HOT TOPICS

Phoenix to Advance Public Safety Projects with $9.5M Federal Allocation
The City of Phoenix will advance a wide range of public‑safety and infrastructure improvements after securing more than $9.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for fiscal year 2026. The funding, part of a broader federal appropriations package, supports airport modernization, emergency response enhancements, and wellness resources for first … [More]

Indoor Pickleball Club Expands to Fourth Valley Location, Establishes HQ
Center Court Pickleball Club, a locally owned premier indoor pickleball club, announced the expansion to its fourth Valley location with a new 35,000-square-foot club opening summer 2026. The Scottsdale company signed a lease for the former Big Lots space at Scottsdale Fiesta Retail Center at Loop 101 and Shea Blvd, providing convenient access for Scottsdale, Phoenix, … [More]

Upscale 353-Unit Multifamily Project Breaks Ground in Southeast Valley
The NRP Group, a vertically integrated developer, builder and manager of multifamily housing, announced the financial closing and groundbreaking of an upscale, 353-unit multifamily development within Medina Station, a 60‑acre master planned community in Mesa, Arizona. The four‑story, elevator‑served community will be built on a 10‑acre parcel in the northeast quadrant … [More]

Taiwanese Restaurant Concept Debuts 340-Seat Flagship at Fashion Square
Din Tai Fung, the family-owned, globally beloved restaurant brand from Taiwan known for its iconic 'Golden Ratio' Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings // pronounced "sheau long bao") and hospitality excellence, is expanding to Arizona for the first time. The brand's highly anticipated Scottsdale location, opening at 7014 E Camelback Rd in Scottsdale Fashion Square, will … [More]

Utility-Scale Solar Developer Names Interim Chief Executive
Arevon Energy, Inc., an American energy developer, owner, and operator, announced the appointment of Justin Johnson, the company's Chief Operating Officer, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective February 20, 2026. Johnson brings more than two decades of experience across renewable energy development, construction, asset management, and operations. Since the … [More]

European-Inspired Hotel Brings Rooftop Dining and Desert Views to Old Town
Old Town Scottsdale is now home to a modern, European-inspired hotel, AC Hotel Scottsdale Old Town, located at 7117 E. 3rd Ave. Designed for travelers who value intentional design and elevated simplicity, the six-story hotel brings AC Hotels by Marriott’s signature European-inspired aesthetic and “Perfectly Precise” guest experience to one of the city’s most dynamic … [More]
TOP STORIES

$1.48B Acquisition Forms Third Largest Copper District in North America
Hudbay Minerals Inc. and Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Hudbay has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of ASCU, not already owned by Hudbay, for consideration of 0.242 of a common share of Hudbay per common share of ASCU. The Transaction will result in … [More]

Southwest Gas Names Successor as CEO Announces Retirement
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. and its primary operating subsidiary, Southwest Gas Corporation, announced that its Board of Directors appointed Justin Brown to succeed Karen Haller as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 8, 2026. Mr. Brown has been nominated to join the Board of Directors following the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Having led the Company … [More]

ACA Partners with University on $35.5M Semiconductor Cleanroom Expansion
As the state is anticipated to add over 25,000 new jobs in the semiconductor industry in the coming years, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the University of Arizona are strengthening the workforce pipeline with a $35.5 million facility expansion. University, government and industry leaders unveiled the Office of Research and Partnerships’ Nano Fabrication Center … [More]

$13M Microreactor Investment Positions Greater Phoenix as Nuclear Innovation Hub
NuCube Energy, Inc. announced that it has secured $13 million in funding to deploy next-generation nuclear technology in the United States and help address the demand for increased clean and sustainable energy sources. NuCube Energy, co-founded at Idealab Studio in 2023 by entrepreneur Bill Gross and nuclear engineer Dr. Cristian Rabiti, is developing a … [More]
FEATURED STORIES

Small-Business Optimism Improves as Supply Chain Concerns Persist
The NFIB Research Center released an industry-specific quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey highlighting the construction, manufacturing, retail, and services industries. According to the report, the Optimism Index increased from the previous quarter for all reported industries except for construction. “Small business optimism rose in … [More]

