[ARTICLE] Goodyear’s vision for a vibrant downtown took a major leap with the arrival of Avila University Arizona. Through strategic outreach, the city secured its first university, enhancing Civic Square with global impact, local opportunity, and a new era of educational and economic growth.

[PROFILE] Kelly Halsted, Project Manager for the City of Buckeye, brings nearly 30 years of economic development experience, including international trade. A recent Arizona transplant, she’s excited about Buckeye’s growth and actively contributes through AAED’s Workforce Committee. She’s traveled to 52 countries and loves exploring new places.

[RELEASE] AAED announces its 2025-2026 officers, led by President Jennifer Lindley. The team boasts over 80 years of combined experience and includes Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Kristen Stephenson, and Suzie Boyles.

[RELEASE] The Arizona Association for Economic Development is pleased to announce that its CEO, Katie Hurst, and member Danya Acosta have been selected as 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellows.

[ARTICLE] Higher education institutions can significantly drive regional economic growth by aligning workforce development with industry needs, leveraging institutional assets to attract businesses, and fostering strategic partnerships—an approach exemplified by Arizona State University’s $32 billion impact on Arizona’s economy.

[PROFILE] Joel Millman builds workforce and economic opportunity in Pinal County. From his New York roots to Arizona, he’s navigated careers in education and nonprofit work before finding his stride in economic development.

[RELEASE] The Arizona Association for Economic Development presented 10 excellence in economic development awards recognizing excellence, innovation, and creativity in economic development at its annual Spring Conference.

[ARTICLE] Data drives economic decisions. Reliable data tells market stories, spots trends, and measures impact. Federal, state, and local sources offer varied insights. Tools like GPEC’s Economic Monitor help distill data into action.

[PROFILE] Nancy Sanders champions Arizona’s small businesses. From SoCal roots, she found her calling in economic development, aiding businesses through the pandemic. She values AAED’s connections and highlighting Arizona’s vibrant small business landscape.

[ARTICLE] Arizona’s economy rebounded post-pandemic. Office is recovering, retail is booming with tight vacancies, and industrial saw record deliveries. Experts predict continued growth at the upcoming AZRE Forum.

[PROFILE] Eric Sterner, LAST Architects, blends architecture with community impact. Inspired by urban transformation, he favors projects that preserve and revitalize. His dream: reimagining forgotten buildings as vibrant hubs.

[ARTICLE] Buckeye, a rapidly growing city, used data-driven studies to attract healthcare investment. This led to Banner and Abrazo expansions, plus new medical offices, addressing resident needs and ensuring accessible care.

[RELEASE] The Arizona Association for Economic Development presented 13 Golden Prospectors and seven Awards of Merit to recognize excellence, innovation, and creativity in economic development at its annual Fall Forum.