Date: July 15, 2019
To: The Honorable Chairman and Members From: C.H. Huckelberry Pima County Board of Supervisors County Administrator
Re: Economic Development Plan 2019-2021 Executive Summary
Since 2012, when the County first adopted an Economic Development Plan, our region had finally fully recovered from the losses of the Great Recession. Our population is growing, new housing starts are climbing, household income has grown by nearly 20 percent and, with unemployment below five percent, we are statistically at full employment.
However, there is still a lot more we need to accomplish. We need to continue to diversify our economy by growing new sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and space, and we need to continue to support and foster our existing employers and industrial sectors, such as aerospace, defense and mining. We need to greatly improve how we are educating and training our workforce so that we are meeting the needs of current employers and able to meet the employment needs of new and expanding businesses in the future.
Despite the statistical full employment status, there are still large numbers of underemployed county residents and too many of our key employers are having to recruit from outside the area to fill high-wage skilled jobs such as electrical and software engineers.
While the 2019 update of the Economic Development Plan continues to focus on maintaining or growing what is already strong in our local economy, and making the investments needed to attract new employers to build new employment sectors, it also focuses heavily on developing our local workforce to meet our region’s current and future employment needs. Attached is the Economic Development Plan Executive Summary for your review. The full plan can be viewed on the county website, www.pima.gov/economicdevelopment. Copies of the Economic Development Plan 2019-2021 will be delivered to your office when printing is completed.
To gauge the effectiveness of the Economic Development Plan over the last three years, the full cash value of the tax base increased from $79,538,156,234 in 2015 to what is projected to be $95,239,695,887 in 2019. This represents more than a $15.7 billion increase in the full cash value of the tax base in three years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment increased from 441,671 in 2015 to 473,491 in May of 2019 adding 31,821 Pima County residents to the workforce. And Sun Corridor, Inc., with the help of Pima County and others, facilitated job expansions and relocations that resulted in the creation of 17,121 direct jobs in that three-year period.
The Honorable Chairman and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors Re: Economic Development Plan 2019-2021 Executive Summary July 15, 2019 Page 2
This economic momentum in Pima County is expected to continue through the remainder of 2019. As of this month, Sun Corridor, Inc. has 55 companies it is currently engaged with that have the prospect of adding 7,956 new jobs and $1.3 billion in capital investment to our regional economy.
CHH/anc
Attachment c: Dr. John Moffatt, Director, Economic Development Office Patrick Cavanaugh, Deputy Director, Economic Development Office
Economic Development Plan 2019-2021 Executive Summary
pima.gov/economicdevelopmentplan
Executive Summary
Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019-2021
Executive Summary
To read the full plan, go to www.pima.gov/EconomicDevelopment
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 3 Executive Summary
4 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
CHAPTER 1 initiatives include expanding the available work- force through multiple paths, as well as work- Introduction ing to improve supporting infrastructure, and increasing awareness of our region’s significant competitive advantages. Our partners include A. Purpose and Goals most of the public sector entities in the region as well as utilities and a wide range of private Pima County’s Economic Development Plan, sector groups or authorities. first published in 2012 and updated in 2015 and 2017, has enumerated the County’s economic Infrastructure is the second highest priority in goals and focused efforts to promote econom- improving the region’s competitiveness. Collab- ic development, job growth, higher wages and orative support of transportation projects such increased disposable income. The County has as I-11 and the Sonoran Corridor as well as new completed a number of plan objectives and many electric, sewer, communications, and natural gas of the implementation activities have contrib- lines all add up to a more competitive region. uted directly to the economic rebound in the region. Other initiatives identified were longer range and are still in progress. B. Fundamental Goals
The objective of this Economic Development Those goals for this plan are: Plan Update 2019-2021 is to plan specific ini- tiatives to retain our local expertise and attract 1. Identify ways to overcome limitations that new job opportunities; increase our competitive- affected successes. ness through expansion of our skilled workforce; 2. Diversify the economy. and identify infrastructure investment critical to 3. Increase the number of jobs. expansion of economic growth. These objectives 4. Increase disposable income. are strengthened through regional collaboration 5. Identify multiple paths to enhance the with our economic development partners and regional workforce. the private sector. 6. Develop new local development funding sources. There are widely diversified assets in our 7. Creation of a regional identity. region. Individually, they will attract companies and jobs with specific needs. By working together, we are much stronger as an economic region. This C. Role of Pima County plan update has been restructured to emphasize our strengths and emphasize the investment in Pima County’s economic development goals workforce, innovation, infrastructure and col- are regional, as is our execution. Including our laboration necessary to continue improvement in partners in this plan provides a one-stop oppor- the region’s competitiveness. This plan incorpo- tunity for site selectors as well as expanding or rates Pima County’s commitment to actions that relocating employers to better understand the support our goals for the next three years but also assets throughout the region and places South- provides the opportunity for each of our partners ern Arizona in a stronger position to compete on to identify their objectives, specific goals, and im- a national scale. plementation activities to accomplish their goals. Pima County’s priorities for the Economic As the largest County in the region, second Development Plan 2019 -2021 update will be largest in the state, and the second largest juris- strategically increasing workforce development diction in the state by population, our goal is to programs and increasing our focus on innova- provide the stimulus for collaboration with all of tion and the successes of start-up companies our partners, including our neighboring coun- across multiple industries. The availability of ties. While each of our partners will have their a qualified workforce is becoming a limiting own priorities included in this plan, common factor in attracting new sources of employment
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 5 Executive Summary
to the region, which hinders business expansion. the border. The 30 percent shortage of federal Counties are major partners with the State and customs agents continues to be a limiting factor Federal governments to implement programs on the tourism, produce and maquila industries. that prepare workers for opportunities to maxi- The region’s proximity to the border with Mexico mize their employment opportunities. and the impacts on tourism, trade, and culture throughout the region requires almost constant Pima County has acquired various land assets attention given the actions of the Federal Govern- through the years and is bringing selected prop- ment on immigration, infrastructure and tariffs. erties to market for development. Development of these properties will spur economic devel- 4. Retail opment activity, create jobs and return these underutilized lands to the tax base. The Internet shopping revolution, commonly known as e-commerce, has had a major effect on the retail industry. The positive impact is that D. Trends and priorities any size company can become a world-wide sup- plier with a far-reaching customer base. Online 1. Workforce order processing and payment systems make it possible for any retailer to reach a national and Developers are seeing increasing labor costs even international consumer base. Retailers and shortages that impact project schedules that were late to automate their marketing are and costs, which can affect the viability of some no longer competitive and are seeing declines in projects. The building trades also are important sales, closing stores, and reducing staff resulting to existing facilities and companies for facili- in vacant stores and a large number of displaced ty maintenance. Our region is struggling with workers without highly transferable skills. Clos- shortages in college graduates in many of the ing major retail stores creates a need to repur- high technology professions. Increased funding pose retail real estate and retrain the displaced to our education system is critical to keep the workforce. Entrepreneurial opportunities have workforce pipeline full. We must make work- enabled expansion of home occupations. Expan- force expansion the number one priority for sion of logistics companies such as DHL, UPS, Pima County. and FedEx plus local entrepreneurs working with Amazon will continue to experience rapid 2. Trade growth. Creative reuses of closed large retail outlets need to be encouraged so they don’t sit More than 6 percent of Arizona’s Gross Do- empty and give an appearance of blight. mestic Product is a result of international trade – primarily with Mexico. Export trade brings 5. Aerospace/Space outside dollars into our economy. Large compa- nies and logistics are important drivers to diver- Space exploration continues to be one of the sify our economy but it is small businesses that areas receiving large investment. New, disrup- have more agility to fill the gaps in the supply tive technologies like those being deployed by chain. Facilitating diversity in export trade and World View in stratospheric exploration with taking advantage of our location on two major steerable balloons and Vector, which is devel- trade routes must be a high priority. oping low cost orbital launch rockets for small satellites at a small fraction of the cost of larger 3. Border Issues rockets, have entered the Pima County market. These innovative companies are bringing access Nearshoring provides supply chain opportu- to space and near-space to university research nities for Southern Arizona. Improved flow of programs and small company research and produce, parts and final product across the bor- development projects that previously couldn’t der through cooperative programs on both sides afford the cost. With Pima County being prop- of the border have made a significant impact in erly positioned with facilities and workforce, the cost of doing business when product crosses it is important to attract more employers in
6 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary this high-technology, high-wage industry. The b. Phoenix climate in Southern Arizona is ideal for the Aerospace industry. The region could become Just as we believe all success in the region is a major commercial pilot training center given beneficial to all of us in southern Arizona, the appropriate prioritization of efforts and prepara- boom in the Phoenix area is also good for the tion of the needed facilities. Priorities in meeting state and our region. With roughly a third of the workforce training needs as well as encouraging population, more opportunities should be sent increased supply chain presence locally will ben- to southern Arizona from the ACA. We must efit the economic base as these are high paying continue to develop our local workforce, but also jobs with significant disposable income. create the branding needed to make the area at- tractive to importing workforce that is relocating 6. Defense from other parts of the country.
Southern Arizona historically has had a dependence on defense spending. Demand for increased defense technology and capabilities continues to increase. While unsettling in some ways, this can be beneficial to our region. For- eign countries are expanding their defense tech- nology purchases and send pilots to be trained in our superior training climate. Increased focus on cutting edge technology drives the demand for high-paying engineering jobs that help our econ- omy. If our priority is to increase the number of jobs and the average wage in the region, we need to understand what drives this industry and pro- vide appropriate support. The region must prior- itize developing or improving its defense-related workforce. Separating and retired military and their families are an excellent source of employ- ees. We must prioritize capturing this source of reliable and capable workers for all of our indus- tries, not just defense.