Expanding SaaS Tax Laws Create Hidden Liability, and Refund Potential
In 2026, as Federal subsidies and grant funding continue to decline for state and local governments, many are turning to sales taxes on business services as a key method for raising revenue. At one time, sales taxes were derived only from sales of physical products bought and sold within a state. However, since the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision of 2018, … [More]

Arizona Ranks No. 1 in International Investment Nationwide
Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%. Key Trade … [More]
LATEST ISSUE

The Partnership of Hospitality and Healthcare
While 84% of U.S. consumers say wellness is a “top” or “important” priority, per a recent 2026 poll by McKinsey, commercial real estate is activity responding to this growing need. In hospitality especially, hotels and resorts are focusing on how to expand their amenity packages to create experiences that enhance a traveler’s overall well-being. Leveraging emerging … [More]

Guest Editor: Steve Zabilski, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Grants, Growth and Future Grants represent more than funding for recipients — they are investments that empower communities to adapt and become stronger. Philanthropy at its finest can result in ripple effects far beyond its original intention. Phoenix is home to a robust network of private foundations as well as nonprofit arms of for-profit businesses. Each tends … [More]
LIVE AND LEARN

6 Downtown Phoenix Buildings to Celebrate during Historic Preservation Month
In a city that’s booming with new developments, the historic places and spaces that are dotted throughout our streets can elicit a sense of mystery, awe and curiosity about days gone by. Downtown Phoenix may be considered a young city, but it’s also home to a number of historic buildings that add character to our streets, and give a glimpse into what life … [More]

Mad Hatter the Musical Premiers This Weekend
Long before Alice, there was the notorious Mad Hatter. Discover the tumultuous tale of his haunting backstory and follow his path to Wonderland, where the secrets of his transformation await in this spellbinding new musical. Audiences at the Herberger Theater Center will be the first to experience this vivid new musical production of Mad Hatter The Musical, which … [More]

THE MOORS at Estrella Mountain Community College Performing Arts Center
Inspired by the letters of Charlotte Brontë, this dark comedy about love, desperation, and visibility features two sisters and a dog living out their lives on the bleak English moors, until the arrival of a hapless governess and a moor-hen set them on a strange and dangerous path. Contemporary Queer playwright Jen Silverman has brilliantly crafted characters who each … [More]
PHILANTHROPY

The Generosity Commission
The number of Americans who volunteer in civic organizations and who give to nonprofits has plummeted in recent years, with as many as 20 million households dropping out of giving … [More]

How the Tempe Diablos Turned Civic Pride into Lasting Impact: From the Ballpark to the Heart of Tempe
For more than half a century, the Tempe Diablos have demonstrated how civic pride, when paired with committed volunteer leadership, can evolve into lasting community impact. What … [More]

Credit Union Invests $130K in Grants to Strengthen Arizona’s Workforce and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
OneAZ Credit Union is proud to announce $130,000 in Legacy Grants awarded to three dynamic Arizona nonprofits — JobPath, Change Labs, and Startup Tucson — all dedicated to … [More]
POSITIONS

El Mirage Mayor Named MAG Chair
El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo was elected as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council during the agency’s annual meeting. As the agency’s new … [More]

SmartRent Names Yet Another CEO
SmartRent Inc., the leading provider of smart communities solutions and smart operations solutions for the rental housing industry, today announced the appointment of Frank Martell … [More]

Community Bank Names Regional President for Arizona and New Mexico
Sunflower Bank is pleased to announce that Josh Wilson has joined the bank as Regional President for Arizona and New Mexico. In this role, Wilson has oversight of local leadership … [More]
ACHIEVEMENTS

Intel’s Lip-Bu Tan to be Honored for Impact on Chip Design
Lip-Bu Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Intel Corporation and former CEO of Cadence Design Systems, will be honored with the 2025 Phil Kaufman Award for distinguished contributions … [More]

Chamber Announces Recipients for 2025 Excellence in Business Awards
The Greater Phoenix Chamber has selected five Business of the Year recipients for its inaugural Excellence in Business Awards (formerly the IMPACT Awards), which recognize … [More]

Arizona Wins Fifth Consecutive Award Recognizing Best-in-Class Economic Momentum
In recognition of yet another banner year for economic development wins, Arizona today received a prestigious “Gold Shovel” award from Area Development Magazine in the 5-8 million … [More]











