Pima County's Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new three-year economic development strategy on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
The 2026-2029 Economic Development Strategic Plan lays out 31 recommendations, including 15 new initiatives, targeting workforce development, infrastructure and business growth across the county, according to a county announcement. As a countywide plan approved by the Board of Supervisors, it will shape economic development priorities for residents throughout Pima County, including those in Oro Valley and Catalina Foothills.
The vote was unanimous.
What's in the plan
The strategy is organized around four priorities: business retention and expansion, business attraction, infrastructure development and workforce development. KVOA reported the plan identifies seven priority industry sectors: aerospace and defense, health innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, logistics, emerging technologies and a newly added tourism sector.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Pima County Economic Development director, led the plan's development. The county said the strategy is rooted in community feedback and new data, with input from residents, business leaders, educational institutions, workforce organizations, municipalities, tribal nations and community partners.
Vescovi-Chiordi said the plan prioritizes small business support and expansion while addressing infrastructure development and new industry attraction, according to the county announcement.
Building on past results
The plan builds on the previous three-year cycle. According to KVOA, that earlier effort brought more than $3.6 billion in investment to the county, including 180 direct jobs and approximately 3,000 construction jobs. Notable achievements included attracting Taiwan-based semiconductor manufacturer JSEDM and expanding GXO Logistics in Marana.
Accountability and alignment
The county plans to track progress through performance indicators, quarterly updates and annual reporting to the Board of Supervisors. County officials also plan to publish an annual Economic Development Impact Report, according to KVOA.
The strategy aligns with other county initiatives, including the Prosperity Initiative, One Pima Initiative and the Regional Housing Strategy, to address broader needs such as housing affordability and early childhood education.