7. Other Regional Markets a. Southern California
Southern California’s economy continues to grow at a rapid rate while experiencing regula- tory and economic strains for companies and workers alike. The region is an excellent source for business attraction activities for Arizona, but particularly southern Arizona as our industry focus, other than mining, is very similar. Work- ers are willing to come to Arizona as there are multiple employment opportunities within the targeted industries. Housing is much more af- fordable, and overall cost of living is much less. Pima County will continue to focus on attracting companies from Southern California.
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 7 Executive Summary
CHAPTER 2 line at the Pinal Airpark contributes $147 million to the local economy. The Arizona Army National Business Attraction Guard (AZARNG) has two armories and over and Retention 480 soldiers in Pima County, and more than 2,100 Army guardsmen in southern Arizona. Pima County will support the development of a A. Supporting existing employers new, $24.1 million consolidated armory.
1. Military installations 2. University of Arizona
Pima County is fortunate to have several The University of Arizona (UA) with almost military installations that provide quality jobs. 12,000 employees and over 35,000 undergrad- A 2017 economic analysis by the Maguire Com- uate students is the second largest employer in pany noted that of the $11 billion in economic Pima County. The UA has an annual economic impact military spending has on Arizona, 53% impact of more than $8.3 billion. The UA is an occurs in or within 50 miles of the Pima County economic engine partly driven by the continued border. Insuring the retention and expansion of growth of the UA Tech Park. The Park has near- these military facilities and their missions is a ly 7,000 employees and is a leader in attracting primary objective of the County. companies and foreign technology through its well-orchestrated Global Advantage program. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is the larg- It has been successful in attracting companies est military employer in the County and the from Mexico and Israel and continues to attract fourth-largest employer overall. Davis-Monthan interest from several countries around the world. contributes $2.6 billion to our local economy. Tech Parks Arizona is the umbrella organization Pima County will be supporting several initia- that includes the UA Tech Park and The Bridges, tives to make the base more viable operationally. which at 66 acres is located 3 miles south of the main campus, is one of the most attractive, shov- The 162d Wing of the Arizona Air National el ready, development locations in the region. Guard is adding to its mission of training Ameri- Tech Parks Arizona is expanding the UA Tech can and foreign F-16 fighter pilots, and has tran- Park to increase available space for new employ- sitioned its 214th Reconnaissance functions to ers as well as develop the amenities needed to new equipment. The 162d Wing contributes over insure employees find the location attractive. $383 million to the local economy and is a major Tech Parks focuses on innovation and supporting employer of part-time Air National Guard mem- technology transfer into operating companies. bers with wide-ranging skills, including in the aviation industry. Pima County and other agen- 3. Raytheon cies have identified 55 acres for a new munition storage area compatible with Raytheon that will Raytheon continues to be the region’s largest improve Wing operations. The County supports private sector employer with over 12,000 employ- relocation of the main entrance to Park Avenue ees. Since the 2017 announcement of $500 mil- south of Valencia for safety and other reasons. lion in capital investment and hiring over 2,000 new employees as the first step of continued ex- Ft. Huachuca in Cochise County contributes pansion in Pima County, Raytheon’s investment $2.9 billion in economic impact annually. Ft. numbers have grown to well over $800 million Huachuca attracts to the region many defense and hiring has also incrementally increased. A contractors with high-wage employment and a 2017 analysis by Arizona State University esti- wide range of technical skills. Many of the Fort’s mated Raytheon’s annual economic impact at workers live and shop in Pima County. more than $2 billion. Pima County has partnered with other agencies in master planning the safety The Silverbell Army Heliport which in- buffer zones created by the development of the cludes the Western Army Aviation Training Site Aerospace Parkway. These buffer zones are crit- (WAATS) located just north of the Pinal County ical for Raytheon to have appropriate space and
8 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary buffers to build new integration and test facilities verse impacts the operation would bring to the in Tucson. The County and regional partners are human and natural environment. Those mining facilitating the construction of a South Entry activities that agree to meet the natural resource Control Facility for Raytheon. and conservation requirements of the County’s environment rules and guidelines will generally 4. Aviation Services be supported by the County.
There are nearly 200 aviation and aerospace Mining companies and individuals have laid related companies in Pima County. While our claim to thousands of acres of subsurface miner- region is fortunate to have prestigious compa- al rights throughout Pima County. While not all nies and the corresponding high wage jobs in the of the patents will be developed, those that are, aviation and aerospace industries, supporting will eventually require reclamation. The County these employers is critical to their maintaining a will continue to support all mining entities that competitive cost structure and their ability to hire choose to acquire buffer lands, whether they are workers with appropriate skills. Pima County is private or State Trust lands, to provide a natural collaborating with the University of Arizona’s Of- resource buffer between other land use activities fice of Strategic Business Initiatives to explore the and active or abandoned mining operations. It development of additional research and test facil- is important these natural resource buffers be ities to focus on the space industry. Pima Coun- maintained in perpetuity and become part of ty will continue to explore career development the protection and conservation strategy for the programs with Pima College and other education Sonoran Desert ecosystem. providers to expand our aviation and aerospace career training opportunities to meet the increas- 6. Construction ing demands of this industry in Pima County. Pima County was slower to recover from the 5. Mining recession than other areas but its economy is now moving forward rapidly. Both vertical (homes and Mining’s impact has historically cycled through industrial buildings) and horizontal (roads and highs and lows of production and employment; other infrastructure) construction are seeing in- but the forecasted mineral deposits in Pima creased demand though the traditional workforce County, combined with anticipated demand for that used to be readily available has dwindled. base metals in an increasingly technology-depen- Demographic changes, mostly driven by Millenni- dent society, ensures mining will continue to be als, have affected design and construction require- a significant contributor to Pima County’s econo- ments. It is imperative that jurisdictions consider my. Overall, the industry provides approximately these new trends and allow the cost-effective 14,000 direct and indirect jobs within the County. modification of previously submitted subdivision The presence of 24 large- and small-scale mining plats to not constrain the industry’s ability to meet operations in Pima County has fostered a large these changing demands. Technology is making and diverse sector of companies providing logis- the plan review and building inspection much tical support that also contributes to our employ- more efficient and Pima County is leading the way ment base. Several of the world’s leading mining with electronic plan review and Skype interactive technology companies operate in Pima County. An inspections to minimize costly delays. estimated 60 percent of the nation’s copper comes from Southern Arizona, and the average wage paid by the large-scale mining operations is well B. Supporting Major industries and above the median wage in Pima County. employment sector growth and diversification Pima County opposes incompatible mining operations in sensitive environmental areas, 1. Tourism such as the proposed Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains, where the County has Pima County supports Visit Tucson’s propos- spent years thoroughly documenting the ad- al to create a voluntary tourism improvement
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 9 Executive Summary
district. Revenue would be used primarily for nificantly benefit this most important industry air-service revenue guarantees and marketing across the state. There is a large amount of Tucson and Pima County in cities where non- research locally that is funded by the Defense stop flights to Tucson are established. Advanced Research Projects Agency. The County has held discussions with several entities about 2. Mining and Mining Technology developing a DARPA-compliant, secure, collab- orative research center that will minimize the Pima County is forecasted to see an expansion extensive costs for companies to build the secure of high-paying jobs in the mining sector as prices environment required to attract DARPA con- for copper, molybdenum and other southern tracts. Such a facility would not only serve local Arizona minerals continue to increase in value. companies but companies in other states. Pima County could also see long-closed mines containing significant reserves brought back in to Pima County’s weather allows for over 340 operation. It is incumbent upon Pima County and days of flight training per year, which makes other regional agencies to meet with Pima County us the most cost-effective training area in the mine operators to assess their forecast for growth country. Jobs in this industry typically have and perceived effects of federal trade policy; un- the greatest amount of disposable income. It is derstand their expansion-related workforce and imperative to support the development of new infrastructure needs; executive air travel needs, products and retention and expansion of mili- and evaluate their supply chain gaps. tary missions, but also leverage the workforce and space ecology of the region to attract even Pima County will work with the industry and more employers into this sector. others to formulate strategies for the use of re- newable water supplies in mining operations. The 4. Healthcare County also will support activities for the direct reuse of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water, in People from across the United States and lieu of groundwater, for mining operations. abroad visit Tucson for its health, medical and wellness centers and the unique services and The County should work directly with the care they offer. Medical tourism is a growing Arizona Technology Council and related orga- tourism initiative and in 2016, Visit Tucson, nizations to support and expand the mining Pima County and the City of Tucson developed a technology cluster in Pima County. The UA partnership and community plan to attract visi- Department of Mining and Geological Engineer- tors to Pima County who are specifically seeking ing is recognized as one of the leading mining medical services. Visit Tucson will lead these education institutions in the nation. County staff efforts to introduce domestic and internation- will begin seeking partnerships with the relevant al tourism patients about the medical services departments and programs of the UA and other available in Pima County through the Tucson entities to explore opportunities that support Health Association initiative. advanced mining technology and sustainability and promote resource extraction with minimum 5. Retail impact while accelerating economic development and job creation in Pima County. Pima County has been a major participant in the Internet retail boom through the location of 3. Aerospace and Defense distribution centers in our community. Amazon’s development of an 855,000-square-foot fulfill- The County will support more state university ment center at the Port of Tucson is confirmation funding for engineering programs to improve that our community is well-placed geographical- the education and training programs needed ly, and has the work force to attract even more of to support the workforce needs of the local this new derivative of the changing retail scene. aerospace and defense industry. Supporting The Pima County Small Business Commission the restoration of full funding to these critical focuses on independent retail and service indus- programs is an important action that will sig- try companies and works to create an environ-
10 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary ment where these specialty retailers can thrive centers that pay higher wages and benefits, which in this changing environment. We must also take is consistent with Pima County’s objectives. The advantage of Amazon’s local business advocacy Advanced Business Services sector in Pima Coun- program to foster the supply chain opportunities ty includes general office, data centers, regional for local suppliers to become a part of the sup- and corporate headquarters operations. Em- ply chain. The same will be true as we see other ployers in this cluster include customer contact fulfillment centers come to the area. centers, data processing centers, financial institu- tions, insurance companies, and real estate firms. It will be necessary to provide retraining for a Pima County continues to attract the expansion substantial number of dislocated retail employ- of Advanced Business Services operations. The ees to prepare them for other industries. There Advanced Business Services sector is comprised must be some planning and zoning creativity in of the Business and Financial Operations Occupa- repurposing closed retail sites. It is Pima Coun- tions in Pima County and is estimated to employ ty’s responsibility to understand and enable the 17,000 in 2019. As this sector continues to grow rapid changes in this industry in ways that cause and requires a higher skilled workforce, there the least disruption to the industry and to the is a need to collaborate with Pima Community workforce. College and the University of Arizona to develop appropriate training and degrees that meet the 6. Logistics needs of these diverse companies.
