Community Members Weigh in on Tempe Economy

Posted on | June 24, 2010 | No Comments

 By Michelle Pence, Communications Department Intern

On June 8, members of the community gathered at an economic forum hosted by the City of Tempe to generate ideas on how to stimulate Tempe’s economy and local businesses.

The forum, hosted by City Council members Onnie Shekerjian and Corey Woods, both members of the City’s Technology, Economic and Community Development Council Committee, attracted a room full of people of various ages and backgrounds.

Dr. Stephen Happel, professor of economics at the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, opened the forum with a discussion on the local and regional economy.

Dr. Happel reminisced about how Arizona once led the national economy and discussed numerous threats to the local economy, such as the recent immigration law, the Bush tax cuts expiring and the upcoming election, ultimately declaring that Tempe should be okay in the upcoming years save for any major catastrophes.

On a national level, he warned that it is just “a matter of time” before things come apart, taking into account the mounting national debt.

Before the brainstorming session, Tempe’s 2009 economic accomplishments were presented by Councilmember Woods, and several city, state and national programs benefiting businesses were shared by Economic Development Manager Sheri Wakefield-Saenz.

Some of the greatest accomplishments cited were the 20 new retail shops and restaurants on Mill Avenue, three new hotels in development, the Mill Avenue Farmers Market, the Downtown Tempe Urban Garden, MADCAP Theaters and the innovative use of empty storefront windows.

Woods proudly used terms such as “funky,” “independent flavor” and “mom-and-pop” to describe the new perceived atmosphere of Tempe, especially the Mill Avenue District.

Other areas discussed included strip malls, the downtown streetscape, parking and signage.

Woods said that although the restrictive sign code in Tempe exists to give the city a certain “look, feel and integrity,” the City is attempting to be sensitive to small-businesses’ needs by temporarily easing the code for some.

Councilmember Shekerjian told the audience, which ranged from neighborhood association presidents to local business owners and professionals, that no idea is too crazy and that the City would review all suggestions submitted and would follow up via e-mail.

The City received over 100 ideas through their Web site from people unable to attend the forum.

Specific topics discussed included small businesses, technology/creative arts, strip malls, retail, tourism/events and red tape.

A bulk of the ideas centered on Mill Avenue, including limiting panhandling, more retail carts such as hotdog stands, “third places,” patios and “party events.”

Transportation was also a popular topic with suggestions to offer a tourist trolley and to reconfigure Light Rail routes, offering direct service to Arizona Mills, adding a stop at Tempe Marketplace and running a route from Apache to ASU.

Some ideas regarding red tape included reworking the mixed-use section of the zoning code, expanding the development district to support loan programs and to “stop talking about red tape and just do it.”

Other ideas consisted of creating an arts district, more marketing at Sky Harbor Airport, forming an ad hoc committee to review the sign code and to plant more trees around Tempe Town Lake.

Community members who wish to submit suggestions can do so by visiting www.tempe.gov/economicforum.

Comments