Business leaders from across the West Valley outlined a surge of retail development, downtown revitalization and regional economic collaboration during the annual City to City Update hosted by the West Valley Regional Chamber.
Officials from Avondale, Goodyear, Surprise, El Mirage, Litchfield Park and Tolleson described a region experiencing rapid population growth and significant commercial investment, driven by a strategy that emphasizes cooperation rather than competition.
City officials repeatedly described economic development as a team sport, noting that shared forums and workforce partnerships have helped transform the West Valley into one of Arizona’s fastest-growing economic corridors.
“Our cities and our business communities are deeply connected,” said Jeffrey Campos, president of the West Valley Regional Chamber. “When a city invests in infrastructure, public safety, workforce developments, economic growth, businesses thrive. And when businesses grow, they create jobs, strengthen families, and expand our opportunities across the region.”
Goodyear builds walkable downtown
In Goodyear, development is centered on Civic Square at GSQ, a walkable district intended to serve as the city’s new downtown hub.
The district includes restaurants such as The Stillery, Spitz Mediterranean Street Food and Shake Shack. Additional dining concepts planned or under construction include Magdalena, Qdoba Mexican Eats and Berry Divine Acai Bowls.
Retail expansion is also underway, with a recently opened Trader Joe’s and a planned Nordstrom Rack expected next year.
Other restaurants expected to arrive include Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and California Fish Grill.
A 74,000-square-foot family entertainment center featuring go-karts and mini-golf is also under development. Another regional attraction is the upcoming opening of a massive travel center from Buc-ee’s, expected this summer with more than 100 fuel pumps and a large convenience store.
Avondale pushes mixed-use entertainment corridor
Avondale officials are promoting a mixed-use development corridor known as The BLVD, designed to combine restaurants, nightlife and public gathering spaces.
The project will include a large lawn for community events, a public park and pedestrian-oriented retail space.
A new hotel from Embassy Suites is also under construction and will include a rooftop bar and conference space intended to attract regional meetings and conventions.
Restaurant additions planned for the area include Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, 85°C Bakery Cafe and Arizona Pizza Co.
Surprise expands top retail center
In Surprise, development continues around the sprawling Prasada retail district, which officials say is the highest-ranked retail power center in Arizona.
A new Whole Foods Market has been confirmed for the area, adding to the district’s growing mix of national brands.
The city is also working to create its first true downtown along Elm Street. The district will include Spark Surprise, a storefront resource center offering meeting rooms, podcast space and educational resources for entrepreneurs.
City leaders said retail vacancy in Surprise has dropped to about 2%, highlighting strong demand for storefront space.
Litchfield Park adds urban village
In Litchfield Park, a 25-acre development known as Litchfield Square is planned as a walkable urban village.
The project includes a 2.5-acre park, a plaza for events and roughly 40,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. A nearby residential component will introduce luxury condominiums with ground-floor retail, a new concept for the city.
The development also incorporates the restoration of La Loma, which will house the Agua Fria Hilltop School for the Arts and a 700-seat theater intended to serve the broader West Valley.
Revitalization in Tolleson and El Mirage
Smaller cities in the region are focusing on revitalizing historic downtowns and supporting local entrepreneurs.
Tolleson city leaders highlighted local businesses including Capacito Coffee House and upcoming additions such as Boba Donuts, Creamery Sushi and Just Fresh Mexican Seafood.
Meanwhile, El Mirage recently added its first coffeehouse as part of a downtown revitalization effort and is planning a new recreation park after celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Regional growth strategy
City officials said the region’s growth is supported by workforce partnerships with institutions such as Estrella Mountain Community College and Arizona State University, as well as coordinated efforts to attract advanced manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain companies.
The region also continues to expand its healthcare footprint with projects involving providers including City of Hope, Abrazo Health, Dignity Health and Banner Health.
Officials said the collective strategy has helped position the West Valley as a major economic driver for Arizona.
By emphasizing collaboration across city lines, leaders said, the region is evolving from a group of individual municipalities into a unified economic center capable of attracting global employers, major retail investment and a rapidly expanding workforce.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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