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    • Economic Development

    Pima County Works

    constructionThere is perhaps no greater public policy initiative for Pima County than improving our local and regional economy. The primary role of local government is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public. Growing communities are able to provide jobs to successive generations and have greater resources for providing the key services of government, namely public safety, public infrastructure (roads, water, sewer) and education. Growing communities also are able to spread out the cost of government services more broadly, thereby potentially reducing the tax burden on individuals, businesses and properties.

    Why Pima County? We believe companies want to grow in communities that have excellent quality of life and that make investments in critical infrastructure that are the foundation for commerce. We believe businesses appreciate efficient governments that maintain an appropriate tax rate, pay off debt rapidly, provide certainty in regulations and deliver high quality service.

    Pima County is committed to growing our region and has several departments dedicated to making employers and employees successful. This page consolidates that information and provides a one-stop resource for businesses, entrepreneurs, brokers, recruiters and everyone else interested in growing their business and making Pima County work.

    Pima County Economic Development Plan, Update 2019

    2019 Plan
    The Pima County Economic Development Plan 2019 Update is a major rewrite of the previous economic development plans. The update continues the County's primary economic development goals of preserving and nurturing existing businesses, and the recruitment of new companies in high-wage growth sectors, but it also has a heavy emphasis on workforce development. Providing a workforce to meet our current needs and future growth needs is perhaps the greatest regional challenge for sustained economic prosperity in the County. 
    Read or download the full Plan or the Executive Summary.

    Pima County and Tucson Opportunity Zones

    Opportunity zonesPima County, the City of Tucson, and the City of South Tucson collaborated to submit 26 Census Tracts for approval by the State of Arizona and the U.S. Department of Commerce.  All submitted tracts were approved and the three jurisdictions are now collaborating on attracting development that is suitable for Opportunity Zone Funds to invest in our region.   The results of that process are a number of very attractive and active locations that have genuine development interest and possibilities.  A Familiarization Tour for Opportunity Fund Investors will be held on October 10, 2019.  For more information, go to this webpage.



    The Sonoran Corridor - A Regional Economic Development Catalyst sonoran corridorThe Sonoran Corridor is a multilevel, multistep, multiyear economic development initiative for Pima County and Southern Arizona. Once completed it will significantly transform the regional economy, adding billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs to the Tucson valley. Learn more about it.

    Pima Prospers – The County’s Comprehensive Plan

    pima prospersThis page summarizes the Economic Development Section of Pima Prospers, the county’s comprehensive plan, and provides links to the Pima Prospers website. This 200+ page plan is more than just a land-use planning document; it’s a guide to prosperity that examines all aspects of developing a prosperous Pima County. Read Chapter 6 of Pima Prospers.

    County Business Parks and Properties Available for Development

    properties brochureFrom downtown headquarters to major manufacturing facilities, Pima County has the real estate you need to expand and grow your company. We have four master planned  business parks and several individual properties, most shovel ready. Learn more about them here and download brochures with more details.


    Economic Development Contacts

    If you’re ready to grow, we’re ready to help you.

    Economic Development Resources

    For additional information about starting, operating and growing a business, visit the Arizona Commerce Authority website.ACA's free online Checklist Program is designed to help you easily navigate information on what you need to know, who you need to contact and where you need to go to license your business in Arizona. It also includes contact information to statewide resources and assistance to accelerate your business growth.

    Regionally,  Sun Corridor, Inc. is the major business and recruiting and expansion organization. Pima County works closely with Sun Corridor to provide it the information prospective businesses need when considering whether to relocate or expand in Pima County.

    The County and our regional partners offer a  range of incentives and other assistance for Business Retention and Attraction. Learn more.

    The county also has numerous departments and programs that are invaluable information resources or key components of the startup, relocation or expansion process.

    Regional ED Group

    In December 2015, Pima County hosted the initial meeting of the Southern Arizona Regional Economic Development Group. The groups is made up of public and private economic development officials from four southern Arizona Counties. 
    The ad hoc group meets quarterly to share information, business attraction ledes and to discuss ways to pool resources to develop the business retention and attraction tools to make southern Arizona competitive in the global marketplace. 

    Group Participants:

    Pima County Government Members:

    Cochise County
    Santa Cruz County
    Pinal County
    Tucson
    South Tucson
    Marana
    Oro Valley
    Sahuarita
    Nogales
    Tohono O’odham Nation
    Pascua Yaqui Tribe
    Pima Association of Governments
    University of Arizona Tech Park

    Private Sector Members:

    Arizona Commerce Authority
    TEP
    Sun Corridor Inc.
    Southwest Gas

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    Commission Coordinator

    Patrick Cavanaugh
    Economic Development and Tourism

    (520) 724-3296

    Location of Meetings

    130 W. Congress St., 1st floor Conference Room
    Tucson, AZ  85701