Morfessis: We’ve gotten a lot of attention for a city our size

Looking to spur on Maricopa’s economy, Dr. Ioanna Morfessis and city officials met Tuesday evening in a special meeting at the Global Water Facility. Morfessis briefed the mayor and council on the updated economic development strategy for Maricopa and how it will go about capturing economic growth.

“This starts a series of town hall meetings, and I’m excited about this process,” Mayor Kelly Anderson told those in attendance.

According to Morfessis, Arizona’s economy will become more global in the years to come for a variety of reasons, including its population growth and proximity to California. If California were an independent nation, its economy statistically would make it anywhere from the sixth to 10th largest economy in the world.

Morfessis also noted that with Maricopa right in the middle of the Phoenix-Tucson megapolitan area, the city has become part of a large marketplace. “There is strength in numbers,” she noted.

Another area of focus was on the recent talk of Maricopa some day building an airport. Morfessis said airports are viewed as the center of cities. “Airports are a principal driver in where companies will locate,” Morfessis commented.

Morfessis said that when Maricopa began its economic development program, it had pretty much zero to work with. “We’ve strengthened our relations with allies for perspective new employers to create bona fide jobs in Maricopa,” Morfessis said. “We’ve gotten a lot of attention for a city our size.”

Among the tidbits noted by Morfessis was that Maricopa is working with an unnamed medical college to relocate to the city in the future. She added that making hospitality/tourism a part of the local economy is also important. “We’ve had some hotels express interest, but we don’t yet have the population density they need,” Morfessis said.

One key focus has been on re-energizing the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, which recently moved into its new location. “Every vital community needs a vital chamber of commerce,” Morfessis said. Another focus according to Morfessis is the need to look at adding more family/children-friendly entertainment venues.

Looking at the positives going for Maricopa, Morfessis said the city has a bold vision for its future; a committed mayor and council; an aggressive program; superb state and local strategic partners; and a positive image in Arizona and the greater Phoenix area. Morfessis said Maricopa’s core values include diverse employment; safe neighborhoods; and its embracing history, while looking toward the future. “We are very well positioned because of the assets we have,” Morfessis added.

Citing economic development challenges, Morfessis noted the lack of a defined downtown core and city center; lack of available, shovel ready business parks and sites; a downturn and softening of Arizona’s real estate economy; and the need for more efficient transportation infrastructure.

Councilman Will Dunn said the discussion on where Maricopa is economically is important because city officials and citizens need a refresher course on economic development at times.

“If our folks don’t have the jobs and lifestyle, they won’t stay,” Dunn said. “We need to keep the engine (economic) running and push it so that it starts being the foreground of what Maricopa is. The potential for us is so there. We need to make this a commitment and keep this at our forefront.”

Morfessis said one key factor that is currently missing from moving forward economically is developing permits ahead of developer’s expectations.

“Time is money, we need to develop permits ahead of their expectations,” Morfessis stressed.

Photo by Joyce Hollis