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REVISED 1-2-13
NOTICE OF THE
REGULAR SESSION OF
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
WHEN: THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person o r by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commissions or Boards may be in attendance at the Council meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child.
Meetings of the Town Council are audio and/or video recorded and , as a result, proceedings in which children are present
may be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town
Clerk to such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be
made. If a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to
A.R.S. § 1-602.A.9 have been waived.
PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL
Anyone wishing to speak before the Council must fill out a speaker’s card and submit it to the Town Clerk
prior to Council discussion of that Agenda item. Speaker Cards are located in the Council Chamber
Lobby and near the Clerk’s position on the dais.
Speakers will be called in the order in which the speaker cards were received either by the Clerk or the
Mayor. At that time, speakers should stand and approach the podium. Speakers are asked to state their
name prior to commenting and to direct their comments to the Presiding Officer and not to individual
Councilmembers. Speakers’ statements should not be repetitive. If a speaker chooses not to speak when
called, the speaker will be deemed to have waived his or her opportunity to speak on the matter.
Speakers may not (i) reserve a portion of their time for a later time or (ii) transfer any portion of their
time to another speaker.
If there is a Public Hearing, please submit the speaker card to speak to that issue during the Public
Hearing.
Individual speakers will be allowed three contiguous minutes to address the Council. Time limits may be
waived by (i) discretion of the Town Manager upon request by the speaker not less than 24 hours prior to
a Meeting, (ii) consensus of the Council at Meeting or (iii) the Mayor either prior to or during a Meeting.
Please be respectful when making your comments. If you do not comply with these rules, you will be
asked to leave.
Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
Councilmember Dennis Brown Councilmember Cassie Hansen
Councilmember Ginny Dickey Vice Mayor Henry Leger
Councilmember Tait D. Elkie Councilmember Cecil A. Yates
Last printed 1/2/2013 11:43 AM Page 2 of 3
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
INVOCATION – Pastor Bill Good, Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
ROLL CALL – Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
MAYOR’S REPORT
i.) None.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
i.) Presentation by Chris Coyle, General Manager of Republic Services of Phoenix
(Allied Waste), relating to the Town’s recycling program.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431-01(G), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters not
listed on the agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Council and (ii)
is subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council will not discuss or take
legal action on matters raised during “Call to the Public” unless the matters are properly noticed for
discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the call to the public, individual Councilmembers
may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on
a future Council agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION of approving the TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES from
December 11, 2012.
2. CONSIDERATION of approving a LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION submitted by
Frank Carmen Yaconis, Owner/Agent of Protec, LLC DBA Casavino Custom Winery,
located at 12005 N Saguaro Boulevard, Suite 101, Fountain Hills, AZ. This is for a series 13
license (Domestic Farm Winery).
3. CONSIDERATION of approving RESOLUTION 2013-01, abandoning whatever right,
title, or interest the Town has in portions of the certain public utility and drainage easements
located at the southerly and easterly property lines of Plat 603-B, Block 4, Lot 8 (15723 E.
Cholla Drive) as recorded in Book 161 of Maps, Page 41, Records of Maricopa County,
Arizona. EA12-08 (Barrett)
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
4. CONSIDERATION of APPOINTING three (3) citizens to each serve a two year term on the
Board of Adjustment for the period beginning February 1, 2013, until January 31, 2015.
5. DISCUSSION relating to a FOUNTAIN HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
Last printed 1/2/2013 11:43 AM Page 3 of 3
6. DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF relating to issuing a potential
letter of intent from the Town of Fountain Hills to Grand Canyon University to request
consideration as a possible educational facility site. This item was added at the request of Vice
Mayor Leger, and Councilmembers Brown and Dickey.
7. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION to the Town Manager Ken Buchanan.
Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future agenda for action or (ii)
directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council:
A. NONE.
8. SUMMARY of Council requests and REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES by the Town
Manager Ken Buchanan.
9. ADJOURNMENT.
DATED this 20th day of December, 2012.
_____________________________________
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480 -816-5100
(voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting
or to obtain agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Council with this
agenda are available for review in the Clerk’s office.
REVISED 1-2-13
NOTICE OF THE
REGULAR SESSION OF
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
WHEN: THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commissions or Boards may be in attendance at the Council meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child.
Meetings of the Town Council are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present
may be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town
Clerk to such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be
made. If a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to
A.R.S. § 1-602.A.9 have been waived.
PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL
Anyone wishing to speak before the Council must fill out a speaker’s card and submit it to the Town Clerk
prior to Council discussion of that Agenda item. Speaker Cards are located in the Council Chamber
Lobby and near the Clerk’s position on the dais.
