Mesa recently received several awards for its economic development work.
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INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDAI
Mesa has been honored with three 2026 Golden Prospector Awards from the Arizona Association for Economic Development.
The city's office of economic development was recognized in the categories of Deal of the Year and Multimedia Promotion, while the Office of Urban Transformation received recognition in the Program/Processes category.
The awards saluted the city for its economic development deal with Hadrian, Inc., an advanced manufacturing company using artificial intelligence and robotics to build aerospace and defense components, as well as for the Better Life Mesa Campaign, a marketing effort that promotes Mesa to both businesses and residents, according to a release.
Mesa OUT was recognized for The Redevelopment Toolkit, which supports private reinvestment in obsolete or deteriorating properties.
“These awards reflect the breadth of work happening across the city to strengthen Mesa’s economy,” Mesa City Manager Scott Butler said.
“We’re attracting new investment and jobs, reinvesting in existing properties and telling Mesa’s story to businesses and residents.”
The Hadrian, Inc. Factory 3 established a next-generation AI-powered manufacturing and software hub “for mission-critical aerospace and defense components at The Cubes at Mesa Gateway,” the release stated.
The project represents approximately $200 million in capital investment and is expected to create more than 350 new jobs with average annual wages of approximately $71,000, officials said.
“What made the Better Life Mesa Campaign stand out was its dual approach, reaching business audiences like site selectors and developers alongside residents and visitors under a single ‘More to Mesa’ brand,” the release stated.
City officials said The Redevelopment Toolkit is one of Mesa’s "most impactful" commitments to revitalization and reinvestment. Buildings developed 20 or 30 years ago often no longer reflect current economic or community needs.
“Reinvestment in aging buildings creates new jobs, introduces new businesses to Mesa’s neighborhoods, remediates blight and improves the economic vitality of the city,” the release stated.
“What makes The Redevelopment Toolkit different is that it was built to solve real-world problems that often stall complex redevelopment projects,” Mesa Redevelopment Program Administrator Jeffrey Robbins said.
“When old buildings are beautified and small businesses have spaces to grow, Mesa is a better place for our residents.”
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