The Logistics and Distribution Center sector 9. Film production growth in the corridor connecting Rita Road and I-10 to the Old Nogales Highway, I-19 and the Pima County will continue to partner with Sonoran Corridor has accelerated. Major online the Arizona Commerce Authority Department of retailer distribution centers now total more than Film and Digital Media, along with Film Tucson, 3 million square feet. To support these distribu- to market Tucson and Southern Arizona as a pro- tions centers, ground transportation companies duction location for feature films, TV series and will grow their capacity in the corridor. This episodes, print and television commercial adver- sector will need logistics managers, material tising and other filmed content that generates handlers, schedulers, inventory control, truck economic impact for the region. Since Arizona drivers and freight forwarders. does not offer a film incentive, the County needs to proactively target commercial advertising, 7. Manufacturing unscripted projects and low-budget independent features produced for cable, specialty and reality The Manufacturing sector in Pima County projects. Pima County created an online film per- has experienced an increase in business and it is mit process that will speed approval for location projected that employment will grow by an ad- shoots and highlight our unique region. ditional 1,463 positions by 2019, an increase of 6.1%. There is a current shortage of skilled man- 10. Emerging industries, startups and ufacturing workforce in Pima County and the Incubators projected retirement of 2,500 by 2024 is being addressed by the Southern Arizona Manufactur- Entrepreneur-driven startup companies as ing Partners (SAMP), Pima Community College well as single-employee enterprises have grown (PCC), the Pima Joint Technical Education Dis- impressively since the end of the recession – both trict (JTED) and the Pima County One-Stop. in terms of capital development and employment expansion. Our region has all the needed compo- 8. Technical Support nents to be recognized as an international center of innovation. Many of its technology sectors, such Arizona continues to be a center for Technical as aerospace, optics, mining tech and biotechnol- Support and Advanced Business Services. This ogy have achieved that distinction within their rapidly growing sector is transitioning into more respective sectors. However, the capacity for rapid in-house, product and company-focused service development of new firms has not fully developed
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 11 Executive Summary
to its true potential due to a lack of resources, gate encroachment on the base and its approach/ facilities, capital and coordination. The key to en- departure corridor. The DMAFB Departure couraging growth in both emerging industries and Corridor has been threatened with urban en- startup companies is to harness the power of our croachment; a key criterion when assessing in- existing technology sectors and the University of stallation operational effectiveness, training and Arizona (UA) while providing a support system of mission capability, which also include operations expanded access to capital, knowledge and facili- that expand beyond its boundaries. The County ties to grow new companies, technology, and jobs. has already spent $10 million to purchase lands within the Approach/Departure Corridor for en- For the region to capitalize on its resourc- croachment prevention and DMAFB partnered es of both the UA and existing/emerging tech with the County for another $6.5 million in sectors, additional resources and better coor- Readiness and Environmental Protection Inter- dination must be developed. The County is well pretation grant funds, which provides funding to positioned to work with technology companies installations to mitigate or prevent incompatible and advocacy organizations to conduct analysis land uses that restrict training, testing and op- of facility needs, such as incubators and testing erations, and which can improve opportunities facilities. Development of such “innovation in- for mission growth. REPI is typically a 5-year frastructure” is an appropriate and economically program with incremental funding. Annual beneficial role for the County. re-evaluation of market conditions and acquisi- tion targets will be discussed with the Air Force 11. Small Business Support for continuation in subsequent years.
Promoting and supporting the development, 2. Tucson International Airport and Ryan stability and expansion of small business is a Field priority for Pima County. Small businesses serve an outsized role in job creation, expansion of the The Tucson Airport Authority controls over tax base and overall economic prosperity in the 7,000 acres in the developing Sonoran Corri- County. Pima County has relied on providing dor logistics area. The airport has a significant assistance to small business rather than finan- amount of “shovel ready” air cargo capability and cial incentives. To assist small business in Pima is focusing on opportunities to expand usage for County, the County should emphasize: Workforce airfreight, which is important to many companies Development; Small Business Enterprise (SBE) in southern Arizona and Sonora. Additionally, Participation Program; The Small Business Com- four “shovel ready” airside (access to the runway) mission (SBC), the Pima County Public Library, sites designated for Maintenance, Repair, and and Pima County Development Services. Overhaul (MRO) activities are available for attrac- tion of new employers needing runway access. Pima County will develop an online Business The airport’s Environmental Impact Study, which Resource One-Stop service, in which a single was intended to enhance runway safety and add contact will link companies throughout Pima a second parallel runway, now transitions into County to a multiagency collaborative working the design and execution phase. Pima County to match them with resources and solutions. will continue to support the advancement of this important capability and work with Sun Corridor, Inc. to maximize development of airport-held C. Enhancing and Creating New Major land to attract quality employers to expand em- Employment Centers ployment opportunities. Additionally, Ryan Field, which the Tucson Airport Authority operates 15 1. Davis-Monthan, 162nd Wing, and other miles southwest of Tucson, presents opportuni- local military installations ties for economic development, in particular pilot training, and Pima County should work with the Pima County has partnered with DMAFB in Tucson Airport Authority to coordinate sites, land the Department of Defense’s Readiness and En- use and infrastructure needed for company relo- vironmental Integration grant program to miti- cations and expansion of the airfield capabilities.
12 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
3. Port of Tucson 640-acre Pima County Fairgrounds operated by the Southwest Fair Commission, as well as Pima County will continue to make pro- several other sub-leased recreational and enter- spective employers aware of the many assets tainment properties. The remaining 1,900 acres available at the Port of Tucson and will work of developable land surrounding the fairgrounds to ensure expansion opportunities with new is now slated for economic development uses for employers are fully supported and informed lease or sale to new export-based employers. A given proximity to the Davis-Monthan Approach preliminary master plan has been completed to Departure Corridor. determine the opportunities and constraints to developing the property, including the construc- 4. Sonoran Corridor Logistics Hub tion of drainage detention basins on state land to provide recreational benefit, as well as removing Pima County is fortunate to be located at a a significant portion of the County and the State’s major trade crossroads. The only rail line be- property from the regulatory floodplain. Addi- tween Arizona and Mexico runs from Tucson tional infrastructure investment is underway to south to Nogales through Pima and Santa Cruz widen Houghton Road with spot improvements counties. Interstate 19 that runs from Tucson to at key areas. Design is underway to extend the the border, connects with Mexico’s Federal High- County wastewater line to the fairgrounds for its way 15 at the Nogales Port of Entry and termi- needs, but will offer additional capacity for future nates south of Mexico City. These highways are employers. Alternative sources of water service the southern terminus of the Canamex Corridor, for the SELC are being explored for those tenants. a trade corridor that stretches from Mexico north through Tucson and northward across the west- 7. South Tucson Redevelopment Zone ern United States to the Canadian province of Alberta. The Sonoran Corridor is ideally located Pima County is actively involved in explor- for distribution of finished goods throughout the ing, tracking, and assisting with new and/or region, including into northwest Mexico. Pima re-development options in a corridor along In- County initiated, and is leading the way in the terstate 10 and Benson Highway starting at the development of the Sonoran Corridor, which I-10 and Interstate 19 Interchange and extend- includes collaboration with regional governments ing southeast to at least Country Club Road, and and utilities and the logistics industry. eventually to points beyond. There are three areas of particular near-term active interest 5. Aerospace Research Campus and emphasis: The Bridges; Fourth Avenue/I-10 Area; and Kino Sports Complex. There are four Located south of Raytheon, Pima County’s principal jurisdictions involved in the redevel- 500-acre aerospace and technology-focused opment zone corridor: Pima County; City of campus has all major utilities are in place with Tucson; City of South Tucson; and the Universi- redundant power capabilities coming with a new ty of Arizona. The County is primarily interest- regional Tucson Electric Power substation nearby. ed in increased value development in the entire Rail siding capability has been designed. Large area that would strengthen the tax base for all and small parcels are available and the Aerospace involved jurisdictions. Relatedly, the County Parkway connection to locations to the east is in desired to both enhance the region’s tourism place. This County owned-property is the prima- attraction and improve employment opportu- ry employment focus area for attraction of new nities, public services, and the quality of life for space and technology focused employers. area residents. Over time, it is expected that the active area will extend even further southeast, 6. Southeast Employment and Logistics to at least the Swan and Valencia area, thereby Center connecting to the Sonoran Corridor. Recently, a very large swath along I-10 was designated The Southeast Employment and Logistics by the State of Arizona and U.S. Department of Center (SELC) is part of a 3,000-acre parcel of Commerce as a capital gains tax-break qualify- County-owned property. The site includes the ing Opportunity Zone.