Speakers will be called in the order in which the speaker cards were received either by the Clerk or the
Mayor. At that time, speakers should stand and approach the podium. Speakers are asked to state their
name prior to commenting and to direct their comments to the Presiding Officer and not to individual
Councilmembers. Speakers’ statements should not be repetitive. If a speaker chooses not to speak when
called, the speaker will be deemed to have waived his or her opportunity to speak on the matter.
Speakers may not (i) reserve a portion of their time for a later time or (ii) transfer any portion of their
time to another speaker.
If there is a Public Hearing, please submit the speaker card to speak to that issue during the Public
Hearing.
Individual speakers will be allowed three contiguous minutes to address the Council. Time limits may be
waived by (i) discretion of the Town Manager upon request by the speaker not less than 24 hours prior to
a Meeting, (ii) consensus of the Council at Meeting or (iii) the Mayor either prior to or during a Meeting.
Please be respectful when making your comments. If you do not comply with these rules, you will be
asked to leave.
Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
Councilmember Dennis Brown Councilmember Cassie Hansen
Councilmember Ginny Dickey Vice Mayor Henry Leger
Councilmember Tait D. Elkie Councilmember Cecil A. Yates
Last printed 1/2/2013 11:43 AM Page 2 of 3
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
INVOCATION – Pastor Bill Good, Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
ROLL CALL – Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
MAYOR’S REPORT
i.) None.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
i.) Presentation by Chris Coyle, General Manager of Republic Services of Phoenix
(Allied Waste), relating to the Town’s recycling program.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431-01(G), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters not
listed on the agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Council and (ii)
is subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council will not discuss or take
legal action on matters raised during “Call to the Public” unless the matters are properly noticed for
discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the call to the public, individual Councilmembers
may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on
a future Council agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION of approving the TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES from
December 11, 2012.
2. CONSIDERATION of approving a LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION submitted by
Frank Carmen Yaconis, Owner/Agent of Protec, LLC DBA Casavino Custom Winery,
located at 12005 N Saguaro Boulevard, Suite 101, Fountain Hills, AZ. This is for a series 13
license (Domestic Farm Winery).
3. CONSIDERATION of approving RESOLUTION 2013-01, abandoning whatever right,
title, or interest the Town has in portions of the certain public utility and drainage easements
located at the southerly and easterly property lines of Plat 603-B, Block 4, Lot 8 (15723 E.
Cholla Drive) as recorded in Book 161 of Maps, Page 41, Records of Maricopa County,
Arizona. EA12-08 (Barrett)
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
4. CONSIDERATION of APPOINTING three (3) citizens to each serve a two year term on the
Board of Adjustment for the period beginning February 1, 2013, until January 31, 2015.
5. DISCUSSION relating to a FOUNTAIN HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
Last printed 1/2/2013 11:43 AM Page 3 of 3
6. DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF relating to issuing a potential
letter of intent from the Town of Fountain Hills to Grand Canyon University to request
consideration as a possible educational facility site. This item was added at the request of Vice
Mayor Leger, and Councilmembers Brown and Dickey.
7. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION to the Town Manager Ken Buchanan.
Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future agenda for action or (ii)
directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council:
A. NONE.
8. SUMMARY of Council requests and REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES by the Town
Manager Ken Buchanan.
9. ADJOURNMENT.
DATED this 20th day of December, 2012.
_____________________________________
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5100
(voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting
or to obtain agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Council with this
agenda are available for review in the Clerk’s office.
SUGGESTED MOTION (for Council use): N/A
Approved:
Ken Buchanan, Town Manager 12/24/2012
Page 2 of2
Town of Fountain Hills
Economic
Development
Plan
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Basics of Economic Development
The importance of a vibrant economy in Fountain Hills cannot be overstated. Without importing wealth and revenue to
the community and the ability to retain them, the future will be filled with issue adverse to its desires of sustainability.
The concept is to build a “basic” and continue to build on a “non-basic” economy in the community.
Basic economy
Basic economy is defined as an activity that will bring in new dollars into the community. This activity comes in a wide
range of forms from tourist staying in town at local hotels to hiring employees to manufacture a product made or
processed in Fountain Hills being sold and distributed outside its boundaries. This in essence is money coming into the
community that creates jobs and wealth.
Non-basic economy
A non-basic economy is defined as the process of keeping dollars already in the local economy in Fountain Hills. The
longer the dollar stays and circulates in the local economy, the more jobs and businesses it creates.
Fountain Hills depends on locally-generated sales tax revenues to provide community services, infrastructure, amenities.
Both basic and non-basic activities are critical to the future viability of Fountain Hills.
