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Opinion

Cott: Queen Creek continues to welcome new businesses and plan for future economic development

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Queen Creek, like many other communities, was impacted by the devastation of COVID-19. To help offset some of the impacts of COVID-19, the town took a series of steps to support our local businesses. From waiving businesses license fees and renewals to providing $500,000 in direct support through the Small Business Grant Program and adjusting sign requirements, we have been actively seeking opportunities to support our business community.

Despite the unknowns of an international pandemic, we were fortunate to continue to see commercial and residential development throughout 2020 that continues today. Last year, we welcomed our first hotel, Hampton Inn, Trader Joe’s and the Queen Creek Botanical Garden, to name a few. And we are looking forward to the opening of a number of new businesses including a major family entertainment venue, Fat Cats, Fry’s Marketplace and Backyard Taco. New businesses offer local jobs and expand opportunities for residents, increasing the quality of life.

While we continue to see active development across Queen Creek, we are particularly excited about the prospects of development along the future State Route 24. This area is anticipated to bring major employment opportunities to our community along with additional retail and dining. This area is impactful to the town and was identified as a focus area in our recently updated Program of Work for the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

The update was timely as our previous Strategic Plan was approved in late 2015. In a growing community like Queen Creek, it is essential to evaluate your plans every three to five years. During the update, we were pleased to see our community is moving in the right direction with regard to economic development. The update provided us with an opportunity to ensure we are making progress in the key focus areas like Agritainment, planning for the State Route 24 corridor and continuing to invest in our downtown core.

The update was even more exciting as it came at no cost to Queen Creek. Through our partnership with SRP, we were able to work with Boyette Strategic Advisors on the update. Boyette was able to hold informational sessions with key stakeholders and really evaluate our strengths and opportunities. My team is excited to work with other departments, the Council, the community and future developments on the areas of focus and continue to make Queen Creek a fabulous place to live, work and visit!

Doreen Cott is the Economic Development Director for the Town of Queen Creek.