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 13 Executive Summary
a. The Bridges 10 and the recently completed Sunset Road between Silverbell and I-10. The Arizona De- The 350-acre Bridges site is entirely within partment of transportation has plans for an the City of Tucson and was conceived and mas- interchange at Sunset and Interstate 10 which ter- planned in 2008 to become a mixed-use will allow a future connection to River Road; community, with a development program de- the region’s most rapid east/west arterial road- signed to create lasting positive impacts for the way. Since the County’s acquisition in 2011, the surrounding neighborhoods, Tucson, and the Campus has been targeted as a primary employ- entire Southern Arizona region. Pima County is ment site for new high-wage industries. Ongoing working with and assisting the City of Tucson, discussions with the private sector as to how to University of Arizona, and private landowners/ best position this excellent location will result developers with basic infrastructure issues (in- in a focused development concept as this plan is cluding parks, trails, open space, transportation rolled out over the next two years. and utilities) and coordinated planning/design. 9. Downtown b. Fourth Avenue/I-10 Area The County is aggressively working on There is an approximately 63-acre area in the finding creative uses in collaboration with southern portion of South Tucson (along and/ private and public partners for County owned or straddling Fourth Avenue immediately north buildings that will increase employment and of the I-10 Frontage Road) that is contemplated attract quality economic development projects for potential new or redevelopment over time. to the region. The County has several proper- Over half of the 63-acre redevelopment area ties available for lease, in part or in total, or for has already been designated as GPLET eligible sale. For more details on each, see the full text by South Tucson as part of its Central Business of the plan or go to pima.gov/economicdevelop- District. South Tucson is evaluating whether ment the CBD can be expanded. Pima County will assist South Tucson with identifying/ evaluating • 97 E. Congress Street. specific opportunities, facilitating related discus- • 33 N. Stone Avenue. sions with parties of interest, and helping with • The Historic Pima County Courthouse. both GPLET and infrastructure issues (such as • Roy Place Building, 44 North Stone. transportation and utility system capacities). • 332 South Freeway at Cushing Street.
c. Kino Sports Complex 10. UA Tech Parks
Kino Sports Complex is the largest venue in The economic development purposes of Tech Pima County for youth, amateur and professional Parks Arizona and Pima County are very sim- sports, concerts, and community events. Pima ilar. Both entities work jointly on a wide range County is constructing additional long fields and of projects. Joint regional planning with the pickleball courts on 167 acres just south of the County’s Southeast Employment and Logistics existing complex on the other side of Interstate Center and potential Tech Park Arizona expan- 10. Land for commercial development – retail, sion at Rita Road is an important component of dining and lodging – has also been set aside and our coordinated efforts to advance the region’s the County is pursuing developers for this area. economy. To establish a community atmosphere County staff is exploring the possibility of utiliz- at the Tech Park, a partnership has been estab- ing PPPs to complete additional facilities at the lished with the Bourn Companies to concep- complex - such as an outdoor stadium, an indoor tualize, plan and build complimentary devel- sports facility, and/or an indoor arena or ice rink. opment called The Village based on smart city environmental design. The Village will include 8. Sunset Innovation Campus retail, commercial, residential, and hotel space and connection to recreation amenities like the The 100-acre site is adjacent to interstate Chuck Huckelberry Loop.
14 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
11. Pinal Air Park to find competitive jobs at comparable or better wages must be a priority if Pima County is to be a Pima County owns nearly 300 acres in Pima catalyst in repurposing retail. County along the southern border of the Air- park (which is in Pinal County) that can easily be connected to one of two taxiways. Pima County D. Enhancing relationships with joined with Pinal County and the Arizona State foreign economic partners Land Department to develop a Request for Infor- mation to identify parties interested in developing 1. Foreign Direct Investment and Trade certain portions of the Park as well as the land surrounding the Park. Pinal County is rezoning At its most basic, FDI is investment by a firm or the Airpark and State Land between the Airpark individual from another nation. It ranges from an and Interstate 10 for industrial and commercial investor establishing foreign business operations use in anticipation of new interest and potential here or acquiring assets in Pima County, such as development. Pima County’s property is already acquiring ownership of an existing company or zoned for industrial use. Infrastructure for the investing in a local company. FDI can also extend airpark needs repair and expansion. Agreement to investing foreign capital in infrastructure or fa- has been reached with Global Water Services to cilities in expectation of a financial return. A solid extend water service from Red Rock, 3 miles to FDI strategy is sector specific. Understanding our the north as well as revamp existing water infra- sector strengths, including the combined foreign structure that no longer meets service require- trade and foreign business establishments/em- ments. Pima County, in cooperation with Pinal ployment in Pima County, provides opportunities County, is leading an analysis of the Airpark for to identify which high-wage sectors in Pima Coun- alternative air operations usage in conjunction ty to expand. The County seeks to build on exist- with the Governor’s Office and various other agen- ing foreign corporate relationships to attract other cies, including the Marana Regional Airport eight companies from the same nations (and potentially miles to the south. Increased utilization of the their supply chains) to Pima County. Airpark will help justify incremental FAA funding. Pima County is supporting an FAA study regard- 2. Mexico ing the development of a Joint Control Tower that increases safety and positive airspace control for Pima County will continue to seek supply both Marana Regional Airport and Pinal Airpark. chain and Pima County expansion opportunities related to businesses from Mexico. Pima County 12. Strategy to repurpose retail Economic Development staff will continue to work with key partners such as the Arizona-Mexico The County needs to find ways to help the land- Commission, the INDEX Nogales/Association lords, developers, businesses and tenants adapt to of Maquiladoras in Sonora (AMS), the Greater this new environment of repurposing retail prop- Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, the erty and centers. Facilitating the need to repur- Pima Association of Governments, the Maricopa pose retail can include improved traffic flow and Association of Governments, the U.S. Consulate in infrastructure to make access easier. Recognizing Nogales, Sonora, the Consulate of Mexico among the impact of self-driving cars, ride-sharing, rapid others to lead efforts to help facilitate the process transit, reduced use of automobiles and the impact of business expansion and establishment for Mexi- of these trends on travel, parking, and drop off can businesses in our region. To help the federal – pickup locations on a master plan and zoning government recruit and retain border and port requirements is important. Where previously pro- workers, Pima County will continue to educate, hibited, light manufacturing, non-disruptive dis- advocate and market the region as a safe and fam- tribution uses, and the ability to include schools ily-friendly region for federal employees and their should also be considered. The other major impact families to locate. To further support cross-border these retail closures have on the community is on economic development, Pima County has worked the workforce. Providing appropriate re-training with three other border counties to create the Ari- to these displaced workers to ensure their ability zona Border Counties Coalition (ABCC).
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 15 Executive Summary
3. Canada 5. Israel
Canada remains one of Pima County’s and Israel’s impressive startup and entrepre- Arizona’s most important trade partners, sec- neurial movement should be engaged by Pima ond only to Mexico in terms of foreign exports. County’s recently resurgent startup community. Assuming eventual normalization of current The University of Arizona, and more specifically, U.S. and Canadian trade disputes under the Tech Parks Arizona, has recognized this eco- Trump administration, Pima County is strategi- nomic potential and has been at the forefront cally positioned to capitalize on the commerce in developing business and technology partner- between the U.S., Mexico and Canada as the In- ships with Israel and Israeli companies through terstate 11 concept continues to develop between the Global Advantage program. Pima County Canada and Mexico. Canadian investment in will increase its efforts to work collaboratively real estate is expected to continue along the with the Arizona-Israel Technology Alliance, the proposed corridor that is planned through Pima Arizona Trade Office in Israel, Global Advantage County. Pima County is well-suited to serve as and Tech Parks Arizona to broaden the region’s a logistic hub for Canadian companies in the reach to Israel and ensure that if an Israeli same manner as many Pima County companies company does not relocate to one of the UA tech provide support to U.S. firms now operating in parks, the candidate company has potential Mexico. Pima County is uniquely situated to be opportunities elsewhere in Southern Arizona. To further involved in the mining supply chain for further its connections to Israel and Israeli busi- Canadian companies in Mexico, particularly in ness opportunities, Pima County has also begun the areas of manufacturing, equipment provi- preliminary discussions with the Arizona Israel sion, and engineering and consultation services. Technology Council (AITC.). Pima County will continue to work directly with Visit Tucson and the Tucson Airport Authority 6. Europe to develop direct airline connections as well as charter tourism flights to Pima County. Although Canada and Mexico together pro- vide the largest number of foreign business 4. East Asia establishments operating in Pima County, the European countries with the highest number Pima County has experienced increased di- of business establishments combined is almost rect Asian investment, the development of more equivalent with Canada and Mexico. European Asian business establishments and a growing companies are substantial employers in Pima relationship with multiple major container County. Pima County will begin proactively shipping companies that have enabled the Port contacting major European companies operating of Tucson to operate as a true inland port. Pima in our key industrial sectors in order to estab- County has identified several sector align- lish relationships, provide assistance and seek ments and numerous existing relationships that opportunities for additional business and trade present unique opportunities to connect our opportunities – as we have done with Canada economy with markets of South Korea. Pima and Mexico. Many consular representatives of County should work with partners in Sonora the nations associated with Pima County’s major and with the State of Arizona to identify private European employers are affiliated with the Con- investment and other stimulus to aid Mexico sular Corps of Arizona in Phoenix. Pima County in completing the expansion of the deep-water staff will begin engaging and educating these port at Guaymas, which is an important com- representatives as part of its strategy to enhance ponent of the Arizona, Mexico and Asian trade Pima County’s economic relationship with Eu- network. Just as we did with Tu Simple, Pima rope and European companies operating in the County must facilitate opportunities with the County. Additionally, Pima County should work private sector to create direct trade links with with the U.S. Commercial Service, the Arizona the economies of Asia and develop the region District Export Council and other relevant orga- as a logistics hub for our interdependent econ- nizations to further build foreign relationships omies. related to exports.
