The Dealmaker: 1/20/2017

El Mirage makes statement in unveiling new city hall. “The two-story 21,900-square-foot building is on five acres of formerly agricultural land just south of Gateway Park at 10000 N. El Mirage Road.” But in a town with a name like El Mirage, can we be sure that the new $7.6 million City Hall building is actually there? Yes. Need convincing? Check out the story and images of the grand opening ceremony, at YourWestValley. http://bit.ly/2jgtzvA

Coolidge mayor: Passenger rail route would be ‘very beneficial’ to city. And what has Mayor Jon Thompson so psyched about even the prospects of such a rail line? It’s the Arizona Passenger Rail Corridor Study from the Federal Railroad Administration and ADOT. According to this Pinal Central report on the study, one “alternative” in “connecting Phoenix and Tucson,” would be a rail route running right through Coolidge. Mayor Thompson: “[T]he project is ‘real big for this community.’” Click through to learn more about the project, its funding, and “the next phase of studies.” http://bit.ly/2jgwunW

Plasma center rezoning draws large meeting in Glendale. Would a plasma center at 59th Avenue and Kings “attract an undesirable element and possibly more crime”? Neighbors and the Glendale City Council think so. YourWestValley reports that “residents persuaded the council to unanimously reject a rezoning request that would have allowed for [BioLife Plasma] to set up shop [on ‘2.59 acres at 16480 N. 59th Ave.’] Read the story here: http://bit.ly/2j2R7Xa

Florence strategic plan committee outlines priorities. “Committee members… presented to the Town Council their five priority areas to pursue… communication; community vitality; economic prosperity; leadership; and transportation and infrastructure.” Among reactions to the plan? “How do we make [prisons] part of what is alluring about Florence?”… “I think Florence dropped the ball years ago when they let Coolidge take the airport.”… “[‘Territory Square master plan for the Gila River area is’] the best piece of real estate left in Arizona.”… “We don’t… have to spend a ton of money to become a community with much more vitality.” Much more on the plan along with reactions to it, at Pinal Central. http://bit.ly/2jgER3d

Lawmakers: Obama won’t OK Grand Canyon monument before leaving. “[O]pponents and supporters of the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act said Obama will not make the declaration, which would permanently put affected lands off-limits to new uranium mining and logging.” Rep. Raul Grijalva said he was “disappointed and actually quite frustrated” by the inaction, while Sen. John McCain said he was “encouraged that the administration does not appear to be moving toward another [federal land grab of 1.7 million acres].” More on this in Cronkite News. Meanwhile, today is Inauguration Day, a time to bid farewell to President Land Grabber and to say hello to….  Ehh, better not go there. http://bit.ly/2iTlYSG 

Arizona’s job growth falls below national rate. “Arizona gained only 6,300 net jobs in December, closing 2016 with half the growth seen in 2015 and falling below the nation’s overall pace. The slowdown… added to the caution economists are feeling about the state’s finances as lawmakers prepare the fiscal 2018 budget.” More on this and “other uncertainties [that are] causing caution,” at AZCentral. http://bit.ly/2jVrc2c

HUD: Housing conditions for Native Americans much worse than rest of U.S. “HUD’s findings were similar to problems found by a recent Republic investigation into the Navajo Housing Authority, tasked with easing the tribe’s housing shortage but has built few new homes.” Among the findings: “Physical deficiencies in plumbing, kitchen, heating, electrical, and maintenance issue”; “[o]vercrowding and other physical-condition problems.” — AZCentral http://bit.ly/2jHtWm6

Bit by bit, rising interest rates are making an impact. “Interest rates are on the march, or at least the crawl… rising for the past half year, though not yet in a big way — and from historically low levels. Economic growth isn’t robust enough, or inflation warm enough, to justify big rate increases any time soon. Still, the impact from rising rates is starting to be felt.” Republic business reporter Russ Wiles examines at AZCentral. http://bit.ly/2jVxUF8

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