Consensus Based Economic Development
Implementation Plan
(EV1)
Consensus Based Economic Development
Implementation Plan
(EV1)
Tourism
Initiative
(EV5)
Business
Attraction
Initiative
(EV 4)
Downtown
Initiative
(EV3)
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT:
Area Specific Plan
Implementation Strategy
(Hyatt/Palma; Swaback Plan;
ULI Plan) Mixed Used
Development
Zoning (Smart Growth
Principles); Development
Incentives; Capital
Wayfinding Plan
Funding Plan
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT:
-Promotion/
Marketing New Events
Planning
-Website(s)/Electronic
Media
-Funding
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
NAICs Business Sectors:
*54- Professional, Technical,
Scientific Services
Businesses
*52- Finance, Insurance,
Businesses
*62- Health Care
-Industry Retention & Expansion
Program
-Website Enhancement
Industry Retention & Expansion
Program/Retail Attraction
-Website/Electronic Media
Stakeholders: Town of FH, SPAC, P&Z,FH Chamber of Commerce, FH Business Alliance
Ft. McDowell, FH Sanitary District, FH School District, Utilities, Developers, Commercial Property
Owners, Commercial Real Estate Leasing Agents, Community Leaders
Consensus Based Economic Development
Implementation Plan
(EV1)
“Repackaged”
Strategy Action Planning
•The Plan Emphasizes Objectives that:
1.Grow the Community’s Economy
2.Maximizes the Community’s Talent
3.Enhances our Community’s Quality of Life
Strategy Action Planning
•It Recommends 5 Focused Approaches:
1.Business Attractions
2.Business Retention/Expansion
3.Entrepreneurial Development
4.Foundational Maintenance
5.Locational Catalysts
Strategy Action Planning
•4 Targeted Business Sectors:
1.Tourism and Recreation
2.Professional; Technical & Scientific Services
3.Healthcare, Medical Biosciences and Wellness
4.Finance and Insurance
Growing Our Economy
Growing Our Economy
•Business Growth is Critical to creating
community wealth and is an important
component of any Economic Development
Program.
•Attracting and retaining quality, well-paying
jobs help to diversify the economic base and
fosters a live/work atmosphere.
•Attracting & developing Business Activities
that create wealth and revenues in Fountain
Hills is required to achieve a community’s
vision of long-term economic sustainability.
Growing Our Economy
•Two Types of Business Activities:
–Basic Economy
•An activity that will bring new dollars into the
community.
–Tourists spending money in Fountain Hills.
–Manufactured goods processed in Fountain Hills and distributed outside its
boundaries.
–High paying services jobs
–Non-Basic Economy
•An activity that will keep those revenues in the local
economy.
–Recirculation of the dollar
»Local Retail
Strategic Approach
Strategic Approach
•The 2010 Strategic Plan identified the priority
initiatives to maintain financial stability and promote
economic growth:
•EV1 - Develop a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Town’s future and work with our
partners to forward economic growth and awareness.
•EV 2 - Develop and maintain a balanced, equitable, sustainable and local financing structure to support
the Town’s core government services at desired service levels.
•EV 3 - Promote a mixed use core where residents can live, work learn and play in an urban village setting
as depicted in the Area Specific Plan (Downtown Vision Master Plan).
•EV 4 - Promote retention, expansion and relocation of quality businesses.
•EV 5 - Promote Fountain Hills as a visitor destination.
•EV 6 - Identify a slate of economic development tools and strategies (including tax incentives, fee
abatements, etc.) to stimulate economic growth.
•EV 7 - Identify areas for redevelopment, revitalization or reuse.
•EV 8 - Promote unique and vibrant neighborhood and business districts
Strategic Approach
•Multi-Tiered Approach:
–Economic Objectives
•Grow Our Economy
•Maximize our Talent
•Enhance Our Economy
–Focused Approach
•Business Attraction
•Business Retention & Expansion
•Entrepreneurial Development
•Foundational Maintenance
•Locational Catalysts
–Targeted Industry Sectors
•Tourism and Recreation
•Professional, Technical and Scientific Services
•Healthcare, Medical, Biosciences and Wellness
•Finance and Insurance
Business Attraction
Shea Corridor; Saguaro Corridor; Downtown
Business Attraction
•Fountain Hills will focus on business recruitment efforts within
the following targeted industry sectors:
–Professional, Technical and Scientific Services(NAICS 54)
–Healthcare, Medical, Biosciences and Wellness (NAICS 62)
–Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52)
–Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (NAICS 71)
•Game Plan:
–Facilitate/Recruit new Base Sector employment Opportunities
–Recruit local business owners who operate outside Fountain Hills back into the
community
–Target Recruitment Efforts Identified in the 2012 Retail Market Analysis
–Develop/Implement a Communication Strategy aimed at targeted industry
–Implement Comprehensive Annual Tourism & Recreation Development
Program
Business Retention & Expansion
•Fountain Hills BRE Program will address the following:
–Identify companies with plans to expand
–Identify companies at risk of leaving/downsizing
–Identify company and community problems
–Provide assistance
–Build Relationships
•Game Plan:
–Implement a business visitation program for base sector industries targeting
businesses which align with North American Industry Classification System
(NAICS) 52,54,62, & 71.
