2/7/2012: Economic Development: The strengths of Tempe, AZ.
While the other cities have very good selling points, I think Tempe offers excellent business opportunities and great amenities for employees. Being the home of Arizona State University (ASU) is just a start. With ASU’s 60,000 plus student body businesses have access to a large highly educated workforce. ASU also contains world class research facilities that provide tremendous private-public research opportunities. Tempe’s climate is also a big selling point with average highs and lows of 85 and 52 degrees, respectfully. Tempe is home to many public parks, Tempe town lake, and is adjacent to the largest municipal park in the US, South Mountain. Tempe has an excellent public transportation system and is one of the main hubs for the valley’s light rail system. The light rail system gives businesses and their employees easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Sky Harbor is the nation’s 10th busiest airport carrying over 38 million passengers annually. Light rail is also a short 20 minute ride to downtown Phoenix where employees, families, and visitors have access to multiple sporting and concert venues.
Tempe has attracted a broad range of businesses and industries. It is home to aerospace, high technology, biotechnology, large and small retail, tourism, and more. Tempe is also the headquarters for the 5th largest airline in North America, US Airways. There are many business incentives for businesses interested in moving to and expanding in Tempe. Property tax abatement and public-private development partnerships are available if a business is interested in developing city own land.
HOPE VI: There are some serious concerns with respect to the HOPE VI program. Unclear definitions of “severely distressed public housing”, no requirement for 1-for-1 residential quantity replacement, and permanent displacement of already disadvantaged and disenfranchised citizens. Having said that, I think the community benefits and improvements that HOPE VI provides far outweigh the very valid concerns. I think the concerns can be mitigated with good planning and communication. As shown in the assigned video, if planned and communicated properly, I think most of the existing residence would invite a HOPE VI project in their area if expectations are clearly explained and managed.
While the other cities have very good selling points, I think Tempe offers excellent business opportunities and great amenities for employees. Being the home of Arizona State University (ASU) is just a start. With ASU’s 60,000 plus student body businesses have access to a large highly educated workforce. ASU also contains world class research facilities that provide tremendous private-public research opportunities. Tempe’s climate is also a big selling point with average highs and lows of 85 and 52 degrees, respectfully. Tempe is home to many public parks, Tempe town lake, and is adjacent to the largest municipal park in the US, South Mountain. Tempe has an excellent public transportation system and is one of the main hubs for the valley’s light rail system. The light rail system gives businesses and their employees easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Sky Harbor is the nation’s 10th busiest airport carrying over 38 million passengers annually. Light rail is also a short 20 minute ride to downtown Phoenix where employees, families, and visitors have access to multiple sporting and concert venues.
Tempe has attracted a broad range of businesses and industries. It is home to aerospace, high technology, biotechnology, large and small retail, tourism, and more. Tempe is also the headquarters for the 5th largest airline in North America, US Airways. There are many business incentives for businesses interested in moving to and expanding in Tempe. Property tax abatement and public-private development partnerships are available if a business is interested in developing city own land.
HOPE VI: There are some serious concerns with respect to the HOPE VI program. Unclear definitions of “severely distressed public housing”, no requirement for 1-for-1 residential quantity replacement, and permanent displacement of already disadvantaged and disenfranchised citizens. Having said that, I think the community benefits and improvements that HOPE VI provides far outweigh the very valid concerns. I think the concerns can be mitigated with good planning and communication. As shown in the assigned video, if planned and communicated properly, I think most of the existing residence would invite a HOPE VI project in their area if expectations are clearly explained and managed.
