By Pima County
The Pima County Board of Supervisors at its meeting on Oct. 27, 2026, approved the 2026–2029 Economic Development Strategic Plan, establishing a practical and actionable roadmap to strengthen Southern Arizona’s economy, support existing businesses, attract new investment and expand economic opportunities for residents throughout the region.
Building on the progress of the previous three-year plan, the updated strategy reflects extensive input from the community, including the Board of Supervisors, residents, business leaders, educational institutions, workforce organizations, municipalities, tribal nations and community partners.
The plan includes 31 recommendations, including 15 new initiatives, designed to capitalize on Pima County‘s competitive strengths while addressing challenges related to workforce development, infrastructure and business growth.
The strategy continues to focus on four key priorities: Business Retention and Expansion, Business Attraction, Infrastructure Development and Workforce Development.
These priorities reinforce Pima County Economic Development’s role as a regional convener, bringing together public and private partners to advance shared economic goals.
Highlights of the new plan include:
- Stronger Support for Existing Businesses: Expanding business retention and expansion efforts, strengthening small business and entrepreneurial resources, and connecting local companies with opportunities to grow, innovate and create jobs.
- Expanded Target Industries: Adding tourism as a seventh priority sector alongside aerospace and defense, health and health innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean and renewable energy, transportation and logistics, and advanced and emerging technologies.
- Growing International Investment: Building on Southern Arizona’s strong relationship with Mexico while expanding foreign direct investment and international partnerships with Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Canada.
- Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Elevating the innovation and startup economy as a strategic priority, leveraging the University of Arizona, research institutions, business incubators and entrepreneurial organizations to support commercialization and new business formation.
- Strengthening Workforce Pipelines: Aligning education and training programs with industry needs, expanding career pathways and helping residents prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Improving site readiness, addressing infrastructure gaps, and coordinating investments that support business expansion and new development opportunities.
The updated plan also emphasizes the importance of economic opportunity throughout Pima County, including rural communities, and aligns with other County initiatives such as the Prosperity Initiative, One Pima Initiative and the Regional Housing Strategy.
A key component of the strategy is an increased emphasis on accountability and measurable results. The County will track progress through established performance indicators, quarterly updates, and annual reporting to the Board of Supervisors. (Source: Pima County)