Entrepreneurial Development
•Long Term Success for Start-Up businesses to have solid
foundation:
–Business Planning
–Inadequate Funding
–Choosing the wrong business structure
•Game Plan:
–Create and support structure and assistance for entrepreneurial
growth
•Utilize the Business Incubator to grow new businesses and assist others that may
be struggling.
•Annually evaluate the business incubator effectiveness to ensure it is achieving its
mission and providing adequate return on investment.
• Partner with existing groups and organizations to assist with business start-ups,
mentoring and other resource identification and deployment.
Foundational Maintenance
•Ensure that the tools, systems and structure effectively
support economic growth.
–Community foundations are those resources such as infrastructure,
regulations and policies, education and training and capital that are the
building blocks for a strong economy. Successful community and economic
development programs are dependent upon this solid framework for growth
and sustainability.
•Game Plan:
–Identify/promote viable incentives for businesses locating to Fountain Hills
that relieve fiscal burdens and/or make the businesses more competitive.
–Ensure a business-friendly environment within Fountain Hills.
–Maintain Fountain Hills physical infrastructure to support economic
development.
–Ensure Town of Fountain Hills services meet community needs and achieve a
more sustainable revenue balance.
Locational Catalysts
•Revitalize and maximize the economic opportunities of
community assets.
–Development areas of the Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Park, Shea
Corridor and Saguaro Boulevard in need of further focused development
and/or redevelopment efforts.
–Focused efforts implementing Specific Area Plan recommendations.
•Downtown Business District; South End District; Residential District; West Side District; Civic
District; Service District; Lakeside District; Park District.
•Game Plan:
–Develop and prioritize an implementation strategy for the Downtown Specific
Plan.
–Foster the revitalization and enhancement of existing areas by establishing a
vision/guidelines for future efforts for commercial corridors in the Shea
Boulevard and Saguaro Boulevard areas.
Strategic Implementation
•Collaborate Effort is required for an economic development
strategy’s success. The ED Plan is based on expanding the
local economy. Principles for success are:
–Coordinated Approach
–Community Collaboration
–Smart Growth
–Long-Term Efforts
–Existing Business Support
–Corporate Responsibility
–Human Investment
Strategic Implementation
•Start with an Economic Development Summit
–Topics for Strategy Development
•Experts in the Field Presentations
–Downtown Development
–Tourism
–Business Attraction
–Communication Strategies
–Partners
•Town of Fountain Hills
•Fhountain Hills Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau
•Greater Fountain Hills Business Alliance
•Fourt McDowell Yavapai Nation
•Greater Phoenix Economic Council
•Arizona Commerce Authority
•Utility Providers
•Education Providers
•Support Providers (commercial realty, etc.)
Performance Metrics
•Performance metrics are applied to measure the ED Plan’s
activities and its overall performance. As there is always an
element of uncertainty about the future, regular review to
ensure that a plan is still effective and achieving desired
outcomes is critical. Performance metrics should support the
intended strategic outcome and typical meet six criteria:
–Time
–Cost
–Resources
–Scope
–Quality
–Actions
•Performance metrics should be established with each
strategic initiative to provide annual assessment of progress.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
OFFICE OF TOWN MANAGER
INTER OFFICE MEMO
TO: Mayor and Town Council DATE: November 26, 2012
FR: Ken Buchanan, Town Manager RE: Economic Development Plan
Attached, please find a copy of the “draft” 2012 Economic Development Plan. The plan was considered
one of the highest priorities by the Town Council at its August 23rd 2012 work sessions. As you know,
the Fountain Hills Strategic Plan calls for the development of a comprehensive economic development
strategy (EV1); promotion of a mixed use core within the community where residents can live, work,
learn and play in an urban village setting (EV3); a Business Retention and Relocation strategy (EV4);
the promotion of a Destination Tourism Plan (EV5); identification of Economic Development tools and
strategies (EV6);and the initiation of community development projects supporting economic
development (EV7 and 8). The Economic Development Plan attempts to address each of these strategic
goals.
The draft plan emphasizes objectives that: 1) grow the community’s economy; 2) maximize the
community’s talent; and 3) enhance our community’s quality of life. It has five (5) recommended
focused approaches to achieving the stated objectives which include business attraction, business
retention and expansion, entrepreneurial development, foundational maintenance and locational
catalysts. The targeted business sectors that recommended are: 1) Tourism and Recreation; 2)
Professional; Technical, and Scientific Services; 3) Healthcare, Medical Biosciences and Wellness; and
4) Finance and Insurance.