16 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
E. Economic Development Tools and ensure that private development and capital im- Partnerships provement projects constructed over the next 30 years will comply with the Endangered Species State law limits the incentives assistance Act. These projects can be planned, constructed, counties can offer businesses for purposes of and completed without concern for delays or bud- expansion and attraction. But that doesn’t mean get stressors related to federal endangered species the toolbox is empty. The County has proved a rules. Pima County provides all the mitigation nimble enabler of economic growth through its necessary to offset project impacts, including regulatory processes, partnerships with regional acquisition of open space land. Projects can arrive and state economic development agencies, enter- at ‘shovel ready’ sooner with fewer complications prising use of public-private partnerships, and because of the MSCP investments the County has agreements with regional governments. made to remove a significant hurdle impacting the time it takes to get both public infrastructure 1. Pima County Industrial Development and private development projects constructed. Authority/Municipal Property Corporation 4. Identify cooperative development The IDA has completed more than 400 bond projects with private sector issuances since its formation in 1972, providing financing to numerous non-profit and for-profit Economic development is a partnership be- organizations. It remains a critically important tween Pima County and the private sector. The financing mechanism for Pima County’s afford- private sector needs to provide strong advocacy to able housing programs. In addition to the IDA, the Legislature, all levels of public education, and the Pima County, Arizona Municipal Property non-profits with a focus on increased financial Corporation (MPC) also exists as a separate support for job and career training programs. In non-profit corporation charged with the econom- addition to government, utilities, and land/build- ic development and financing capital improve- ing developers, other segments of the business ments. It does so through municipal property community that benefit indirectly from increased corporation bonds, and similar to IDAs, MPCs jobs and higher wages can also participate through are common throughout the state and play an their member organizations like Chambers of important role in financing public facilities. Commerce, Automobile Dealer Associations, Real- tor Associations, etc. to provide program funding, 2. Community Facilities District supplies and teachers for trades and career-ori- ented training programs, internships, work-study Community Facility Districts (CFDs) are an programs and many other opportunities. alternative financing mechanism that allows developers to fund their public infrastructure 5. Role of Arizona Commerce Authority through government bonds. CFDs can issue and Sun Corridor Inc. in attraction three types of bonds: general obligation bonds repaid by collections on secondary property tax The Arizona Commerce Authority must do bills; revenue bonds, repaid by revenue streams; more to assist Southern Arizona in its economic and, special assessment bonds repaid by special growth. The ACA distributes some of the leads it assessments mailed to the property owners. By receives to Southern Arizona and other parts of offering the use of CFDs, Pima County is pro- the state, but roughly 90% of the leads focus on viding a mechanism to advance construction of Maricopa County, according to ACA statistics. large-scale developments that support the re- Southern Arizona and Pima County must take the gion’s economic development goals initiative to educate ACA staff on the assets and benefits of the region. The Pima County Eco- 3. Section 10 Permit nomic Development office will work more closely with the southern Arizona ACA staff to pursue With completion of the Multi-Species Conser- increased opportunities. Sun Corridor Inc. (SCI) vation Plan (MSCP) authorized by the U.S. Fish is a regional economic development organization & Wildlife Service in 2016, the County is able to supported by a number of private industry mem-
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 17 Executive Summary
bers while Pima County is the largest government debt retirement and to provide capital infrastruc- funder by far and provides just under one-third of ture on a pay-as-you-go basis going forward. This SCI’s annual funding. SCI combines local incen- position allows the County to reserve our Con- tives with any available state incentives to best po- stitutional debt capacity for major community sition sites, workforce, and lifestyle to attract these consensus investments that may be necessary to prospects. SCI also works with the ACA to in- take advantage of long-term strategic objectives crease the number of opportunities for companies that may arise through economic development to have exposure to Southern Arizona assets. As a opportunities. part of the funding provided to SCI, they also have a responsibility to assist in the marketing efforts 3. Pay-as-you-go-capital financing a of Pima County properties that are appropriate transition strategy for specific clients. SCI also manages the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) opportunity in Pima County. Funding capital improvements through annu- al tax revenues is simply known as Pay-As-You- Go (PAYGO) Capital Financing. The process of F. Planning, Budget and Taxation transitioning our Capital Improvement Program Policy Incentives to Increase financing from bond or debt supported to PAY- Competitiveness GO funding has begun this year. This transition will be fully complete within the next five years. Long-term County planning documents guide a number of actions of the County. The first overar- 4. Transportation Investment ching guide is the County Comprehensive Plan or Pima Prospers. In addition, the County is devel- The best option available to Pima County is oping an Integrated Infrastructure Plan that will through the Regional Transportation Author- guide the general infrastructure implementation ity (RTA). In 2019, the Legislature authorized of Pima Prospers. These documents plus the legislation that would double the transportation County Sustainable Action Plan, our annual bud- investment through a reauthorized RTA revenue get and appropriation process as well as the Eco- source of a one-cent excise tax, essentially dou- nomic Development Plan are integrated together bling our transportation investments. The next to place the County in the best position to success- 20-year RTA Plan funding will be submitted for fully attract and retain high-wage business and voter approval at a General Election in Novem- industries. These plans all combine to promote ber, 2021. a healthy community; healthy people, healthy economy and healthy environment. Improving the There are two key state and federal system County’s competitive position involves a number improvements that are now planned that can of interrelated factors that when combined can significantly increase our economic competitive- improve the overall competitiveness of this region ness. The first is the Sonoran Corridor, a desig- compared to others throughout the West. nated high priority auxiliary interstate highway approved by federal legislation in Arizona. The 1. Integrated Infrastructure Plan second involves Interstate 11 with a trade corri- dor connecting Canada to Mexico. It is likely that The investment in physical infrastructure is a Intestate 11 improvements will take decades, but core function of County government and essential is important for the direct trade route connect- for a healthy community. Sustained investment in ing to Mexico and to relieve existing interstate infrastructure is needed to support growth and the highways of through truck traffic. Integrated Infrastructure Plan not only addresses current infrastructure needs but also responds to Finally, the County due to the lack of state- projected growth within this mega region. wide transportation funding, has been and will continue to dedicate significant portions of the 2. Debt Reduction County General Fund, financed by property taxes, to transportation. An increasing invest- The County has taken a position to accelerate ment of $5 million per year starting in Fiscal
18 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
Year 2019/20 is now planned through the annu- able daily or via an annual pass. Both of these al budget approval process. In four years, this differences result in Maricopa County pro- investment will reach $25 million per year. If viding just $915,887 in general fund support transportation investment is increased at the for parks and recreation, compared to Pima State level or the local level, by passing a one- County providing over $17 million in general cent RTA excise tax, this property tax support fund support. These differences impact our for transportation can be eliminated. primary property tax rate by $0.19. • Taxable Net Assessed Value – Maricopa 5. Property Tax Rate Equivalency with County’s tax base generates higher revenues Maricopa County per capita than Pima County’s. Maricopa County’s per capita primary net assessed The County primary property tax rate as well value is 17 percent higher than Pima County’s. as our overall primary and secondary tax rate is This means Pima County has to levy an addi- often cited as being significantly larger than that tional $0.59 per $100 of Taxable Net Assessed of Maricopa County; hence, the belief our prop- Value in order to collect the same amount of erty tax rates and levies place us in a less com- revenue per capita. petitive position than Maricopa County when • State-Shared Revenues – The State’s competing for jobs and economic growth. When methodology for sharing state sales tax reve- simply comparing the rates, it would appear this nues and shared (non-transportation) vehicle claim is valid; however, property tax policies and license tax revenue, favors Maricopa County. available tax revenues from other sources make Adjusting for both of these would reduce our this comparison complex and tedious. If all of primary property tax rate by $0.29. the below were considered, Pima County’s ad- • Unincorporated Population – In Pima justed primary property tax rate would decline County, 362,047 people live outside of an in- to $1.7547 versus Maricopa’s $1.4009. Additional corporated city or town, compared to 306,580 analysis would likely reduce it further. people in Maricopa County. This means Pima County is providing services such as law • Jail Excise Tax – If Pima County sought enforcement, to an unincorporated popula- legislative and voter approval for a half-cent tion that is 18 percent larger than Maricopa’s. (0.50 percent) jail sales tax, the amount avail- Adjusting for this difference in unincorporat- able to most Arizona counties, our primary ed population size, for just the portion of the property tax rate could be reduced by $0.86. Sheriff’s budget spent on law enforcement, • Special Healthcare District – The Mar- would reduce our primary property tax rate icopa Special Healthcare District, funded by $0.21. through a separate secondary property tax levied by a separate governing board, is used 6. Lowering County Property Taxes to pay for the that county’s hospital and health system. If Pima County was able to similarly Sustained economic growth and tax base shift our $15 million annual support for the expansion is the quickest way to reduce the County-owned Banner-University of Arizona County’s property taxes, hence the importance Medical Center South Campus hospital to a of economic development and job creation. special district, our primary property tax rate Sustained near Constitutional limited annual would be reduced by $0.18. tax base expansion of five percent will allow • Entrance Fees for Mountain Parks and the County’s property tax rates to decline by Conservation Areas – Maricopa Coun- more than 15 cents per year on average. The ty provides only nature-based recreation shift from capital facility debt financing to through regional mountain parks and con- pay-as-you-go financing will allow the County servation areas and does not own and operate a secondary property tax rate of 69 cents to es- ball fields, playgrounds, community centers sentially go to zero. Reauthorization of the RTA and swimming pools. Maricopa County would likely cause the elimination of General charges entrance fees to access the County’s Fund support to road repair, lowering the tax mountain parks and conservation areas, pay- rate by $0.30.
