The city of Peoria has been named Economic Development Organization of the Year in the Large Organization category by the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

This award recognizes Peoria's contributions to the advancement of economic development within the state of Arizona.

The AAED's Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence Awards were established to honor organizations that demonstrate outstanding work, accomplishments, and commitment to the economic development industry.

This is the first time Peoria has been recognized with this award, highlighting the city’s dedication and success in driving economic growth and prosperity in their community.

Peoria was specifically recognized for innovative business attraction strategies, developed to create and support a semiconductor ecosystem that led to Amkor Technology's investment of $2 billion and 2,000 jobs.

In addition, Peoria has implemented various initiatives to strengthen the future workforce through partnerships with educational institutions starting as early as the ninth grade and through attracting a new K-12 American Leadership Academy Campus, schedule to open for the 2025 school year.

The city is seeing growth in other areas as well. New signature restaurants, including Postino Wine Café, North Italia and Blanco Cantina are now under construction in the P83 Entertainment District. HonorHealth’s campus is rising along the Loop 101, south of Bell Road, and an additional 1 million square feet of commercial development to support warehousing, manufacturing and distribution clients has been added in the southern part of Peoria.

The city also has introduced programs such as Grow Peoria and the Community Collaboration Kitchen to foster entrepreneurship and support local businesses. These initiatives not only contribute to the economic growth of Peoria but also help create a strong sense of community collaboration and support.

“City council has established economic development as one of our leading priorities for driving revenue and job growth,” said Mayor Jason Beck. “I’m proud of our city’s economic development staff that are helping to carry out council’s vision with some amazing projects now underway across the city. This well-deserved reward is a great reflection on our city; and it is an honor to be recognized as the best in the state of Arizona.”

For information about Peoria's economic development efforts, programs, and initiatives, visit peoriaed.com.