By AZ Big Media
Last August, voters in San Tan Valley weighed in on whether the community should incorporate as Arizona’s 92nd municipality, with 66% casting their ballots in favor of becoming a town. With the proposition passed, San Tan Valley is empowered to create a town government, pass legislation, supply public works and other civic functions. AZRE magazine sat down with Joel Millman, director of workforce and economic development for Pinal County, to learn more about what this change in status means for the region’s growth, what industries are showing interest in Pinal and how the county is supporting workforce development efforts.
AZRE: Will San Tan Valley’s recent incorporation change its relationship with Pinal County’s Economic and Workforce Development Department?
Joel Millman: Before it became a town, we were responsible for San Tan Valley’s economic growth strategies. Now, we’re talking with town leadership about their vision and how we can support them. I’d like to think that we coordinate very well with all the communities in the county, and we’ll use those best practices to support San Tan Valley.
It’ll take some time for them to hire their own economic development director and establish a planning and zoning department, but in the meantime, we’ll provide any assistance needed for attracting businesses to the area.
AZRE: It sounds like even though San Tan Valley now has greater control over how it develops, the town will still have a partnership with your department.
Joel Millman: Correct, and a lot of the folks that are now working for San Tan Valley are former Pinal County employees who bring that experience with them. The town is in great shape to chart its own course, whether that’s building upon the decisions made when it was under the county or shifting gears. The way I see it, San Tan Valley is in charge of its destiny now, and our role is to work with them to meet their goals.
AZRE: Resolution Copper just hit a milestone on its way to becoming fully operational. What affect will that have on development in Superior?
Joel Millman: It’s a major step not only for Resolution Copper but for the entire county. We have the largest copper deposit in the country, and the recent court ruling allows the mine project to move forward. It feels like everyone has been on the edge of their seats for years waiting for this to get resolved, and now we can stand up and start doing things.
The Town of Superior will certainly benefit from Resolution Copper being there, but also from the ancillary industries it brings. There’s going to be an increase in the workforce, which will drive housing development and bring more amenities to the community to support that growth.