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 19 Executive Summary
CHAPTER 3 lower-skill workers to attain post-secondary technical credentials is clearly a key opportu- Workforce nity for Pima County to increase earning levels Development and address the workforce needs of our leading industries. Over the next two years Pima Coun- ty will pursue this strategy through four major action areas: The County’s workforce efforts are led by its One-Stop Career Center System, which is part 1. Increasing talent supply (Youth Services) of the ARIZONA@WORK statewide workforce 2. Promote worker upskilling and advance- network. While One-Stop serves all job seekers, ment by developing individual career plans under the guidance of the Pima County Work- (Core- Adult Services) force Investment Board, an advisory committee 3. Increasing labor-force participation (En- to the Pima County Board of Supervisors, it has gaging Vulnerable Population) focused on the County’s targeted Economic De- 4. Expanding short-term, work-based train- velopment industries (Aerospace, Construction, ing options (Business Services) Health, Logistics, Business, and Manufactur- ing). Pima County’s goal is to increase the talent and number of workers and job seekers (both The 2012 development of the Pima County new labor-market entrants, incumbent work- Economic Development Plan, along with initia- ers, and dislocated workers) completing indus- tives from other economic entities in our region, try-validated post-secondary training in science, have largely succeeded in attracting new indus- technology, engineering and math related fields trial sectors, strengthening existing pillars of the and other demand occupations by: economy, creating new export-based employment and attracting high-wage employers. Yet despite • Strengthening the link between high school, these aggregate economic gains, Pima County’s adult education providers, technical training poverty rate and a lack of opportunity for many and work; of its citizens remain stubbornly rooted in the • Providing clarity to the career pathways and vestiges of the Sun Belt economy. The County’s lattices available to those entering, re-enter- criminal justice functions and reforms, Health ing, and moving up in, the workforce; and Department Initiatives and Ending Poverty • Identifying methods for mature workers to Now strategy can be strengthened in its relation continue to earn while they transfer knowl- to economic development, affordable housing, edge to younger generations. neighborhood reinvestment and other program- ing. Additionally, new external programs such as the federal Opportunity Zones that attract in- A. Talent is (still) the key: higher skills, vestment to economically stressed census tracts, increased earning power, increased will be leveraged to provide inflows of capital to competitiveness, retain/create/ traditionally underserved communities. attract high-wage jobs Existing programs, such as the Southern Ari- A growing proportion of jobs require zona Manufacturing Partnership (SAMP) should post-secondary education/training and STEM be replicated in industrial sectors besides man- skills. A significant share of those jobs requires ufacturing and should collaborate with schools less than a four-year degree. Short-term labor in identified economically disadvantaged areas. market projections prepared by the Arizo- Pima County will explore new initiatives with na Office of Economic Opportunity point to a Pima Community College, JTED, JobPath, and data-driven strategy focused on good jobs that other non-profit partners to support programing require at least some post-secondary education that furthers both workforce development and and training. As of 2017, more than 60 percent upward economic mobility goals. The Industrial of jobs in Pima County required a high school Development Authorities of both Pima County diploma or less. Education and training for and the City of Tucson should be involved in
20 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary funding and programing activities to assist in 4. Career Pathway Partnership this effort. Pima County should ensure that its business attraction activities that occur in socio- The Center for the Future of Arizona, a state- economic stress areas result in employment and wide organization, convened a Pathways to Pros- economic advancement opportunity in surround- perity Tucson regional planning group. Pathways ing neighborhoods. The County Community Ser- to Prosperity is a systemic approach to creating vices, Employment and Training Department is college and career pathways with local repre- involved and participating with initial planning sentation from JTED, PCC, Pima County and and development of Pima Community College industry sector partners. Career pathways widen Centers of Excellence. CSET will continue to the traditional K-12 pipeline of talent by provid- explore shared space and workforce development ing opportunities for working people to move up. staff in meeting the needs of industry in our Career pathways offer the following components: community. • Close partnerships with employers who define required competencies; B. Increase talent supply: • Stackable credentials and wrap-around sup- port that facilitate participants leaving and 1. Direct Youth Services re-entering the pathway to work; • Work-based learning opportunities; Youth ready to take well-paying, stable jobs is • Opportunities to attain basic, secondary-level the best strategy for breaking the cycle of pover- skills and diplomas; and ty. Pima County’s Youth Employment One-Stop • Good job prospects in the local area. Center facilitates matching young job seekers • Guided pathways in post-secondary educa- with employers. tion complement these approaches by: • Consolidating basic credentials that support 2. K-12 Pipeline multiple specialties; • Aligning basic credentials so they stack to The County has operated the Las Artes pro- advanced credentials; gram for more than 25 years to help young adults • Providing opportunities to earn credit lacking a diploma attain a High School Equiv- through prior learning. alency degree through the GED high-stakes exams. Pima Vocational High school helps young adults who need intensive credit recovery to C. Mature Workers obtain a High School Diploma. Both programs recently partnered with Microsoft and the Uni- For the last decade the One-Stop has offered versity of Arizona STEM Learning Center to pro- two workshops a month for job seekers over the vide instruction in computer coding, introducing age of 50. Pima Community College has a “Back them to tech career opportunities and skill sets. to Work 50+” program that includes information about retraining options. Both programs receive 3. Joint Technical Education District referrals from Pima Council on Aging, and both connect job seekers, age 50 and older, with the JTED plays a key role in Southern Arizona’s information, training, support and employer economic development. Approximately 17,000 access to get back into the workforce. public, private, charter and home-schooled students who are high school age participate in the district’s 61 tuition-free career and technical D. Military Workforce education programs. In collaboration with Pima Community College, most of its programs offer Pima County One-Stop opened the Kino some form of tuition- free dual college credit. Veterans’ Workforce Center (KVWC) in 2012 to Two programs, Engineering and BioScience, help military veterans find jobs and get training, offer dual credit with the University of Arizona, benefits and support services and to help employ- available with paid reduced tuition. ers hire veterans. Pima County has a potential
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 21 Executive Summary
pipeline of skilled, reliable workers through Da- then those that are capable begin an intensive vis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB) and Fort work search. The new Center for Opportunity Huachuca in nearby Cochise County as several provides a centralized approach with: hundred highly skilled men and women separate from the military each year. • Behavioral health services • Veteran’s services • Employment and skills training assistance E. Adults with Chronic Barriers • Medical and dental care • Enrollment in government assistance programs According to the 2016 American Community • Child care Survey more than 90,000 Pima County adults between the ages of 25 and 60 are not in the la- 3. Transitioning from Public Assistance, bor force. Some of these individuals may aspire including Refugees to work but may be prevented from doing so by barriers to employment. Pima County will expand its cross-system partnerships to ensure a successful exits and 1. Inmates and Ex-offenders follow-up services for people transitioning off public assistance: Pima County’s commitment to promote em- ployment readiness to those prior to jail release • Vocational rehabilitation services to accom- include the following strategies: modate and overcome disabilities; • Child care for young children and care for • Continue partnership with the Pima County adult dependents; Adult Detention Complex to provide employ- • Literacy, adult education and English class- ment preparation activities pre-release. es to raise skills to the level needed to be • Provide post-release job search support and employable and to be able to benefit from access to training at the Jackson Sullivan post-secondary education and training; Employment Center and other employment • Assistance to resolve warrants, child support one-stop sites. obligations, restitution, debts, fines, and other • Provide access to shelter and rapid rehousing financial obligations, and to repair credit; for adults who are unsheltered upon release • Re-entry services, as described above, to re- from jail. habilitate and reintegrate ex-offenders; • Work with courts to help criminal justice • Transportation assistance to be able to travel system involved employees continue child to work, appointments and other required support obligations. locations; • Provide basic information about business • Housing assistance to keep families in their start-ups to individuals interested in self-em- homes whenever possible and rehouse individ- ployment options. uals and families experiencing homelessness; • Connect job seekers to court opportunities • Behavioral health services and treatment to to resolve outstanding warrants and set up address substance use disorders, mental ill- payments plans as a condition of reinstating nesses, and general mental health issues; drivers’ licenses. • Refugee resettlement services to house new • Partnership with health insurance providers arrivals and teach them survival skills fol- to assure that an individual’s health coverage lowed by rapid placement into unsubsidized remains active during his/her stay in jail and employment and subsequent engagement in is available upon release. career-pathway/ upskilling opportunities as described above. 2. Individuals Experiencing Homelessness 4. Partnering for Adult Basic Education Pima County’s Sullivan Jackson Employ- ment Center for the Homeless matches homeless Pima County gives priority to career services households with publicly financed housing and for adults and youth who need to increase their
22 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary basic skills, and partners with multiple orga- 2. Financial Literacy nizations, including Pima Community College ABECC, Pima County Adult Probation, SER Jobs Engage and empower under-resourced people for Progress, and Literacy Connects to connect by: job seekers with resources they need to build basic skills, including English proficiency. Pima • Engage people who are living in poverty, and County also operates Pima Vocational Charter more community-based organizations, in High School and Las Artes GED program for efforts to bring about economic sustainability, youth aged 16 to 22. through Pima County’s homegrown Ending Poverty Now model. • Coordinate and bundle resources in support F. Business Services of people moving out of poverty • Strengthen interdisciplinary approaches Pima County partners with private sector between County departments and other and Pima Community College to create more partners that bundle services such as afford- short-term, work-based training options. Pima able housing, food security, transportation, County collaborates with key public, private education/training, parenting and childcare, and nonprofit partners to develop the work- healthcare and health equity. force required for the aerospace and defense, • Continue to educate employees about Ending manufacturing, logistics, bioscience, engineer- Poverty Now through the County’s Employee ing, healthcare and many other sectors vital to Combined Appeal Campaign. our economy. When funding is available, Pima • Continue to support faith-based partnerships as County partners with employers, Pima Com- a means to fill gaps in providing essential ser- munity College, and other training providers vices for low-income families and individuals. to offer short-term training to address unmet industry needs. 3. Non-profits
