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The Mesa East Redevelopment Plan was adopted by City Council in October 2018

The East Redevelopment Area (RDA) is shaping into a vibrant, mixed-use district rooted in community character and neighborhood-scale development. With strong transit access, walkable design, and opportunities for reinvestment along key corridors, the East RDA is a model for revitalization that’s inclusive, accessible, and locally driven.

“The East RDA is a high-quality, mixed-use district, consisting of three distinct corridors that reflect the historic character of the adjacent neighborhoods. These corridors provide a wide range of local-serving uses that form the foundation for revitalized, close-knit neighborhoods. Light rail provides connectivity to the region and a well-connected bicycle and pedestrian system cultivates a safe, walkable, and active local environment.”

The East RDA Plan prioritizes reinvestment that enhances neighborhood life, encourages mixed-use development, and supports small businesses. Key goals include:

• Promote local-serving commercial and neighborhood retail
• Improve walkability, bike access, and pedestrian safety
• Support infill development and adaptive reuse of vacant or underutilized sites
• Preserve neighborhood character while enhancing housing choice
• Encourage small business and entrepreneur activity
• Maximize access to light rail and multimodal transit
• Add streetscape amenities and green infrastructure

 Sub-Area Corridors

The East RDA includes three distinct revitalization corridors, each with its own role in the plan’s vision:

• Main Street Corridor
• Emphasizes pedestrian-scaled development
• Targeted for mixed-use infill and adaptive reuse
• Connects to light rail and aligns with Mesa’s historic character
• Broadway Road Corridor
• Serves as a transition zone with potential for neighborhood commercial and multifamily housing
• Opportunity to build strong connections to schools, parks, and existing neighborhoods
• Southern Avenue Corridor
• Characterized by larger parcels, some in industrial use
• Targeted for flexible development opportunities, including employment and commercial uses

 Key Strengths & Opportunities

• Light rail access at Stapley and Gilbert Road stations
• Proximity to historic neighborhoods and community amenities
• Corridor-based strategy for focused investment and infrastructure improvements
• Strong potential for small-scale mixed-use and commercial infill
• Encouragement of adaptive reuse to retain local character
• Multimodal connectivity with enhanced pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks

Tools for Redevelopment

Mesa supports revitalization in the East RDA with the following tools and programs:

•  GPLET eligibility (Government Property Lease Excise Tax) for qualified redevelopment
• Zoning flexibility to encourage walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods
• Business support services for small and local entrepreneurs
• Partnerships to address infrastructure and site readiness

Explore the East RDA

Whether you're a developer, resident, or business owner, the East RDA offers a community-first redevelopment model with regional connectivity and local opportunity.

View the full East RDA Plan
Contact the Office of Economic Development

Mesa's East Redevelopment Area features the newly built El Rancho Del Arte apartments.