September 2025

As we reflect on the past year, I am proud to share the progress and momentum captured in the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development (OED) Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Annual Report. Our theme, “The View from Here,” reflects Mesa’s thriving economic landscape in our impressive results. Many thanks to our City Council and management, the Economic Development Advisory Board, staff, and our business and community partners for their leadership, vision, and partnership.

This year was one of unprecedented achievements: OED completed 47 company relocations and expansions, adding more than five million square feet of space and creating 3,370 quality jobs with average annual wages above $65,000. These investments strengthen Mesa’s reputation as a hub for innovation, talent, and opportunity. We also conducted 137 business retention and expansion visits, reaffirming our commitment to supporting employers.

We also saw tremendous success in Mesa’s retail attraction efforts, generating more than 30 new prospects and landing new retailers. Major developments such as Medina Station’s restaurant row, Cannon Beach and Revel Surf Park, and Arizona’s first Tempo by Hilton at Gallery Park highlight Mesa’s growing reputation as a premier destination for both residents and visitors.

Small businesses remain at the heart of Mesa’s economy. The Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program delivered nearly 2,700 hours of personalized consulting to 151 businesses, while Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios welcomed more than 5,400 attendees in its first year, providing workshops, tours, and events that empower entrepreneurs.

Mesa’s continued economic momentum is no accident; it is the result of deliberate strategy, strong partnerships, and a clear vision for the future. Together, we are building a resilient economy that benefits our community today and sets the foundation for generations to come.

I invite you to explore the full Annual Report and hear more in my video message available now at SelectMesa.com. Thank you for your partnership, your investment, and your shared commitment to Mesa’s success.

City of Mesa Office of Economic Development Welcomes New Team Members

The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce the addition of two new staff members: Levi Leyba, Project Manager, and Jessica Dinka, Administrative Assistant II.

Levi Leyba joins the team as a Project Manager supporting Mesa’s small business community. In his role, he connects entrepreneurs and local businesses with resources, training, and programs including Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios and LaunchPoint. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and public service, including serving as a Police Officer and Public Information Officer in Gilbert, Levi brings a wealth of expertise in community engagement, digital strategy, and business development. He also has experience teaching business courses at Maricopa Community Colleges and is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. Levi holds an MBA from Wilkes University and degrees in visual communications and design.

Jessica Dinka joins as an Administrative Assistant II, bringing more than two decades of administrative experience in both public and private sectors. Originally from Wisconsin, her career includes supporting the Public Safety Division at a technical college while also serving her community as an on-call firefighter and emergency medical responder. Jessica’s professional journey reflects her strong commitment to teamwork, service, and operational excellence. She is excited to contribute her skills to the City of Mesa’s economic development initiatives while continuing her passion for community support.

With the addition of Levi and Jessica, the Office of Economic Development strengthens its capacity to serve Mesa’s thriving business community and support the city’s continued growth. SelectMesa.com.

City of Mesa Wins National Water Conservation Challenge 

The City of Mesa has earned top honors in the 2025 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, showcasing its leadership in sustainability as the Southwest faces ongoing drought and resource challenges.

Mesa’s First-Place Win

Mesa ranked first in the 300,000–599,999 population category, one of only five U.S. cities recognized for the highest percentage of residents pledging to save water during April’s month-long campaign. Other winning cities included Laguna Beach (CA), Union City (NJ), Jersey City (NJ), and Columbus (OH).

Pledges and Impact

Mesa residents committed to saving 22 million gallons of water in the coming year through actions such as repairing leaks, planting drought-tolerant landscapes, and reducing outdoor runoff. Their additional sustainability pledges will save 6.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, prevent 75,975 pounds of CO₂ emissions, safely dispose of 44,000+ pounds of hazardous waste, and eliminate the need for 14,000 plastic water bottles.

Participants are now entered in a drawing for up to $3,000 in home utility payments. Local students were also recognized. Kerr Center for Agriscience, a K–6 Mesa Public School, will receive 50 pairs of Zenni EcoBloomz™ sustainable sunglasses for its science and sustainability efforts.

Broader Significance

With Colorado River shortages, aquifer pressures, and extreme heat, Arizona’s water challenges are urgent. Mesa’s achievement underscores how everyday choices at home and in business can translate into major conservation gains.

About the Challenge

The Wyland Foundation’s National Mayor’s Challenge is the largest U.S. water conservation program engaging cities and their residents. This year, it introduced an AI-powered Impact Insight Tool to show participants the real-time benefits of their pledges.

The initiative is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Toro Company, National League of Cities, ZENNI Optical EcoBloomz Collection, and CBS Los Angeles.

To see Mesa’s full results or explore how your community can participate, visit mywaterpledge.com. For more water-saving tips, visit mesaaz.gov/conservation

Visit Mesa Wins Two Awards at the 2025 Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism

Mesa Recognized for Best Marketing Campaign and Best Partnership in Statewide Tourism Awards

Visit Mesa received two top honors at the 2025 Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism, winning Best Marketing Campaign for its “Banana Week” activation and Best Partnership for its role in Team Arizona Sports.

Banana Week: Best Marketing Campaign

The award highlighted Visit Mesa’s creative rollout of “Banana Week,” celebrating the Savannah Bananas’ 2025 Banana Ball World Tour kickoff in Mesa. The citywide effort transformed a sold-out sporting event into a weeklong festival, featuring a digital Banana Pass with banana-themed treats and deals from more than a dozen local businesses.

The campaign also launched a check-in challenge that gave fans a chance to win hard-to-get tickets. Results included over 488,000 media impressions, more than 4,000 Banana Pass views, and strong social engagement, capped by an exclusive podcast interview with Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole.

Team Arizona Sports: Best Partnership

Visit Mesa was also recognized for its leadership in Team Arizona Sports, a statewide coalition of destination marketing organizations including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Tucson, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Originally formed to boost tourism recovery after COVID-19, the partnership has become a major driver of sports tourism by sharing resources, coordinating marketing, and co-hosting national events.

Visit Mesa is the official destination marketing organization responsible for positioning and promoting Mesa, Arizona, as a top regional destination for leisure and business travel. Learn more about Visit Mesa and its mission to promote the value and vitality of Mesa’s visitor economy to create a better community at VisitMesa.com.