(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents BrightNight.)
Pinal County continues to enjoy a pace of growth that I think is safe to say is unique in our state. This newsletter serves as proof – from residential growth in Apache Junction and plans to create a vibrant downtown, planning for new eateries in Queen Creek, to an innovative education center in Superior, the expansion of the County cannot be ignored. To address the “elephant in the room” regarding providing enough power to sustain this growth, learn how the new Box Canyon Solar Project will help alleviate some of this need.
Even a major layoff, such as that presented by the closure of the Nikola Motors facility, could not stop the momentum of growth. Read how ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County and Lucid Motors were able to turn a negative situation into a positive.
Within our department, we continue to grow as a team by working seamlessly to support the continuum of this growth by bridging economic and workforce development strategies to the benefit of the entire County. To contribute to this effort, the Pinal County Workforce Development Board has engaged with EDSI to assist the board in moving toward a more strategic focus, ensuring the talent pipeline via ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County is in sync with the economic development opportunities that are presented.
As we continue through 2025, this newsletter will continue to evolve. We will continue to lean on our partners to provide the latest news from their communities. We will also explore other features we can offer, such as our “Did You Know?” feature debuting in this edition.
Enjoy the newsletter!
Best wishes,
Joel Millman
Director, Economic and Workforce Development
Economic Development
Exciting things are happening in Apache Junction! The City Council has officially approved a transformative development in the heart of Downtown — a 336-unit apartment project by The Wolff Company, marking a significant step forward in revitalizing the city’s urban core.
Set on an 18-acre site, this market-rate community will include fourteen modern, three-story residential buildings and represents a significant investment in Apache Junction’s future. With an $80 million price tag and plans to break ground before the end of the year, this project is the largest apartment development in the city’s history.
Why is this project so important? Simply put, it’s a catalyst. With housing demand on the rise, these 336 new homes will help provide much-needed options for residents, while also laying the groundwork for broader economic activity. From small businesses and restaurants to walkable amenities and public improvements, a thriving downtown starts with people — and this project brings exactly that.
The City of Apache Junction is committed to creating a vibrant, welcoming downtown that attracts both residents and visitors. The Wolff Company’s investment sends a strong signal: this is a community on the rise, and momentum is building.
Click here to learn more about development opportunities in Apache Junction.
In April 2025, pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Group closed a monumental deal to acquire select facilities formerly owned by Nikola Motors Corporation in Arizona. This strategic purchase includes Nikola’s Phoenix headquarters and the Coolidge manufacturing site—adding over 800,000 square feet to Lucid’s footprint in the Grand Canyon State. Importantly, it also involves extending job offers to more than 300 former Nikola workers, bolstering the state’s skilled workforce.
The Coolidge plant is part of the asset deal and will soon play a pivotal role in scaling up Lucid’s production plans. Currently, the company plans to facilitate warehousing operations at the former Nikola plant and has plans for further expansion in the future. Coolidge’s proximity to Lucid’s massive Casa Grande campus will streamline supply chains, local sourcing, and educational partnerships with community colleges and universities, including the Drive48 program at Central Arizona College. The deal underscores Lucid’s long-term Arizona commitment, using Coolidge as a critical node in its plan to build a robust vertically integrated EV manufacturing hub producing multiple models across facilities.
Lucid’s strategic acquisition of Nikola’s assets, coupled with its aggressive expansion in Phoenix and Coolidge, showcases an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. As the company revs up production of exciting new models, Arizona’s clean-energy future gets a major charge forward.
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents BrightNight)
Pinal County is proud to welcome the Box Canyon Solar Project—BrightNight and Cordelio Power’s newly operational, utility-scale, 300 megawatt solar facility located just six miles north of Florence. This marks the first of their 2.5 GW Arizona portfolio to begin commercial operation, and the largest renewable energy procurement in the Southwest Public Power Agency’s history. During the construction phase, Box Canyon stimulated more than $47 million in county-level economic activity and created upwards of 300 American jobs.
Now in operation, the facility is projected to deliver $134 million in operational benefits – including property taxes, wages, and services – over the next 25–30 years. Extending over its full 40-year lifespan, the total economic impact is forecast to exceed $180 million.
The project also contributes directly to Arizona’s State Land Trust, with more than $65 million in lease payments expected over the full 40 years. These funds support K–12 and higher education, state hospitals, and other essential public services.
Pinal County’s synergy with BrightNight extends to education: Box Canyon will help provide scholarships for 50 Central Arizona College students enrolled in an electrician program over five years – a direct investment in our local workforce and future solar talent.
BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann highlighted the plant’s annual clean energy output – over 900,000 MWh, enough to power tens of thousands of homes for 40+ years – with reliable, affordable, and dispatchable solar capacity.
As Pinal County continues to grow – especially in industrial development, digital infrastructure, and data centers – the Box Canyon Project positions the region as a leader in renewable energy, delivering tangible economic returns, skilled employment opportunities, education support, and long-term environmental benefits.
Join us in celebrating this landmark project – proof that Pinal County is powering Arizona’s clean-energy future.
Superior, AZ Rebuild Superior and the Superior Enterprise Center have joined forces with the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration (IDIA), a nonprofit committed to closing the digital divide, to bring a state-of-the-art community resource to life: The Hive.
Located in the heart of Superior, The Hive is more than just a coworking space – it’s a vibrant hub for digital access, creativity, and lifelong learning. The Hive offers a wide range of free resources, including access to high-speed internet, virtual reality goggles, 3D printers, Apple devices, and even a private telehealth room and a professional-grade podcasting studio.
What truly sets The Hive apart is its mission to serve the community with no-cost tech support and workshops for all ages. Whether you are a senior needing help with a smartphone or a student eager to learn robotics, The Hive has you covered. Workshops and classes cover everything from digital literacy and online safety to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, creative media production, and financial literacy.
Since opening in March, The Hive has welcomed an average of twenty visitors per day. Community members, both young and old, come to explore new technologies, develop skills, and connect in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
This summer, The Hive hosted its first youth tech camp for students ages 10-17. Campers participated in hands-on learning experiences and created powerful public service announcements about the dangers of vaping. As a highlight, each student received a brand-new Apple iPad and presented their final projects at the Apple Store in Scottsdale.
The Hive is open to everyone, and all services are free of charge. Whether you’re looking to gain digital skills, start a creative project, or just get connected, The Hive invites you to stop by – and get buzzing.
For more information, visit: https://www.superiorenterprisecenter.com/the-hive
In response to frequent feedback from Queen Creek residents, who have expressed a desire for a quality sit-down steakhouse, the Town of Queen Creek Economic Development team launched a social media campaign to create excitement about the need for a steakhouse in Queen Creek.
The campaign ran on LinkedIn and Facebook during Economic Development Week, May 12-16
With Queen Creek’s strong demographics and continued growth, the team recognized a “Rare Opportunity” for a steakhouse in the town. Residents are currently spending over $63 million on dining at restaurants outside of Queen Creek. This highlights a significant unmet demand for full-service restaurants, including steakhouses, within the community. The campaign will focus on reaching key developers and brokers representing restaurants
Potential Sites – https://investtheqc.com/steakhouse-dining-opportunities/
Visit Economic Development Website
Workforce Development
Busy Q2 Period for ARIZONA@WORK Team
The second quarter of 2025 demonstrated the full strength of our workforce system in motion. When Nikola Motors announced the closure of its Coolidge facility this spring, our region was suddenly faced with one of the largest workforce disruptions in recent memory. But rather than reacting in isolation, ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County helped lead a coordinated regional response – bringing together workforce areas from Phoenix, Maricopa County, and Tribal partners to serve over 800 impacted workers with speed, dignity, and purpose. ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County worked alongside these regional partners to not only address immediate employment challenges, but also to reinforce the workforce as a vital driver of economic resilience and community stability.
This effort culminated in four major Rapid Response events across two counties. Complete with career readiness workshops, onsite services, and robust hiring fairs. Over 740 job seekers participated in these events, with 93 individuals attending workshops. Forty-four employers came ready to hire. These events reflected more than just service delivery. They were a regional commitment to people, partnership, and possibility. We were honored to be invited to present on these events at the Arizona Workforce Summit in Mesa last month.
But the work didn’t stop there.
Throughout Q2, our Business Services team expanded outreach to employers across sectors, helping them access work-based learning programs and identify talent needs. Whether through one-on-one business consultations or preparation for Registered Apprenticeship expansion, we are working hand-in-hand with employers to grow Pinal County’s talent pipeline from within.
We also continued strengthening alignment with local municipalities, education institutions, and state partners. We recognize that workforce development doesn’t operate in a silo. It’s economic development with a people-first lens. And when it’s done right, it lifts entire communities.
As we move into the second half of the year, we’re doubling down on what works: collaboration, coordination, and community connection. Whether we’re responding to layoffs or helping employers expand, we’re committed to building a workforce system that’s agile, inclusive, and fully aligned with Pinal County’s economic future.
