At the heart of the City of Mesa’s growth and prosperity is a bold, forward-thinking economic strategy, led by the Office of Economic Development (OED). Grounded in a commitment to innovation, competitiveness, and collaboration, OED works to position Mesa as a highly sought-after destination for business investment and expansion on the regional, national, and global stage.

Our vision is for Mesa to be regarded as a premier location for companies and investors seeking an innovative, dynamic city to enhance their competitiveness.

OED’s mission is to enhance Mesa’s economy by promoting a diverse and sustainable economy, supporting the creation of higher wage jobs, attracting direct investment, and increasing the prosperity of our residents.

Our core values adhere to what city management has coined “The Mesa Way,” which essentially means operating at the speed of business, providing top-tier customer service, advocating for quality economic development, and creating solutions for businesses competing in the global market.

Economic development is a team sport, and deals do not happen without multiple partners, stakeholders, and elected officials who make policy.

We are fortunate to be supported by a dedicated group of community and business leaders who help guide our vision and strategy. The Economic Development Advisory Board plays an essential role in ensuring Mesa remains competitive, forward-looking, and responsive to changing market conditions.

Acting as strategic advisors to OED and the Mesa City Council, the Board contributes invaluable insights on everything from goal setting and business recruitment to strategic planning, marketing, and retention efforts.

We welcome the FY2026 Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board members.

• Frank Sanders, Intel Corporation
• Amanda Kay, OptumRX
• Anthony Ruiz, EDGE Realty Partners
• Michelle Genereux, Salt River Project (Chair)
• Charles Gregory, Benedictine University
• J. Steven Beck, COBE Real Estate
• Susan Stephensen, HonorHealth
• Andrew Schreiner, Nammo Defense Systems
• Kurt D. Ferstl, The Boeing Company (Vice Chair)

Ex-officio Members

• Mayor Mark Freeman
• Scott Butler, City Manager
• Sally Harrison, Mesa Chamber of Commerce
• Richard Blake, Virgin Galactic
• Sonny Cave, Retired, Onsemi
• Natascha Ovando-Karadsheh, KOR Properties
• Mark Drayna, FUJIFILM Electronic Chemicals

With deep appreciation, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Advisory Board members for their time, wisdom, and service. Their leadership strengthens Mesa’s economic foundation and helps shape the vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous city we are building together. SelectMesa.com

 

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Medina Station: A New Retail and Lifestyle Destination in East Mesa

A new destination is taking shape in East Mesa, promising to bring together retail, dining, and community in a walkable, thoughtfully designed environment. Located at the northeast corner of Signal Butte Road and the U.S. 60 freeway, Medina Station is a 64-acre mixed-use development that is expected to become a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors to the East Valley.

Developed by SimonCRE, Medina Station blends retail and residential into a cohesive, experience-driven environment. The project includes more than 337,000 square feet of commercial space on 40 acres. Another 23 acres will include multifamily housing. When complete, it will feature a combination of well-known national retailers, local favorites, and up to 850 residential units—all designed to create a dynamic and convenient destination.

Two major anchors have already committed to the site: a 148,000-square-foot Target and an 80,000-square-foot Dick’s Sporting Goods. These will be joined by a growing list of retailers and service providers, including Boot Barn, GoodVets, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Hawaiian Bros, Café Zupas, U.S. Bank, and Zara Nails. In total, more than 70% of the retail space has already been pre-leased, signaling strong interest from the business community.

Medina station will also feature Restaurant Row, which will consist of 39,000 square feet of local restaurants, including OSHO and others.

More than 83,000 households are located within a 5-mile radius of Medina Station. Average household income within one mile of the site exceeds $100,000, making it an attractive market for both national and regional tenants.

For retailers, Medina Station offers a compelling opportunity. The site’s location is along two major arterial roads and near the freeway and guarantees high visibility and easy access for consumers across the East Valley.

For residents and visitors, Medina Station promises more than just shopping. It’s being designed as a place to gather, dine, stroll, and connect with landscaped walkways, plazas, and a pedestrian-friendly layout that will make it easy to navigate between stores and services. The addition of hundreds of new apartment units will ensure a built-in customer base and a vibrant sense of community.

Construction on Medina Station began in early 2025, and the first phase is expected to open in 2026. Leasing is now underway, and interest continues to build as more tenants are announced.

Retailers looking to establish a presence in one of Mesa’s fastest-growing corridors will find a unique opportunity here, supported not just by market demand, but by city leadership and a clear vision for long-term success. And for residents and visitors, Medina Station is shaping up to be more than a shopping center – it’s the future heart of East Mesa. For leasing opportunities or more information, visit medinastationaz.com.

Learn more about retail development opportunities at MesaAzRetail.com.

 

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Mesa Public Schools convenes Business and Education Summit 

fostering public/private workforce development collaboration

Mesa Public Schools (MPS) held its annual Business and Education Summit recently, bringing together more than 100 participants, including academic and CTE teachers, school administrators, counselors, and business partners. The event served as a valuable platform for sharing insights and fostering collaboration around Mesa's Workforce Development initiatives.

District leadership provided updates on MPS’s work-based learning model and showcased various ways businesses can engage in shaping the future workforce. These partnership opportunities include teacher externships, classroom visits from industry professionals, project-based collaborations, and hosting student internships and job shadows.

Attendees also received an overview of the MPS College and Career Academy model now being implemented across MPS high schools. As a next step, the district will convene individual academy advisory groups to gather industry feedback on student outcomes and relevant certifications. To learn more about Mesa Public Schools and their education initiatives, visit mpsaz.org.

Local businesses interested in partnering with Mesa Public Schools are encouraged to submit an interest form to get involved.