There are recommended goals and action steps to achieve the economic objectives of the plan. A
focused effort of the business sectors as categorized by the four North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) business sectors: Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52); Professional, Technical, and
Scientific Services (NAICS 54); Healthcare, medical Biosciences and Wellness (NAICS 62) and Arts
Entertainment & Recreation (Tourism) (NAICS 71).
A goal and related action step is Business Retention and Expansion (BRE). It is an important component
of any community economic plan to engage in ongoing dialogue with existing businesses to establish
preemptive measures to ensure their continued success. Retention of existing business is a measure of
the strength of the local economy and the relative success of the business within the community.
Entrepreneurial development is another objective of the plan. Arizona is ranked very high nationally in
entrepreneurial activity and new business. It is critical for long-term success of the community to ensure
new business start-ups and entrepreneurs have a solid foundation. Creating an environment to foster the
entrepreneurial spirit and assist new business startups is an important component of the economic
development program.
Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
An important objective that is often overlooked is to ensure tools, systems and structure
that effectively support economic growth be reviewed and implemented to ultimately
reflect a business‐friendly community and adequately achieve a sustainable revenue
balance for the Town of Fountain Hills.
Revitalize and maximize the economic opportunities of the community assets are equally
important. Fountain Hills has tremendous geographic and locational assets that can serve
in continued economic growth. Geographic assets include the McDowell Mountain
Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Preserve, Tonto National Forest, Saguaro Lake and
Verde River. Locational Assets include Fountain Lake/Park, The Fountain Hill Community
Center, Ft. McDowell Casino/Resort each have assets to be further maximized.
Strategic Implementation through collaborate efforts is the key to a successful
implementation of the economic development plan. A collaborative effort with the
various stakeholder groups and business community for a coordinated approach is
important in any economic development plan. Strategic Partnerships is the key to
addressing many of the stated objectives. Partnerships with Fountain Hills Chamber of
Commerce, the Fountain Hills Business Alliance, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Greater
Phoenix Economic Corporation, Arizona Commerce Authority, all Utility providers,
education providers as well as the support groups such as commercial realty businesses.
Finally, continuous measurement should be applied with the initiation of the objectives
and action steps to ensure the economic development plan is effective. Performance
metrics should support the intended strategic outcome. Measures such as time, cost,
scope, quality and actions should be utilized within each strategic initiative. resources,
A
to
N
work session will be scheduled in January 2013 to begin Town Council deliberations as
the acceptance and implementation of the Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan.
ovember 2012 Draft Page 2 of 19
Fountain Hills
Economic Development Plan
Economic Development Plan
November 2012 Draft Page 3 of 19
Town of Fountain Hills
Economic Development Plan
November 2012 Draft
Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Table of Contents
Growing Our Economy is Critical .................................................................................................... 5
Strategic Approach .......................................................................................................................... 7
Our Commitment to Success .......................................................................................................... 8
Fountain Hills Economic Game Plan ............................................................................................... 9
Business Attraction ................................................................................................................... 11
Goal: Attract new business growth to diversify the Fountain Hills economy. ..................... 11
Business Retention and Expansion ........................................................................................... 13
Goal: Retain and expand existing businesses. ...................................................................... 13
Entrepreneurial Development .................................................................................................. 14
Goal: Establish Fountain Hills an entrepreneurial center. .................................................... 14
Foundational Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 14
Goal: Ensure that the tools, systems, and structures effectively support economic growth.
............................................................................................................................................... 14
Locational Catalysts .................................................................................................................. 15
Goal: Revitalize and maximize the economic opportunities of community assets. ............. 15
Strategic Implementation ............................................................................................................. 17
Performance Metrics .................................................................................................................... 19
November 2012 Draft Page 4 of 19
Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Growing Our Economy is Critical
Economic development builds upon local assets to maximize resources in a way that enhances
economic opportunities while improving the community’s quality of life in a sustainable way.
Fountain Hills was originally master‐planned by McCullough Properties over 40 years ago to be
a diverse community of residential, commercial, and employment that supported a vibrant live,
work, and play environment. Since 1989 when the Town incorporated, Fountain Hills has
continued to evolve its vision, committed to ensuring a high quality of life for both residents
and visitors.
Like most communities throughout the U.S., the Great Recession has had an impact on
Fountain Hills. However, the downturn has also provided an important opportunity for the
community to redirect efforts and identify strategies to position the community for long‐term
success. The Town of Fountain Hills economic development vision is to be economically
sustainable and anchor our vitality in an active vibrant town core that serves the community
culturally, socially, and economically. To attain this vision, the following criteria will be used to
track economic success:
• Multi‐generational community that provides opportunities to live, work, learn, and play
• Established regional destination
• Strong economic identity and business friendly
• Economic diversity
• Known for its strong vision and sense of place
Business growth is critical to creating community wealth and is an important component of any
economic development strategy. However, ensuring the right mix of business development is
also important to maintaining a vibrant economy in Fountain Hills that can withstand
downturns in economic cycles. Attracting and retaining quality, well‐paying jobs help to
diversify the economic base and fosters a live/work atmosphere. Attracting and developing
business activities that create wealth and revenues in Fountain Hills is required to achieve the
community’s vision of long‐term economic sustainability.
