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Let’s slash government regulation and open the door for Tesla sales
Government overregulation isn’t a friend of either the business community or consumer. I’ve been pleased that many voices from Gov. Doug Ducey to key legislators to community business leaders desire to cut red tape and simplify government policies to promote economic development.
A tale of 2 freeways: Massive Valley freeway projects could boost economic development
Massive projects designed to improve the flow of traffic in the Phoenix metro area have the potential to boost economic development at opposite ends of the Valley.
Smith proposes cabinet-level “competitive officer”
Former Mesa Mayor Scott Smith plans to create a cabinet-level position for a “chief competitive officer” to help foster job growth if he is elected governor.
Demands on Central Arizona Project rise rapidly as it approaches capacity
The Central Arizona Project was responsible for nearly 25 percent of Arizona’s total gross state product between 1986 and 2010 and supplied more than a million jobs annually in 2010, according to a study by the L. William Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University.
Arizona’s economic development leaders seek to compete in a global marketplace
The Great Recession left many of Arizona’s growth-dependent industries in the dust, pushing economic development leaders to take a hard look at the state’s boom-and-bust past as they reinvent its future.
Stanton: Cities can’t wait for federal help for transportation projects
Cities can’t wait for new federal funding and updated policies needed to advance transportation projects, Mayor Greg Stanton told officials from around the country Monday.
Rail and roads
The iArizona Committee is headed by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and backed by a broad coalition of local politicians, construction contractors and business interests. Their ultimate goal is to boost Arizona’s economy and status as a transportation hub connecting Los Angeles, Dallas and Mexico, as well as linking Arizona’s manufacturing and economic hubs to one another.
Rocky road ahead
From declining revenues to pay for transportation infrastructure, to a gas tax that is well below the national average and the rise in hybrid and electric vehicles, Arizona’s transportation infrastructure funding system is facing a crisis.
The Power of Money
New campaign finance laws could restore clout of business community
Business interests that once served as the gatekeepers of Arizona’s elections may be regaining some of the clout they lost during the Clean Elections era.
Saving a railway
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s deal-closing fund became more of a deal-making fund during the 2013 legislative session, opening the possibility that more special projects could be in the agency’s future.
Authorities debate whether lavish economic development incentives are worth the price
Arizona’s city, county and state governments are handing out billions in economic development incentives to attract business — but not without resistance from critics who dispute their necessity.
Democrats increase their numbers, but keep wish list short
Despite the boost that Democrats received in the November election, their list of goals for upcoming budget negotiations are relatively short and mostly focused on money for education and health care.
