Mesa last week touted 47 companies’ relocation or expansion in the city, totaling 5 million square feet and creating 3,370 jobs with an average salary of over $65,000 annually.
The projects ranged from startups with a handful of new employees to projects investing billions of dollars, occupying large industrial buildings and adding hundreds of new jobs, according to the city’s Office of Economic Development’s annual report for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
“Mesa’s continued economic momentum is no accident, it’s the result of strategic investments, strong partnerships and the clear vision set by our City Council,” said City Manager Scott Butler in a news release.
“Mesa is attracting high-wage employers, fostering innovation and maintaining the competitive advantages setting our community apart.
“Our focus is not just on smart growth, but on building a resilient, future-oriented economy that creates opportunity for our residents today and for generations to come.”
The city counts successes across several key industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing and renewable energy.
It welcomed in businesses, including Hims & Hers, IS Clinical, Nucleus Radio Pharma, Hilo Industries, Google, Avanti Windows & Doors, Crawford Mechanical Services, Cyclic Materials and KoMiCo, according to the report.
Local expansions included Metso Outotec, Jerit Automation, Niagara Water, BEMO and Urbix, it added.
The report also noted the city’s success with its retail attraction strategy, in its first year as the Economic Development department ramped up marketing efforts with a regional campaign promoting “the best retail options that exist in Mesa and highlight new opportunities for growth.”
Catalytic projects that took shape with the strategy included the 65-acre mix-used Medina Station and its restaurant row beginning construction, Cannon Beach and Revel Surf Park opening with much fanfare, and the first Tempo by Hilton hotel in Arizona breaking ground at Gallery Park, according to the report.
These projects, along with others in the pipeline, will elevate Mesa as the retail strategy is executed, the report said.
Overall, the department’s efforts generated over 30 new prospects, the successful location of six retailers, and several new retail-focused development projects.
Revitalizing maturing areas is also a key priority for Mesa. By fostering reinvestment, the city aims to breathe new life into aging corridors and strengthen community vibrancy, the report said.
One such project is the 80-acre site that once housed Fiesta Mall in the Fiesta District in west Mesa.
The site adopted an Infill Incentive Plan that facilitates the transformation of a dated indoor mall into a “vibrant, walking, mixed-use urban space.”
The Infill Incentive Plan supports the site’s redevelopment by encouraging a blend of land uses, including residential developments, offices, retail, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, commercial spaces and structured parking.
These uses will be connected by a pedestrian- and bike-friendly environment featuring open spaces, landmark elements and intuitive wayfinding for residents and visitors.
Other city accomplishments in the report included:
Office of Economic Development completed 137 in-depth business visits with companies representing over 15,750 jobs with average wages of $68,000 annually.
The Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program awarded 151 businesses with nearly 2,680 hours of customized, professional, one-on-one consulting services valued at over $278,000.
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios opened its doors to over 5,400 attendees and visitors in its first year with the Economic Development staff conducting over 150 tours, hosting 64 small business workshops and events, and facilitating over 380 other bookings for small-business owners.
“This annual report provides an important opportunity to highlight and celebrate the dedication of our team over the past year,” said Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell in the release.
“Their commitment has advanced growth, supported our workforce and strengthened the foundation for Mesa’s economic future.”