Editor’s Insight: Tracking the Forces Behind Regional Growth
Welcome to the June issue of Trend Report, where we spotlight the forces shaping economic development across Southern Arizona. This month’s theme—Economic Development Trends—comes at a critical time as our region navigates both opportunity and uncertainty.
In this issue, we’ve gathered insights from planning, policy, academia, real estate, and innovation experts to examine how Southern Arizona is positioning itself for long-term growth. Each article contributes to a clearer picture of the region’s evolving economy, from zoning to workforce, energy to industrial expansion.
What We’re Seeing in 2025: Emerging Trends
Coordination Over Competition:
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi emphasizes the increasing importance of regional coordination to attract investment and address shared infrastructure and workforce needs. Joe Snell introduces The Chamber of Southern Arizona – a major step toward a unified strategy. Barbra Coffee adds a local perspective, reinforcing that collaboration—not fragmentation—is key to staying competitive.
Outlying Growth Hubs Rising:
Amanda Wiggins spotlights Marana’s emergence as a development leader, showing how suburban areas expand the region’s economic footprint and attract new investment.
Zoning and Speed to Market:
As Keri Silvyn, Esq. shifts us to zoning and entitlements, showing how these regulatory tools— are essential to economic competitiveness. Communities with pre-entitled sites are winning opportunities by reducing time to market.
Economic Uncertainty and Market Adaptation:
George Hammond, Ph.D., delivers a data-driven view of Tucson’s economic indicators, reminding us that strategic planning must account for volatility—whether from inflation, labor shifts, or uneven job growth.
Innovation’s Expanding Footprint:
Jessa B Turner shares data revealing the major economic impact of UA Tech Parks and startups—generating jobs, attracting capital, and producing scalable tech. Sandra Watson adds depth by exploring the dual economic and environmental value of Arizona’s growing data center sector.
Infrastructure Strain and Energy Demand:
As Pat Lynch notes, the electric grid is quickly becoming the biggest constraint to growth. Between EV manufacturing, data centers, and advanced tech, energy infrastructure is no longer in the background—it is central to development planning.
Industrial Expansion and Site Readiness:
With demand tightening for small- and mid-bay spaces, municipalities are aligning land use with logistics needs. The Trend Report Research Team highlights emerging industrial frameworks, while Jackson Kraft offers insights into how different product types are reshaping the industrial landscape.
Workforce Development and Talent Gaps:
Governor Hobbs’ latest initiatives focuses on expanding apprenticeships and strengthening Arizona’s skilled labor pipeline. Workforce readiness remains a key issue across sectors, especially construction, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.
Energy & Infrastructure
This issue highlights two major advancements driving Southern Arizona’s energy future. American Battery Factory’s $1.2B gigafactory marks a milestone in clean energy manufacturing, while TEP’s launch of Arizona’s largest battery storage systems underscores a bold step toward grid reliability and sustainability.
These insights reflect a regional economy that is adapting in real time – responsive, collaborative, and increasingly focused on long-term resilience.
I extend my sincere thanks to all our contributors. Your time, expertise, and regional perspective make Trend Report a trusted voice in the community.
Special thanks to our editorial team—Patti vanLeer, Michael Rossmann, and Jack Paddock—for their creativity and precision in bringing each issue to life.
Looking ahead, do not miss our July Mid-Year “Trends by the Numbers” issue, where we’ll spotlight the trends, transactions, and data points defining 2025 so far.
We welcome your thoughts and feedback—visit us at trendreportaz.com and click the Connect tab to get in touch.
Sharpen Your Edge with Actionable Insight!
Karen Schutte, Managing Editor