Visit ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County
Explore Pinal
Tourism plays a vital role in Pinal County’s economic development strategy—driving visitor spending, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the unique assets of our communities. This year, Explore Pinal and the Tourism Advisory Group have been busy advancing initiatives that boost visibility, attract visitors, and strengthen our tourism economy.
One highlight this year has been our active participation in the America250 Passport250 program, a statewide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This engaging program invites travelers to explore Arizona by “checking in” at designated sites – earning stamps, unlocking rewards, and discovering the stories that shaped our state and nation. Pinal County is making sure we’re well-represented by gathering and submitting a diverse lineup of notable locations, from historic downtowns and century-old missions to cultural landmarks, scenic trails, and lesser-known hidden gems. Each selected site will not only appear in the Passport250 program but will also receive increased exposure to heritage travelers seeking meaningful, authentic experiences. We’re calling on local museums, event organizers, historical societies, and community leaders to help identify must-see places and experiences that showcase the heart of Pinal County. If you have an event, location, or celebration that deserves a spot in this statewide spotlight, please submit your ideas to tourism@pinal.gov. Together, we can ensure Pinal County’s rich history and vibrant culture take their rightful place in this milestone celebration.
In July, Pinal County proudly participated in the Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GCOT) – Arizona’s premier gathering for tourism professionals, destination marketers, and hospitality leaders. Throughout the conference, our Explore Pinal County booth served as a welcoming hub, drawing attendees from across the state who were eager to learn about our diverse attractions, rich history, and growing calendar of events. Visitors to the booth picked up marketing materials from our tourism partners, engaged in lively conversations, and shared ideas for potential collaborations.
Beyond networking, our presence allowed us to showcase Pinal County’s unique blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and cultural heritage to a statewide audience of tourism decision-makers. These exchanges sparked new partnerships, opened doors to future promotional opportunities, and reinforced existing relationships with industry allies. By participating in GCOT, we not only expanded awareness of Pinal County’s tourism offerings but also positioned ourselves as an engaged and collaborative partner in Arizona’s statewide tourism community.
Another significant milestone is the launch of the 2025–2026 Tourism Sponsorship Program, designed to fuel events and initiatives that inspire travel to Pinal County. This program is open to municipalities, nonprofits, and event organizers whose projects—ranging from festivals and cultural celebrations to sporting events and heritage programs—help tell our county’s story and highlight what makes each community unique. Beyond attracting visitors, sponsored events create opportunities for local businesses, generate media attention, and foster a sense of pride among residents. From bringing new audiences to historic downtowns to celebrating the diverse cultures that shape our region, the program is a powerful tool for growing Pinal County’s tourism economy while strengthening the connections between our communities. Apply here: https://pinalcountyaz.seamlessdocs.com/f/TourismSponsorshipProgram
Finally, preparations are in full swing for Pinal County’s 150th Anniversary Birthday Bash, a once-in-a-generation celebration honoring our rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant community spirit. This special event will bring our story to life with live entertainment, local food vendors, artisan markets, cultural displays, and interactive activities for all ages. Municipalities from across the county will host booth spaces to showcase their unique attractions, history, and hometown pride – offering visitors an authentic taste of Pinal County’s many communities. This milestone celebration isn’t just about looking back – it’s about coming together to create new memories and strengthen the bonds that connect us. We encourage residents, businesses, civic groups, and community organizations to join in the festivities – whether by sponsoring an activity or simply showing up to enjoy the day. With your participation, the 150th Anniversary Birthday Bash will stand as a signature event that unites our residents, draws visitors from across the region, and shines a spotlight on the best of Pinal County.
Get Involved: Tourism thrives when we work together. Submit your events to the Explore Pinal Tourism Calendar, tag @ExplorePinalCounty in your social media posts, and connect with the Tourism Advisory Board to find ways your community or business can take part in these exciting initiatives.
DID YOU KNOW? Hollywood Loves Pinal County!
Did you know Pinal County’s rugged mountains, charming small towns, and wide-open desert have been the backdrop for iconic films like Murphy’s Romance and 3:10 to Yuma? Our unique landscapes have doubled as the Wild West, bustling frontier towns, and sweeping cinematic vistas for decades.
Now, we’re taking that star power to the next level with the launch of Film Pinal County this fall. This new initiative will actively promote our county to television and film producers, offering them diverse locations, film-friendly communities, and easy access to the Phoenix and Tucson markets. By attracting productions to shoot here, we not only showcase Pinal County’s beauty on screen but also create local jobs, boost tourism, and drive spending in our communities.
Lights, camera… Pinal!
