City of Mesa
Home EconDev MenuJanuary 2025
Mesa’s Path to Premier Retail: A Proactive Strategy for Success
Retail development plays a vital role in economic growth and community well-being. Recognizing the need to better align retail offerings with the city’s increasing incomes and evolving community needs, Mesa has recently embarked on a bold new approach to attract high-quality retail including restaurants, hospitality, entertainment venues, and attractions. This proactive shift underscores the city’s commitment to enhancing its retail landscape and meeting the expectations of its residents.
Mesa’s Office of Economic Development has three main objectives for the upcoming fiscal year: actively recruiting retailers by attending industry conferences, enhancing relationships with brokers and developers through regular communication, and marketing Mesa as a retail destination both locally and nationally.
Long-term strategies include enhancing corridor beautification, revitalizing existing product and attracting new and unique blends, and promoting local attractions. The Retail Coach, a national consultant, has been retained to assist in strategy implementation and retail recruitment.
With its growing population, high incomes, and strategic location, Mesa is now poised to become a premier destination for quality retail development, ensuring economic growth and an improved quality of life for its residents.
Timing is everything, and 2025 is sure to be the year for catalytic projects that unlock Mesa’s potential for high quality, unique concepts. Developments including Medina Station, Gallery Park, Dana Park, Cannon Beach, Downtown Mesa, Longbow, and Arizona Athletic Grounds represent significant opportunities for attracting the brands and amenities Mesa desires.
Learn more about retail development opportunities in Mesa at MesaAzRetail.com.
Mesa wins United Nations SDG Innovation Award
The City of Mesa received global recognition by winning the prestigious United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Innovation Award. Mesa is one of only two cities in the world and the only city in the United States to receive this honor, celebrating its innovative approaches to sustainable development and impactful initiatives that align with the United Nations global goals.
The award ceremony at the Maximilaneum (Bavarian Parliament) in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, Dec. 7, recognized Mesa's outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development. In addition to the City's win, Mayor John Giles was given special recognition for his exceptional leadership and his transformative impact during his tenure.
"This award solidifies Mesa's place as a global leader in sustainable development, said Mayor John Giles. "It's an incredible honor to see our city's hard work, innovation and commitment to a sustainable future celebrated on the world stage. I'm deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a community."
The German SDG Award honors initiatives and leaders advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, quality education, and sustainable cities and communities. Mesa's Climate Action Plan, Mesa College Promise program, and sustainable urban development strategies were highlighted as exemplary models for other cities around the globe. A total of 270 applications were submitted for the prestigious award, including 38 countries.
For more information on Mesa’s sustainable initiatives, visit mesaaz.gov
Welcome the Office of Economic Development’s new project manager
The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce that Franklin Adams, MBA, has been promoted to Economic Development Project Manager. Frank’s responsibilities will include business attraction, retention, and expansion projects and workforce development.
Frank joined the City of Mesa more than a year ago as an Economic Development Specialist and has been instrumental in providing support, information and tools for businesses looking to locate and expand in Mesa.
Contact Frank at Franklin.Adams@mesaaz.gov.
Mark Freeman sworn in as Mesa Mayor alongside new councilmembers
The City of Mesa The City of Mesa celebrated a momentous occasion as Mark Freeman was officially sworn in as the city’s new mayor on January 7, 2025. The ceremony also saw the inauguration of three city councilmembers: Rich Adams, Francisco Heredia, and Julie Spilsbury. The event, held at the Mesa Arts Center, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the city’s leadership.
Mark Freeman, a lifelong Mesa resident and former councilmember, takes the helm as mayor following a tenure of dedicated public service. He is recognized for his commitment to community engagement and strategic growth, with a focus on ensuring Mesa continues to thrive.
Joining Freeman in shaping the future of Mesa are three distinguished councilmembers. Rich Adams, representing District 1, brings extensive experience as a local business leader. His priorities include fostering economic development and maintaining Mesa’s strong sense of community.
Francisco Heredia, re-elected to represent District 3, is a seasoned councilmember and advocate for equitable development. His leadership has been pivotal in addressing key issues such as housing affordability and infrastructure improvements.
Julie Spilsbury, re-elected to represent District 2, has been a strong supporter of education and family-oriented initiatives. She is committed to enhancing resources for schools and creating opportunities for youth.
As Mesa continues to grow as Arizona’s third-largest city, the new mayor and councilmembers are poised to tackle challenges and opportunities with a collaborative and visionary approach. mesaaz.gov/Government/Mayor-City-Council
Mesa City Manager announces retirement after nearly two decades of transformative leadership
Chris Brady, City Manager of Mesa, announced he will retire on May 31, 2025, concluding a transformative 19-year tenure leading the nation's 36th largest city. Brady will transition to a new role as a mission leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As chief administrative officer of Arizona's third-largest city since 2006, Brady has overseen Mesa's evolution into a thriving municipality of more than 500,000 residents, managing approximately 4,000 employees and an annual operating and capital budget of $2.6 billion. Under his leadership, Mesa has undergone significant organizational reforms while maintaining exceptional municipal services and fiscal responsibility.
"It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve Mesa. I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated Mesa employees to bring the vision of our Mayors and Councilmembers to life," said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. "Throughout my tenure in Mesa, my guiding principles have been knowledge, respect, and integrity. I hope that by upholding these values, I have made a positive difference in the lives of our residents and employees. It has truly been a great experience!"
Brady’s tenure has been marked by substantial achievements in fiscal management and operational efficiency. He successfully steered Mesa through challenging economic periods and a pandemic while implementing innovative financial strategies, including the passage of several capital bond initiatives for parks, streets, and public safety.
Prior to his service in Mesa, Brady brought more than a decade of municipal leadership experience. He served as Assistant City Manager of San Antonio for ten years and held executive management positions in Bellaire and Houston, Texas, and Provo, Utah.
He will work closely with the Mayor and City Council in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition as they select Mesa’s next city manager.
Mesa Office of Economic Development is now hiring
The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is now hiring for the position of Economic Development Specialist. An Economic Development Specialist performs a wide variety of activities to attract new development opportunities and promote Mesa’s value as a business location, generate qualified prospects, and improve the competitiveness of the community’s business climate. The Specialist performs statistical comparisons and trend analysis to be used in marketing and promotional materials and to assist Economic Development Project Managers with various economic development projects.