To achieve community wealth and generate revenues, there are two types of business activities
that must be present in the local economy. These are “basic” and “non‐basic” activities.
Basic economy is defined as an activity that will bring new
dollars into the community. Building a basic economy comes in
a wide range of activities from tourists staying in town at local
hotels to a manufactured product made or processed in
Fountain Hills being sold and distributed outside its boundaries.
Money coming into the community creates jobs and wealth.
Basic activities bring
new revenues into
Fountain Hills.
November 2012 Draft Page 5 of 19
Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Non‐basic activities
circulate revenues.
However, a sustainable economy also requires activities that will keep those revenues in the
local economy as long as possible. Therefore, it is critical to
build a non‐basic economy. These are activities that keep
dollars already in the local economy in Fountain Hills. The
longer the dollar stays and circulates in the local economy, the
more jobs and businesses it creates. The types of businesses that re‐circulate that dollar include
service type activities such as grocery stores, dry cleaners, and local retail.
A vibrant, sustaining economy will not occur without a healthy blend of both basic and non‐
basic activities present. Ensuring a diverse mix of both types of businesses also helps to buffer
against an economic downturn and fluctuations in business cycles, as well as recession‐proof
the local economy. This is critical because the Town of Fountain Hills depends on locally‐
generated sales tax revenues to provide community infrastructure, amenities, and services.
Both basic and non‐basic activities are critical to the future viability of Fountain Hills.
Leakage is when
revenues leave Fountain
Hills.
One last important concept to address is leakage. This is
defined as dollars leaving the community or residents having or
choosing to purchase goods and services outside of the
community. Even in the most diversified local or regional
economy some leakage occurs. However, the longer a
community can retain those dollars created through local economic activity the more the
economy expands. Encouraging local spending generates revenues that can be used to improve
streets, expand parks, and meet the public needs of residents.
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Strategic Approach
Building a diversified economy with both basic and non‐basic activities requires a
comprehensive strategy. Both types of economic strategies require different approaches. The
purpose of the Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan is to present the community’s
approach to achieve long‐term economic success.
Fountain Hills is not an economic or employment hub. In fact, most employed residents
commute out of the community to their employment destination. This reality translates into a
daytime population which is significantly less than the night time population. Fountain Hills also
experiences a significant shift in population from winter months and summer months.
Building a strong local employment base comprised of base sector employers is critical to the
development of a well‐rounded, sustainable, and vibrant community. Base sector employers
provide the expansion and diversification to a community’s economic base. The jobs created by
base sector employers, especially quality jobs, contribute to local prosperity.
A strong employment base supports local businesses and commercial districts. There is a
positive correlation between local employment and spending in the local economy by
employees. People who work in a community tend to spend a portion of their money
purchasing goods and services from local businesses.
To illustrate this point, an analysis by the International Council of Shopping Centers shows that
office workers patronize local establishments and, not only spend money dining out, they also
spend money on convenience goods. The lunch and convenience item spending of these
workers can be a substantial part of local retailers’ revenue. Additional spending may occur by
workers who choose to shop locally, to avoid rush hour traffic, for regularly needed items. A
strong employment base increases the daytime population and contributes to the success of
local service sector businesses. Many merchants, particularly those engaged in hospitality
businesses such as restaurants depend on daytime traffic to make ends meet. The town has
experienced reluctance on the part of potential chain restaurants to open in Fountain Hills due
to the low daytime population. The attraction of quality base sector employers provides
daytime population which increases the likelihood of additional service sector businesses
locating in the community.
Attraction of base sector businesses enhances the quality of life for citizens in four significant
ways:
1. It provides opportunities for citizens to work locally versus commuting outside of the
community for employment.
2. It attracts people from outside of the community who spend money locally but don’t
require town services.
3. It evens out the seasonal fluctuations in the population and spending which lessons the
impact and strain on local businesses who struggle during the summer months.
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
4. It increases the viability of the Fountain Hills market to attract other desired goods and
services.
The Fountain Hills market is often perceived as being oversaturated with retail, although the
Town lacks empirical evidence that such is the case. A recent trade area analysis commissioned
by Town Council indicates that there is an abundance of certain services and retailers and a
deficit of other. Compounding this problem, as suggested earlier, is the reality that the
inventory of retail space aligns itself with accommodating a population much larger than the
summer population of Fountain Hills, or even the winter population for that matter.
