PHOENIX—For more than 75 years, Mesa's Falcon Field Area has led the nation in aviation innovation. From the early 1940s when WW II U.S. and British cadets trained over the skies of Mesa, to today where multi-million dollar, cutting-edge aircraft continue to set the standard in aviation; the Falcon Field Area is one of Mesa's most dynamic and dense zones of employment and economic opportunity.

Within 5.5 square miles, Falcon Field businesses sustain nearly 12,000 jobs which generate more than $2.3 billion in economic impact annually to the city, region and state.

To accelerate the pace of economic progress and ensure that the Falcon Field Area continues to excel and grow, Mesa Mayor Alex Finter announced the formation of the Falcon Strategic Visioning Commission.

Finter tells GlobeSt.com he sees a lot of energy growing out of the recession and the pressures to expand aviation and residential usage in the Falcon Field area helped spawn the need for the commission.

“We want to be ready for this exciting new growth and form plans to present to the council,” says Finter. “We have initial plans for the area and we are getting a lot of feedback. We have lots of pieces of the puzzle that we need to fit together. We are looking at various needs like infrastructure. We've learned a lot of good lessons by watching Mesa Gateway Airport.”

The commission's purpose is to develop a strategic vision for the Falcon Field Area. Their charge is twofold. First, they will identify area strengths, opportunities, untapped growth sectors, barriers to success and potential beneficial relationships. Second, they will recommend a strategic economic vision to the City Council that sets a clear course for the City of Mesa and its business community partners to follow.

“The Falcon Strategic Visioning Commission has representation from some of the most highly respected business and industry leaders from Arizona and Mesa,” Finter says. “Commission members have direct, first-hand experience in successfully leading their companies through strategic growth.”

Mayor Finter appointed six of seven commission members to a one-year term during the Council Study Session on Thursday, April 24. A seventh member will be appointed shortly.

The six members appointed are: Rich Adams (chair), Gerald Blomquist, Mike Haenel, Tony Ham, Craig Kitchen and Otto Shill.

Instant Insights /

Falcon Field Commission to Plan Growth

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