The mayors of Phoenix and Tucson lead a trade mission to Mexico this week as part of effort to foster relations with Arizona's largest trading partner.

The last bill that the Legislature approved before adjourning for the year underwent major changes in the waning hours of the session that could be worth as much as $30 million in tax credits to some companies.

A coalition of businesses, religious organizations and political figures is pushing an ambitious project to change the tone of the immigration discussion in Arizona and steer it toward policies that promote comprehensive, more humane and nuanced solutions.

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council is rebooting its signature bill from the 2011 legislative session with some substantial changes that may help it avoid another veto.

The GPEC-drafted proposal, obtained by the Arizona Capitol Times, contains familiar benefits for businesses: A huge property tax break for companies that make major investments, and a tax break for Arizona-based companies that provide services to out-of-state customers.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has awarded an $18.2 million grant to the Arizona Commerce Authority, which President and CEO Don Cardon said the authority plans to use as the foundation of a revolving loan fund for small businesses.

Economic growth in Arizona’s metropolitan areas was a fraction of the national growth rate for metro areas in 2010, according to figures released Tuesday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Barry Broome will stay on as executive director of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, a change of heart that came just one day after the group announced that he was taking a new job in San Diego.

After six years at the helm of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Executive Director Barry Broome is leaving for a new job in San Diego.

After two hours of discussion among Gov. Jan Brewer and members of the Arizona Commerce Authority on how to boost economic development in Arizona, Rep. Tom Forese delivered a surprisingly candid admonition of the governor.

Supporters of a bill that would have created massive property tax breaks for major business investments couldn’t have asked for more signs that Gov. Jan Brewer would stand with them.

As it turns out, they could’ve used a few more.