In just a few years, new business and higher education centers have emerged downtown along with many more housing and entertainment options and a soon-to-be-completed new grocery outlet in the center of the city. In cities across the state, the downtown area no longer goes dark after 5 p.m., but is a place where people live, work and socialize throughout the day.

Fair treatment for all taxpayers and letting the market develop itself seems like a no brainer, but in the world of municipal economic development, it’s rare.

The choices that will decide the direction of our country, state and economy are being made right now. The most important thing we, as residents of Arizona and citizens of the United States, can do is cast our voice into the process.

One of Arizona’s greatest economic assets is the availability of land. But access to that land is limited by our lack of infrastructure. Developers have long sought additional tools to provide infrastructure to make that land even more valuable.

Gov. Doug Ducey today vetoed two measures that could ease water-supply requirement for developers.

Water is the lifeblood of our communities. This natural resource nourishes every aspect of Arizona, from our people to our economy. As Governor Ducey has outlined, water requires a proactive and pragmatic approach with local consultation to ensure that each of the 22 water planning areas across Arizona are being effectively managed and protected.

Probably nothing better signals the intent of a city or region to be a serious player in the future economy than a robust public transportation network, one that stitches together a variety of modes as well as the complete array of assets of the community

Forest officials are taking public comment on requests for easements that, if approved, would clear the way for a major development just outside the Grand Canyon.

A lien placed by a construction firm doesn’t automatically have priority over other liens recorded after work begins on a development, according to a Arizona Supreme Court ruling.

The mixed-use project attempting to rise from the ashes of the once-esteemed General Motors Proving Ground in east Mesa is using a somewhat contrarian approach to success. Developers plan to allow the master-planned, five-square mile community-within-a-city to grow organically.