A sophisticated and well-established non-prof- G. Role of Economic Development in it community exists in Pima County with the Ending Poverty capacity and expertise to assist with any public or private initiative. Pima County supports these 1. Ending Poverty Now non-governmental organizations to provide trust- ed community linkages; in addition to, effective Pima County’s Ending Poverty Now initiative provision of human services; education and em- suggests that allowing poverty to persist is a ployment training; affordable housing; and, other course we cannot afford. The initiative provides value-added opportunities. The County makes a framework for cross sector effort with the fol- available tens of millions of dollars in resources lowing components and action steps: to non-profit agencies per year. Pima County also provides direct technical assistance to agencies • Champion employment retention and career and their governing boards in developing quanti- advancement through County-business part- fiable metrics and objective evaluation processes nerships to further increase and enhance capacity. • Engage businesses as partners by establish- ing Employer Resource Networks (ERN) that 4. Faith-Based Partnerships promote employee retention and advance- ment. The Office of Faith-Based and Community • Become an “Employer of Choice” by engaging Initiatives facilitates linkages to County resourc- County departments in Employer Resource es. The program coordinates small-dollar grants Networks and offering services for entry-level that foster innovative social ventures, such as employees of Pima County. computer equipment recycling and restorative • Develop an objective and fact-based analysis justice training for volunteers who want to men- of poverty and fiscal impact to the County. tor court-involved youth.
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 23 Executive Summary
CHAPTER 4 b. Maintenance
Investing for The region’s existing roadways require ma- Economic Growth jor maintenance investments due to a lack of funding. The County continues to seek new or increased State or local funding to raise and subsequently maintain pavement condition in Pima County directly, or in partnership with fair to excellent condition. Operational efficien- various jurisdictions and private sector entities cies within the Transportation Department has invests and encourages investment in infra- identified an additional $15 million toward this structure and facilities that impact a wide range effort in Fiscal Year 2020. of activities that result in economic value to the region. 2. Highways and Major Routes
a. Sonoran Corridor A. Transportation/Logistics Infrastructure A rapid surface interstate connection between Interstate 19 (I-19) and Interstate 10 (I-10) south Efficient and effective transportation sys- of the metropolitan Tucson area would facilitate tems are key drivers of economic development. trade with Mexico, particularly trucking that Products, goods and services all have a trans- desires an eastern terminus beyond Arizona’s portation cost component embedded in their border, and serve as a high-speed surface trans- final cost. Transportation systems that promote portation facility within the metropolitan area; efficiency and the rapid movement of goods and linking existing and developing employment services will produce positive economic expan- and residential centers to include air and rail sion both locally and regionally. facilities. This Auxiliary Interstate Highway is perhaps the most important economic devel- 1. Transportation funding opment surface transportation improvement in the region. A request has been made to the State The Arizona Legislature has failed to ad- Transportation Board to fund the next round of dress the issue of transportation financing for required impact studies in the next Five-Year the last 28 years, during which time inflation Transportation Facilities Construction Program. has cut the purchasing power of the 1991 trans- portation tax revenues in half. A 40-percent b. Interstate 11 increase in fuel economy has further reduced the purchasing power of 1991 transportation Arizona has four east/west interstate highways tax revenues. The Arizona Legislature must and no interstate that is a continuous north/south address this issue, and it should do so on a route that penetrates the southern or northern statewide basis. borders of Arizona. The development of Interstate 11 (I-11) as a trade corridor is underway. This cor- a. Capacity ridor must pass through metropolitan or eastern Pima County and connect to the Mariposa Port A focus on logistics and growing presence of Entry (POE) at Nogales, where the federal of companies and research in advanced vehicle government has already spent more than $250 technology makes investment in transportation million to improve its efficiency as a border cross- infrastructure a critical component of the Eco- ing facility. Pima County is in an ideal location to nomic Development Plan. The County will advo- benefit from this trade as this corridor matures. cate for additional transportation revenues to be enacted by the Arizona Legislature. We will also c. Interstate 19 request legislative authorization to address the inequitable distribution of Highway User Reve- ADOT continues to upgrade I-19 interchanges nue Funds (HURF) to Pima County. within the Tucson metropolitan area but im-
24 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary provements are still needed to enhance trade the Aerospace Parkway and the Sonoran Corri- mobility between State Route 189 and the future dor auxiliary highway and to an eventual south Sonoran Corridor terminus. To this end, the entrance to Tucson International Airport. The County continues to work with ADOT and Fed- interchange will aid in attracting to the Sonoran eral Highway Administration in tracking these Corridor logistics and manufacturing companies needs within the Sonoran Corridor study effort. with high volume shipping needs. d. Mariposa Port of Entry 3. Rail
Perhaps the weakest link in our trade corridor a. Freight with Mexico is State Route (SR) 189. Pima Coun- ty has long advocated to the State Transporta- Increased international trade and industrial tion Board that SR 189’s improvement is essen- activity in Sonora will increase cross-border tial to maximize the efficient use of the Mariposa trade and offer increased opportunity for Arizo- POE. Construction is underway. na exports. Developing appropriate sidings and other rail infrastructure to encourage efficient e. Heavyweight Corridors to enhance trade rail activity must be a priority to remain com- Aerospace Parkway petitive. It should be noted the Nogales line of Union Pacific Railroad is only one of six rail It is expected that Aerospace Parkway will POEs in the US and the only one in Arizona. eventually connect to the planned Sonoran Pima County has proposed that the Nogales Line Corridor Auxiliary Highway. The proposed be rerouted adjacent to the Sonoran Corridor, Southeast Employment and Logistics Center potentially along the Old Vail Connection Road will require additional access connections to the alignment; which would allow the line to con- eastern terminus of the Sonoran Corridor and nect more efficiently with the Sunset Line, with a I-10. This could include the southern extension southern spur to the Southeast Employment and of Rita Road as well as enhancement of Hough- Logistics Center along the Rita Road alignment. ton and Harrison Roads to accommodate the The County and other jurisdictions continue to projected large manufacturing facilities targeted plan this relocation with Union Pacific Railroad. for the SELC. The Corridor must include the Port of Tucson. b. Passenger f. Sunset Road I-10 Interchange Proposed rerouting of freight from the No- gales Line adjacent to the Sonoran Corridor to Pima County and its regional partners are the Sunset Line would allow the existing Nogales working with the Arizona Department of Trans- Line from the south Boundary of the Aerospace portation to reconstruct the Sunset Road inter- Research Campus to the downtown Toole Ave- change at Interstate 10 to include a connection nue connection to be available for use in the fu- east to River Road. The connection will greatly ture for passenger rail development. The County benefit the planned Sunset Innovation Park, de- will continue efforts to facilitate the planning scribed elsewhere in this plan, and provide a key necessary to move the freight line which would commuter connection to the Interstate for the enable the opportunity for both Statewide and Northwest Tucson area, easing congestion and local passenger rail traffic between downtown reducing commute times for workers. and the airport area. g. State Route 210 Connection to Interstate 10 4. Airports and Air Service
This interchange is part of a larger reconfigu- a. Tucson International Airport ration of Interstate 10 east from Interstate 19. It will provide a faster connection to midtown and The Tucson Airport Authority has large parcels downtown employers from the southeast side of of land that are ideal for economic development. Tucson. It will also provide for a connection to TAA has already invested in shovel ready parcels
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 25 Executive Summary
adjacent to the runway in the air freight area. Ad- (such as increased water and sewer capacity) ditional parcels exist on the west side of the main would be required to accommodate this increased runway near Raytheon and Bombardier and large activity. Tucson Airport Authority also owns sig- parcels exist on both sides of the southern end of nificant amounts of land around the airport that Runway 11-29. Those parcels are designated for can be developed for future airport expansion. MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) type operations in the TAA Master Plan Update. ii. Marana Regional Airport
Pima County is assisting with the airport’s Marana airport has sought funding from the development by completing the extension of a Federal Aviation Administration to construct a sewer interceptor along Old Vail Connection. control tower. This would enhance safety on the Pima County has allocated additional Right- field and (more importantly) with the neighbor- of-Way across the Aerospace Research Campus ing Pinal Air Park. Pima County submitted a to enable installation of additional sewer and letter of support to the FAA for a “joint tower” to new water lines from the City of Tucson Water be shared by both airfields. Treatment plant on Eisenhower Road to serve TAA properties south of the Aerospace Parkway iii. Eric Marcus Municipal (Ajo) Airport and further east. In order to attract potential tenants, this utility infrastructure needs to be With proper advertising, Ajo Airport could extended across the TAA controlled property to experience increased traffic by general aviation enable development in the timeframe required pilots touring Mexico who are not comfortable by build-to-suit tenants. With the addition of flying their aircraft across the international a second, full-service runway, major taxiway border. The remoteness of the Ajo Airport is restructuring, and other major renovation and attractive to the burgeoning commercial space construction plans, this is the ideal time for TAA industry. Initial planning has begun to restore to ensure that appropriate infrastructure to sup- or upgrade the infrastructure at Eric Marcus port adjacent, inside and outside the fence devel- Airport. Pima County is currently executing opment is included in its development plans. an Aviation Capital Improvement Program to construct a perimeter fence. That project will be Non-stop continental United States and completed by 2020. Well water from the near- one-stop international flight connections are by golf course will be brought onto the field as extremely important to many of the relocation non-potable water for cleaning and sewer uses. prospects brought to our region by assorted A sewer system will be constructed for central positive factors, only to have them reduce our restroom facilities as well. Additional T-Hangars ranking based on air service. A major goal of will be constructed to accommodate an existing the Pima County Economic Development Plan waiting list and anticipated increased interest. update is to continue to seek new ways to de- By making these minor improvements the Ajo fine traveler’s needs and support new routes to Airport will be more secure, and more appealing fill those needs. Pima County will continue to to general aviation pilots around the nation. The support travel attraction efforts by Visit Tucson County will explore the possibility of the airport and Fly Tucson and utilize our relationships in serving the air support needs of federal border Sonora as well as Canada to assist in increasing enforcement agencies. both passenger and freight business at Tucson International Airport. iv. Military Operations b. Regional Airports Pima County acknowledges the significant economic impact and social benefit for the local i. Ryan Airfield community from both military operations at Davis Monthan Air Force Base and Tucson Inter- There is sufficient available land on or near national Airport. The County’s role is to support Ryan Airfield to host multiple aviation training the bases’ missions by strategically approaching schools. Only minor infrastructure improvements land use, zoning, and noise abatement.
