Scottsdale: The West’s Most Developable ‘Town’
By Peter Madrid
Cushman & Wakefield of Arizona, Inc.
Scottsdale is primarily known for its resorts, art scene and vibrant night life. Each year, however, it is also rated nationally among the most desirable communities in which to live and conduct business.
The latter was the topic at Valley Partnership’s August breakfast at the Phoenix Country Club.
Danielle Casey, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale served as moderator. The panel featured Jonathan Keyser, Founder of Keyser and Jim Keeley, Senior Executive Vice President at Colliers International.
The Mayor’s Minute featured a return engagement by Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane.
The City of Scottsdale has quietly become a dynamic center for economic development, company relocation and new business expansion. With commercial real estate development rising at a rapid pace, there are key areas within Scottsdale witnessing this resurgence.
The submarkets discussed included the McDowell Corridor (in South Scottsdale), ASU SkySong, Downtown Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Airpark.
“Our goal is to maintain a great platform for business to grow,” Mayor Lane said. “Part of building that platform for business is to diversify the economy.”
The tech industry is taking a good look at Scottsdale, the panelists agreed.Bio medical research has the potential to be a key development tool, Mayor Lane added. The Mayo Medical School is working in concert with ASU and TGen in that regard.
Keyser, whose company provides commercial real estate advisory services, identified key industries where tenants have needs. He mentioned retail, entertainment and higher education as those where opportunity and need exist.
“Scottsdale has to be proactive in its approach to economic development,” Keyser said. “That should be a big deal for Scottsdale. It has also to attract the right kind of talent.
Community Project update:The Community Project committee hosted a demonstration of musical instruments for the sensory garden it would like to purchase for the Arizona Foundation for the Handicapped. The committee also unveiled plans to sell engraved pavers to raise money for the Nov. 8 event. An exciting fundraiser is planned for Oct. 8 at the Monarch Theatre in Downtown Phoenix. “Rock for a Cause: Battle of the Bands,” will feature six local musical acts, including Honeygirl, Heartlyn Rae and Ruca.