Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Letter from Chris Camacho
President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
As we began this three-year strategic planning process, we reflected on the leaders of past and present, who over the last several decades have used intentional planning and collaboration to execute on a vision to make Greater Phoenix a premier destination for business and people. This intentionality has spurred a culture of innovation and alignment that has positioned the market to compete on the international stage. A destination of choice, Greater Phoenix is one of the top metropolitan areas for inmigration every year.
Over our FY20-FY22 strategic plan, GPEC has invested in elevating our global market position and developed our organization as best-in-class internationally. The modernized approach has led to the development of unique tools and skillsets within GPEC enabling targeted outreach to companies through automated systems, indepth analysis of emerging trends, and unique
marketing campaigns that amplify the region’s brand. In each year during the past three fiscal years, we have broken organizational records on top line metrics such as locates and new jobs added to the market. In FY21, International Economic Development Council recognized GPEC as the top economic development organization (EDO) nationally and in FY22 the organization received recognition as the top EDO globally.
In 2021 we saw announcements from large, international high-tech manufacturers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Intel that make this region internationally competitive for a semiconductor manufacturing specialization. Rapid acceleration across industries such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, corporate services, and aerospace as well as unprecedented funding available for small businesses and entrepreneurs sets the
stage to harness our momentum, build upon our strong foundations and create an economy fortified for future opportunity.
“Antifragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the antifragile gets better.”
– Nassim Taleb
GPEC is committed to working with business and civic leaders to drive a 2030 vision for the region. Now is the time for us to rise and seize the opportunities presented by this unique moment and continue transforming Greater Phoenix’s economy to benefit all and focus our sights on being the most innovative market in the world that is strengthened by challenge. We are Greater Phoenix and we are Greater Together.
#GreaterPHXtogether
Phoenix
Economic Pillars
For decades the Greater Phoenix region has benefited from the thoughtful planning of key regional leaders to address the needs of the present and future. Created in 1989, GPEC’s purpose is to serve as a convener to address the key issues our region needs to be competitive and grow the economy. Working with our regional partners, key wins have driven continued growth and diversification in the region. Our market is poised to capitalize on our momentum now is the time to be bold and ambitious about building the innovation centered economy of the future.
This economy must harness the power of our assets, relying on four key pillars: resilient infrastructure, future-looking education and job training pathways, smart and agile land use policies, and generating a pro-business and capitalfriendly environment that spurs novel ideas and new innovations. Each of these pillars of an economy, when accessible for all members of a community, will enable our region to fortify itself as a top-tier market globally.
Pillars of an Innovation Economy
Implementation of smart and inclusive growth strategies driven by a shared regional vision and reinforcement of innovation economy pillars.
Resilient infrastructure Future-looking education and job training pathways
Smart and agile land use policies
Pro-business, capital-friendly environment
Introduction from Jeff Guldner
GPEC Board of Directors Chairperson, President and CEO of APS
As we transition from the current strategic plan to the next three-year vision, we also transition to a new Board of Directors Chairperson with David Rousseau, president of Salt River Project, taking the helm. Over the last two years, it has been my distinct pleasure to lead the GPEC board. The team overcame incredible challenges as it courageously faced uncharted territories. The impact of a global pandemic caused the team to rethink strategies, and social unrest led to realizations that catapulted conversation and action around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. There was never a
moment that this team rested on its laurels.
We know that the only constant is change, and as part of the strategic planning process, the GPEC team worked with stakeholders, partners and peer organizations to understand key drivers of change for Greater Phoenix as well as anticipated challenges and opportunities in coming years. With the help of the GPEC Next strategic planning council, we have synthesized key considerations to achieve new levels of success.
“ The impact of a global pandemic caused the team to rethink strategies, and social unrest led to realizations that catapulted conversation and action around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.”
This strategic plan lays out three key goals for the coming years that will position Greater Phoenix as the lead market driving innovation in a dynamic, anti-fragile and equitable economy.
“I am thankful for Jeff’s leadership and excited to guide the execution of this strategic plan. GPEC is poised to continue driving best-inclass outcomes for Greater Phoenix, and this plan outlines an ambitious vision for our region that builds on the momentum of the past to create a future anchored in innovation and shared prosperity.”
David Rousseau President Salt River Project
To attract and grow quality businesses, and advocate for Greater Phoenix’s competitiveness.
Our Mission Our Values The GPEC Way
We are an inclusive, diverse family
We are change agents
We lead from the front
We promote intellectual curiosity
We remain on the edge
We are tenacious
We are agile and adapt to change
We are committed to selfless service
Be the leading market driving innovation in a dynamic, anti-fragile and equitable economy that enables all residents to benefit and prosper.
Goal 1:
Lead an ambitious shared vision for the region’s
economic future
GPEC will lead a collaborative effort to generate a vision that supports an innovationdriven, equitable and inclusive economy.
Strategies:
• Convene the community to articulate a vision for the region’s future and inspire action around key economic imperatives
• Drive conversations around policy priorities that enhance the pillars of an innovation economy such as infrastructure, education and workforce development, smart and agile land use, and a capital-friendly environment
• Be a leading voice regionally and nationally on economic development priorities and strategies
“I want Greater Phoenix to be the place where the next billion-dollar companies are born.”
Rebecca Clyde Co-founder and President Botco.ai
Photo credit azbigmedia.com
Goal
2:
Enhance the foundation of the future economy with a focus on emerging and innovation-driven
industry sectors
GPEC will intensify foundational strategies such as business attraction and regional branding while enhancing the economic ecosystem enabling local growth in innovation-based sectors.
Strategies:
• Fortify business attraction efforts to remain best-in-class and execute on sector-focused strategies
• Enhance the perception of the Greater Phoenix market as a premier location for people and businesses to live, grow and work
• Lead on data analytics and cuttingedge research capabilities to provide intelligence to clients and stakeholders
• Intensify support for regional entrepreneurship with a focus on equity, capital strategies and innovation in collaboration with regional partners
“Innovation comes from different backgrounds and diverse ways of thinking.”
Nikhil Dave Student Regent Arizona Board of Regents
Goal 3:
Expand organizational capacity to serve the Greater Phoenix economic ecosystem and meet the needs of the market
GPEC will advance what it means to be a best-in-class economic development organization by enhancing our internal capabilities, aligning resources and leveraging our network to support the regional economic ecosystem.
Strategies:
• Grow capacity through increased investment and diversified funding to provide resources that enable execution against strategic economic initiatives
• Coordinate with key stakeholder groups to enable an agile response to the needs of Greater Phoenix
“A region doesn’t function without the opportunity for everyone in that region to participate in the economy.”
Kimber Lanning Chief Executive Officer Local First Arizona
• Invest in and fortify internal capabilities through recruitment and professional development to maintain a best-in-class economic development team anchored in innovation
• Evaluate best practices and bylaws to ensure the GPEC’s Board of Directors remains high-caliber and activated to support the organizational mission
Economic Ecosystem
The levers of a regional economy that work collaboratively to enable businesses and individuals to start, grow and prosper in a region.