Mesa the best place to start and grow a business,” said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman.

Now entering its fifth year, Mesa Business Builder has helped more than 700 local businesses strengthen operations, expand their reach and plan for long-term success. During fiscal year 2025-26, 155 businesses accessed nearly $250,000 in professional services, including marketing, branding, website development, AI implementation, business planning and financial guidance.

Eligible businesses must be Mesa-based, for-profit and in operation for at least 12 months with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Startups are not yet eligible for one-on-one assistance but can access resources and workshops through the Mesa HUUB platform, which also opens for applications July 7. For program details, visit MesaBusinessBuilder.com or email MesaBusinessBuilder@mesaaz.gov.

“We are proud of what Mesa’s small business community has accomplished and even more excited about what comes next. If you are ready to take your business to the next level, we want to help you get there,” said O’Donnell.

Mesa Ranked as One of the Best Run Cities in America

The City of Mesa has been ranked among the 10 best run cities in the United States and the highest-ranked city in Arizona, according to a new study by WalletHub. 

WalletHub evaluated 148 of the nation’s largest cities by comparing the quality of services they provide to residents with the amount they spend. The study measured six key areas: financial stability, education, health, safety, economy and infrastructure.

“Mesa earned its spot as the 10th best-run city in America by making the most of its resources and delivering good value to its taxpayers. A strong credit rating and relatively low long-term debt help support its financial stability, allowing Mesa to provide services efficiently without relying on excessive spending,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo.

The report highlights Mesa’s strong business growth, increasing household incomes and relatively low poverty rate as indicators of a healthy local economy. Mesa also scored well in public safety, supported in part by one of the nation’s lowest property crime rates.

“Being recognized by WalletHub as Arizona’s best-run city and 10th nationally is a testament to the dedication of our employees and their commitment to serving the Mesa community every day,” said City Manager Scott Butler. “This ranking reflects our ongoing focus on responsible financial management, operational efficiency and reliable service delivery that residents count on. As Mesa continues to grow, we are committed to providing the infrastructure, public safety and core services needed to meet our community’s needs today and well into the future.”

Mesa ranked ahead of other Arizona cities included in the study, with Phoenix placing number 40 and Tucson number 61. The complete report is available on WalletHub’s website.

Understanding Arizona’s Water Position

Water remains a top priority for Arizona’s continued growth, and Mesa is no exception. The state has a long track record of proactive planning, and despite a five-fold increase in population and a fifteen-fold increase in economic output since the 1950s, Arizona uses roughly the same amount of water today thanks to conservation efforts and reduced agricultural demand. This intentional approach dates back to early canal and dam construction, Colorado River agreements, and the landmark 1980 Groundwater Management Act, which established the Active Management Areas that help ensure a 100-year water supply for communities like Mesa. As part of the Phoenix Active Management Area, Mesa benefits from a diversified water portfolio that includes groundwater, Colorado River water, Salt and Verde River supplies, and reclaimed water, giving the city a resilient foundation to support continued business growth. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) continues to track these efforts closely, and more details on the region’s water position, including recent developments and long-term planning, can be found at gpec.org/water.