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West Valley is competing, attracting smart people

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Westmarc is focusing on reaching California’s brokerage and young talent communities. Californians have always been moving to Arizona. This is not new to our state. But increasingly, people and companies are making the value-based decision to relocate to Arizona.

You can’t beat the price of a home in Arizona compared to California. Up-and-comers can finally have the American dream if they live here, and particularly in the West Valley. Many Californians live here and drive back to see relatives.

My neighbor is one of those. After moving to Arizona, specifically the East Valley, she would make the trek back to California to visit family. One year later and after seeing the West Valley from Interstate 10, they decided to move here because we’re one hour closer to California.

More recently, the pandemic and social unrest many experienced has also increased the migration to Arizona. Many information technology workers can and are working remotely. So as they move to the West Valley, saving money on housing and other costs, they are spending their salaries locally. This is great for our economy. Overall however, the information technology industry skill set is one that transcends all industries.

As the West Valley continues to work on business attraction and economic development in six target industry sectors, the ability to quantify our IT workforce is more important than ever. The opportunities for IT professionals across sectors are abundant whether they’re working for a local company, remotely for an out-of-state company or choosing to launch their own startup venture. Westmarc is very focused on identifying these industry workers and messaging to them.

The West Valley boasts more than 25 higher education and training providers, and tech incubators like the Surprise Techcelerator and Goodyear Innovation Hub.

Companies are also evaluating sites around the nation for relocation. Recent weather-related disasters around the county have turned eyes to Arizona’s great climate. It’s predicable. If a company is making a multi-million dollar investment in capital, they don’t want the threats of unpredictable weather. So why not take advantage of our great location, business-friendly environment, and of course great quality of life.

Californians are active and value sunshine and outdoor activities. The West Valley is home to the White Tank Mountains Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park. I can go on. But the point is we can and are competing, and attracting smart people!

Sintra Hoffman is the president and CEO of Western Maricopa Coalition or Westmarc. Visit westmarc.org.