Economic Development

Development efforts in Pima County should be continued with an emphasis on value added industries producing wages at or above the national average. Addressing the uncompetitive nature of Arizona’s Type 3 personal property tax is vital if we are to retain and expand the manufacturing base in Pima County. This tax makes capital investment on machinery and equipment used manufacturing processes prohibitively expensive in relation to competing cities and counties. Additional emphasis needs to be placed on business expansion and retention. Efforts which will enhance the diversification of our economy need to be adhered to with a multifaceted economic development strategy to help carry Pima County confidently into the next millennium. Economic development must support local industries first.