Trend Report Editor’s Insight: Tracking the Forces Behind Regional Growth

(May 23, 2025) — The June issue of Trend Report has been released, and with it, we take a deep dive into the forces driving economic development across Southern Arizona. As the region faces new opportunities and ongoing challenges, this month’s theme—Economic Development Trends—arrives at a pivotal moment for communities, industries, and policymakers alike.

In this issue, we’ve gathered insights from influential voices across planning, policy, real estate, academia, and innovation to offer a comprehensive view of how Southern Arizona is preparing for long-term growth. From zoning reform and workforce development to industrial site readiness, infrastructure capacity, and energy demand, each article offers critical context on what it takes to compete and thrive in today’s evolving economy.

Whether you’re a developer, civic leader, investor, or engaged citizen, this edition is designed to inform, inspire, and spark conversations about the region’s future—and the strategies shaping it now.

We invite you to explore the June issue and join us in tracking the trends that will define Southern Arizona’s next chapter.

What We’re Seeing in 2025: Emerging Trends

Coordination Over Competition:
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of economic development for Pima County, sets the tone with his article “Regional Economic Development Trends, Themes, and Issues in 2025.” He emphasizes the increasing importance of regional coordination to attract investment and address shared infrastructure and workforce needs.

Joe Snell, President & CEO of The Chamber of Southern Arizona, follows with “Introducing The Chamber of Southern Arizona”, introducing the newly launched Chamber, and marking a major step toward a unified regional strategy.

Barbra Coffee, Director of economic initiatives for the City of Tucson, reinforces the local perspective with “Stronger Together: Tucson’s Path to Economic Resilience Starts Local”, emphasizing that collaboration—not fragmentation—is key to staying competitive.

Outlying Growth Hubs Rising:
Amanda Wiggins, President & CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, highlights the suburban shift in “The Marana Momentum: Business, Leadership, and Legacy in Motion at the Chamber of Commerce”, showing how Marana is expanding the region’s economic footprint and attracting new investment.

Zoning and Speed to Market:
Keri Lazarus Silvyn, Esq., Land Use Attorney and Zoning Expert, shares critical policy insight in “From Policy to Progress: The Competitive Edge Starts with Zoning”, demonstrating how 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., Director of the Economic & Business Research Center at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, delivers a data-driven analysis in “Tucson’s Economy Hits Turbulent Waters”, 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, Communications Manager for UA Tech Parks, reveals the power of entrepreneurship in “University of Arizona Center for Innovation Startup Clients Generate $664.8M in Economic Output”, highlighting the major economic impact of startups—generating jobs, attracting capital, and producing scalable tech. Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, adds environmental and economic insight in “The Economic and Environmental Value of Data Centers in Arizona”, exploring Arizona’s data center boom.

Infrastructure Strain and Energy Demand:
Pat Lynch, Executive Director for CBRE’s Data Center Solutions, addresses grid constraints in “The Real Bottleneck: Solving the Grid Crisis Before it Stalls Growth”, where the energy demands of new industries take center stage in development planning.

Industrial Expansion and Site Readiness:
The Trend Report Research Team presents “New Development Plan Positions Pima County as a HUB for Industrial and Logistics Expansion”, outlining key industrial frameworks.

Jackson Kraft, Associate with CBRE Industrial Properties, follows with
“Industrial Big Box Vacancy Rate Climbs While Smaller Spaces Remain in Demand with Low Vacancy”, offering insights into how product types are shaping market dynamics.

Workforce Development and Talent Gaps:
Governor Katie Hobbs’ economic strategy is captured in “Governor Hobbs Announces Thousands of Apprentices Added and $3 Million to Continue Revitalizing Arizona’s Construction Workforce”, focusing on the skilled labor pipeline needed for construction, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Energy & Infrastructure:
This issue also features two major advancements driving Southern Arizona’s energy future: “Powering the Future: Inside American Battery Factory’s $1.2 Billion Tucson Gigafactory” and “TEP Powers Ahead with Arizona’s Largest Battery Storage Systems” by the Trend Report Research Team. Together, they mark significant milestones in manufacturing and energy reliability.

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