26 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
v. Pinal Airpark providing capacity for other future tenants of the ARC. This provides access to all utilities not Pinal Airpark requires a control tower to only for the ARC but 600+ acres to the east be- support an increase in operations. It would also ing developed by the Tucson Airport Authority. benefit the airpark to extend the runway to at Cox Communications has installed a highspeed least 10,000 feet in length. Lastly, installing fiber optic line serving existing and future cus- precision instrument approaches on the runway tomers within the ARC with a dedicated, and would significantly increase the utility of the secure communications network. Century Link field. has high speed internet infrastructure located in the ARC and within easy access to the re- mainder of the Old Vail Corridor, but is not ac- B. Site Infrastructure (Utilities) tively serving any non-residential customers in the area. Provisions have been made to include Pima County continues to take steps to space for communications operators within the enhance the community’s economic develop- Old Vail Corridor, and conduits were placed ment opportunities through the collaborative within the Aerospace Parkway and Raytheon planning and development of our infrastructure Parkway expansions for the use of dry utilities, systems. The County has invited utilities to help including communications. continue these efforts by identifying employ- ment centers that are underserved and engaging in strategic planning initiatives to provide the C. Visitor Amenities necessary infrastructure to these growing job centers. The County recommends a collaborative 1. Southern Arizona Heritage and Regional approach that includes local utilities, the pri- Visitor Center vate sector, and local governments to efficiently deploy capital investments in a coordinated way The Pima County Attractions and Tourism that benefits the community. The joint trench Department along with Visit Tucson and The approach for the installation of dry utilities University of Arizona Mineral Museum will (electrical, communications, gas) is an efficient be tenants of the Historic Pima County Court- way to combine multiple utilities into a single house, which was constructed in 1929 and has trench. been renovated through adaptive re-use as a Visitor Center, office complex and downtown Extending public wastewater infrastructure attraction. The facility will create a consolidated is a key component of job expansion for this gateway for all of the region’s unique resources area, helping to make the area shovel ready. and promote a story of Tucson and the region The City of Tucson, through Tucson Water, is that displays its uniqueness and diversity. Visit extending the water utility system to provide Tucson has already moved in. The Visitor Center water service to these new employment centers is expected to open in 2020 and the Mineral Mu- through the construction of its new water treat- seum in 2021. The Tucson January 8th Perma- ment and reservoir facility at the end of Eisen- nent Memorial adjacent to the Visitor Center is hower Road. Other utilities, including Tucson scheduled to be completed in 2020. Electric Power Company and the Western Area Power Authority, as well as Union Pacific, have 2. Kino Sports and Entertainment Complex cooperated in the master planning of this corri- dor to ensure appropriate separation and avail- The Kino Sports Complex is the largest venue ability for all utilities throughout this region in Pima County for youth, amateur and profes- while still allowing for major road infrastruc- sional sports; concerts, special and community ture. In conjunction with the recent Aerospace events. It is undergoing a major expansion, near- Parkway widening project, Southwest Gas has ly doubling in size. These additional facilities installed high capacity natural gas infrastruc- will enhance the variety of opportunities avail- ture within the ARC to connect Vector, a man- able for large scale sporting and entertainment ufacturer of small orbital rockets, as well as events.
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 27 Executive Summary
3. County-leased property attractions The benefits of The Loop need to become a part of the branding effort for the region, not Pima County has a number of assets that have only for tourism but for workforce attraction. been developed as attractions for local visitors as well as. tourists. These assets contribute to 5. Focus on increased Charter Flights the quality of life in our community and act as important tourism magnets. The attractions Non-stop direct flights to and from Tucson detailed below are major contributors to the re- from the East Coast, particularly New York City gion’s economy and the County will continue to are a top priority. With an increasing number support their operations and assist when appro- of local companies under foreign ownership or priate with infrastructure upgrades: participating in the global economy, the region’s efforts to secure a major east coast connection • Pima Air and Space Museum must continue. Charter flights are popular with • Titan Missile Museum Canadians and the region should do more to en- • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum courage charter flights from Canada to Tucson. • Old Tucson • Colossal Cave Mountain Park 6. Utilizing lifestyle assets to attract • Pima County Fairgrounds workforce
4. The Loop Lifestyle plays a large part in attracting and retaining educated workers and their families. Following the massive river flooding of 1983, The region’s lifestyle assets and the desirable Pima County began building soil-cement bank environment developed in downtown Tucson protection along the Rillito and Santa Cruz over the past few years are all components of rivers. These river park improvements have be- that lifestyle that is so critical in attracting and come The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a system of retaining workers, which in turn attract and paved, shared-use paths and short segments of retain the employers we desire. The region must buffered bike lanes connecting the Rillito, Santa continue to work through Visit Tucson to con- Cruz, and Pantano River Parks with the Julian tinue to leverage their wide-ranging marketing Wash and Harrison Road Greenways. More than campaign to not only attract tourism but make 130 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes are southern Arizona a destination where workers complete with more to follow as part of the Mas- want to live. ter Plan for further development of The Loop including the following:
• Through Catalina State Park, then north, gen- erally along the Cañada de Oro Wash on Flood Control-owned property to the Pima County line or Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa • Along the Tanque Verde Wash north bank from Craycroft Road to Tanque Verde Road with access to Sabino Canyon National Recre- ation Area • Along the Pantano Wash from the present end of the Loop to the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve • Along the Santa Cruz River south of Valen- cia Road. The master plan also will address tributary washes to the major river system, including Arroyo Chico, Arcadia, Alamo, Rosehill, Ventana, Pontatoc, Finger Rock, Pima and others.
28 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Executive Summary
CHAPTER 5 APPENDIX A
Regional Public Status of 99 Action Items from 2017-2018 and Private Partners Plan Update (See the full printed plan or go to pima.gov/economicdevelopment
The County asked the region’s public and private sector partners to submit summaries of their Economic Development plans or initiatives for inclusion in this Economic Development Plan Update. To read the summaries and find web links to the full plans and other information, see the full version of the Economic Development Plan, or go to pima.gov/economicdevelopment
Below are the economic development agencies that contributed summaries:
A. Public Sector
1. Arizona Commerce Authority 2. Rio Nuevo 3. University of Arizona Partnerships 4. Pima Community College 5. Pima Association of Governments 6. City of Tucson 7. Town of Sahuarita 8. Town of Oro Valley 9. Town of Marana 10. Pinal County 11. Pinal Air Park 12. Santa Cruz County 13. Cochise County 14. Arizona Border Counties Coalition
B. Private Sector
1. Utilities a. Tucson Electric Power c. Tucson Water 2. Sun Corridor Inc. 3. Visit Tucson 4. Workforce Investment Board 5. Small Business Commission 6. Start Up Tucson 7. Tucson Airport Authority
2019 - 2021 Pima County Economic Development Plan 29 Executive Summary
30 Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 - 2021 Board of Supervisors Richard Elías, Chairman, District 5 Ally Miller, District 1 Ramón Valadez, District 2 Sharon Bronson, District 3 Steven W. Christy, District 4
Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry