Pima County (Aug. 12, 2026) — Pima County Economic Development joined Taiwan-based investors and startup founders July 27 at an event hosted by Sustainable Impact Capital (SIC) at Arizona State University to showcase Southern Arizona’s competitive advantages in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.

The event focused on opportunities for Taiwanese startups seeking to establish a U.S. presence and connect with Arizona’s expanding innovation ecosystem. Earlier this year, SIC and the Arizona Commerce Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at positioning Arizona as a gateway for Taiwanese startups entering the U.S. market.

The initiative builds on Southern Arizona’s growing international partnerships and reflects Pima County’s efforts to attract investment, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs and workers. By engaging companies ranging from early-stage startups to global technology leaders, the County is helping foster innovation and support long-term economic growth.

Southern Arizona was also represented by the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, City of Tucson Economic Development, Startup Tucson and the University of Arizona Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing. Their participation underscores the region’s collaborative approach to strengthening Southern Arizona’s position as a hub for technology, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing.

SIC’s mission extends beyond semiconductors to support emerging companies in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and other technologies that closely align with Southern Arizona’s economic development priorities.

Seattle, Wash. (August 11, 2026) – Kidder Mathews has released its 2026 Western U.S. Mid-Year Market Forecast, offering an updated outlook on the economic conditions, structural shifts, and sector-specific trends shaping commercial real estate. The report examines trends for office, industrial, retail, and multifamily sectors, highlighting where fundamentals are stabilizing, risks are persisting, and new opportunities are beginning to emerge as the market moves into the second half of the year.

See overviews for each sector below and the full 2026 Western U.S. Mid-Year Market Forecast here.

Economic Overview
The U.S. economy enters the second half of 2026 on stable footing, with growth continuing at a more measured pace. Resilient consumer spending and accelerating investment in artificial intelligence continue to support expansion, while inflation gradually eases and the labor market normalizes. Read more.

Office Overview
The office market is gaining stability as leasing activity strengthens and supply pressures ease. The flight to quality remains a defining trend as tenants gravitate toward premium, well-located space, while declining sublease availability and limited new construction support a more balanced environment. Read more.

Industrial Overview
The industrial sector is gaining momentum as leasing activity strengthens and vacancy approaches its cyclical peak. A sharply contracting development pipeline and steady demand from logistics, e-commerce, advanced manufacturing, and data center users continue to position industrial as one of commercial real estate’s most durable sectors. Read more.

Retail Overview
Retail remains resilient amid selective growth, supported by limited new supply, low vacancy, and continued demand from grocery, discount, and value-oriented concepts. Suburban centers continue to outperform urban cores, and retail sales have reached near-record levels even amid a more cautious economic environment. Read more.

Multifamily Overview
Multifamily is moving toward greater balance as demand strengthens and new construction slows, while persistent affordability challenges continue to keep renters in the market. Investment activity is gaining momentum as capital markets stabilize, positioning the sector for steady, measured rent growth ahead. Read more.

“This marks our team’s fifth car wash transaction in Arizona this year,” said Zack House, senior managing director investments. “We’ve stayed busy in this sector because buyers continue to recognize the value of well-located, professionally operated car wash properties.”