Tourism and recreation plays a significant role in the Fountain Hills economy. According to a
recent study by the national travel research firm Dean Runyan Associates, total visitor spending
in the Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell destination area have increased as a result of the
opening of two new lodging establishments in 2005 – the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and
the Fountain Hills Holiday Inn. Gaming at Fort McDowell, area golf, and the large number of
vacation home rentals attract visitors that tend to stay longer and spend more.
The Fountain Hills Fort McDowell destination area consists of the town of Fountain Hills, the
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the “The Verdes”
communities (Rio Verde, Tonto Verde, and Vista Verde). The overall destination product mix is
very strong in offering what traditional travelers to Arizona are seeking: scenic beauty; outdoor
adventure; desert experience; golf, resorts and spas; Native American and Old West culture;
performing arts and festivals; and of course, sunshine. In addition, the destination offers unique
attractions such as the town’s iconic Fountain, an excellent museum of area history, and even a
nationally recognized disc golf course. Tourism and recreation brings new money into the
community while non‐basic activities keep those dollars in Fountain Hills. Another benefit of
tourism and recreation is that these activities introduce new visitors to Fountain Hills with the
prospect of relocating either their residency or business as a result of their experience. Building
on all of Fountain Hills’ assets and opportunities is critical to the successful expansion of the
local economic base.
Our Commitment to Success
The Town of Fountain Hills is committed to
building a sustainable community and high‐
performing organization. In 2010, the Town
Council approved a community‐wide Strategic
Plan. The strategic plan is integrated into the
daily operations of the Town’s organization. All
proposals and initiatives are evaluated in
relationship to the Strategic Plan.
Strategic Plan Values
Civility
Environmental Stewardship
Civic Responsibility
Education, Learning & Culture
Recreational Opportunities & Amenities
Economic Vitality
Maintain & Improve Community
Infrastructure
Public, Safety, Health & Welfare
The Strategic Plan Vision for Fountain Hills is to
be a distinctive community designed to
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
invigorate the body, mind, and spirit and strive to:
• Be stewards of this unique enclave, dedicated to preserving the environment and visual
aesthetic and to living in balance with the Sonoran Desert;
• Champion the diversity of experiences our residents bring to our community and rely on
this depth of experience to innovatively address our challenges;
• Be economically sustainable and anchor our vitality in an active vibrant town core that
serves us culturally, socially and economically; and
• Be civic‐minded and friendly, taking responsibility for our Town’s success by building
partnerships and investing our talent and resources.
The 2010 Strategic Plan identified the priority initiative for the Town was to maintain financial
stability and local control, and promote economic growth to support the community’s needs
and promote successful businesses. Economic Vitality was one of the eight values identified in
the Strategic Plan along with these eight directives:
• EV1 ‐ Develop a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Town’s future
and work with our partners to forward economic growth and awareness.
• EV 2 ‐ Develop and maintain a balanced, equitable, sustainable and local financing
structure to support the Town’s core government services at desired service levels.
• EV 3 ‐ Promote a mixed use core where residents can live, work learn and play in an
urban village setting as depicted in the Area Specific Plan (Downtown Vision Master
Plan).
• EV 4 ‐ Promote retention, expansion and relocation of quality businesses.
• EV 5 ‐ Promote Fountain Hills as a visitor destination.
• EV 6 ‐ Identify a slate of economic development tools and strategies (including tax
incentives, fee abatements, etc.) to stimulate economic growth.
• EV 7 ‐ Identify areas for redevelopment, revitalization or reuse.
• EV 8 ‐ Promote unique and vibrant neighborhood and business districts.
Fountain Hills Economic Game Plan
Economic development requires a public/private partnership to comprehensively build a strong
economic base in Fountain Hills. Everyone has a role to play. The Town, business groups, civic
organizations, businesses, and residents all can contribute to ensuring that Fountain Hills’
economy grows. Creating more base jobs locally attracts more year‐round residents to live,
work, and play in the community. These jobs expand the market for local businesses creating
revenues that support the community’s quality of life. As revenues are generated and the
economic base expands, revenues are available for needed basic services such as parks,
recreation, and roadway improvements.
Our economic development game plan is a multi‐tiered approach to building a strong economic
base.
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Economic Objectives are the broad desired achievement that through the implementation of
the Economic Development Plan Fountain Hills will accomplish. The economic objectives are:
• Grow Our Economy
• Maximize Our Talent
• Enhance Our Community
Our Focused Approach is how Fountain Hills is going to achieve its economic objectives. All five
are important and would be addressed simultaneously. The focused approach is through the
following strategic initiatives:
• Business Attraction
• Business Retention and Expansion
• Entrepreneurial Development
• Foundational Maintenance
• Locational Catalysts
Targeted Industry Sectors are the business sectors that offer Fountain Hills the most
opportunity and will be pursued through our focused approach. The industry sectors help the
community meet the stated economic objectives.
• Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services
• Healthcare, Medical, Biosciences, and Wellness
• Finance and Insurance
• Tourism and Recreation
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
The graphic that follows illustrates the tiered approach to building a strong economic base.
Following is a description of the goals and actions that will be taken to achieve the economic
objectives.
Business Attraction
Goal: Attract new business growth to diversify the Fountain Hills economy.
FOUNTAIN HILLS POSITION
Based on existing community assets and regional opportunities, Fountain Hills will focus
business recruitment efforts within the following targeted industry sectors as defined by the
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) of the U.S. Census Bureau:
• Professional, Technical, and Scientific Services (NAICS 54)
• Healthcare, Medical, Biosciences, and Wellness (NAICS 62)
• Finance and Insurance (NAICS 52)
• Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (NAICS 71)
These sectors offer higher wage professional positions that match our labor force and build
upon existing regional clusters.
GAME PLAN
1. Facilitate and/or recruit new base sector employment opportunities.
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Action Steps:
• Develop an inventory of office space and implement office recruitment strategies for
advanced business services and healthcare, medical, and bio‐medical businesses which
can occupy existing space.
• Initiate a higher education feasibility study to determine and assess the existing
educational resources and provide strategic direction for the attraction of higher
education to Fountain Hills.
• Initiate a healthcare and wellness feasibility study to assess the current healthcare
environment, determine the additional healthcare services needs, and identify potential
growth strategies.
• Continue to build on relationships with economic development entities, like the Greater
Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), to cultivate
leads for new businesses that could potentially locate to Fountain Hills. Respond to
these leads as appropriate and feasible.
2. Recruit local business owners, who operate their business outside of Fountain Hills, to
make their offices in town.
Action Step:
• Identify targeted business owners and communicate the advantages of relocating
businesses to Fountain Hills as a viable business expansion/relocation venue.
3. Target recruitment efforts on those businesses identified in the retail market analysis.
Action Step:
• Identify opportunities to connect directly with retailers to discuss Fountain Hills as a
location for their retail operation.
4. Develop and execute a communication strategy aimed at the targeted industry sectors.
Action Steps:
• Provide current data on the economic dynamics of Fountain Hills and the region to
prospects and site selectors electronically and through print materials.
• Establish a strong economic development presence on the Town’s website with content
and messaging geared toward targeted business sectors.
• Develop collateral materials and messaging about Fountain Hills’ position related to the
targeted business sectors.
5. Implement a comprehensive tourism and recreation development program.
Action Steps:
• Actively pursue the Vision Plan’s core element of a first class performance venue in
Fountain Park as the central attraction component for enhanced downtown vibrancy
through non‐resident visitation as well as increased resident patronage.
• Collaborate with Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation to adequately fund and implement a
destination marketing effort focused on niche tourism segments such as golf (Sonoran
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Desert Golf Trail), weddings, desert /Southwest Experience, Native American Heritage
and Old West experience, and arts.
• Promote the Community Center and other local venues as viable meeting and event
centers.
• Explore the feasibility and initiate strategies to expand hospitality facilities in Fountain
Hills.
• Develop more multi‐day major events to Fountain Hills while ensuring long‐term
viability of existing events.
• Implement a program to attract more group tours to Fountain Hills.
Business Retention and Expansion
Goal: Retain and expand existing businesses.
FOUNTAIN HILLS POSITION
The bulk of new jobs created in this country are created by existing companies. Therefore, an
effective business retention and expansion (BRE) program is an important component of any
community business plan. Engaging in ongoing dialogues with existing businesses can inform
labor force development programs as well as potential business recruitment targets. The
retention of existing business is a key measure of the strength of the local economy and the
relative success of the business within the community. With a seasonal population, Fountain
Hills struggles to maintain home‐grown restaurants and retail establishments. A formal BRE
program in Fountain Hills would help to identify those companies at risk of failing or leaving the
community and providing preemptive measures to ensure their success. Adopting traditional
goals of a business retention program, Fountain Hills BRE program will address the following 1 :
• Identify companies with plans to expand
• Identify companies at risk of leaving/downsizing
• Identify company and community problems
• Provide assistance
• Build relationships
GAME PLAN
6. Implement a business visitation program for base sector industries, targeting those
businesses which align with NAICS 52, 54, 62, and 71.
Action Steps:
• Utilize an electronic tool/system specific for business retention, like the Synchronist
Business Information Systems, for use in the business retention outreach.
• Regularly interview, evaluate the results of the interviews, and identify policies or
incentives that would be helpful to retaining existing businesses.
1 Blaine Canada, Ltd, Synchronist
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
• Annually conduct an economic summit to understand business needs and changes
within the economy.
Entrepreneurial Development
Goal: Establish Fountain Hills an entrepreneurial center.
FOUNTAIN HILLS POSITION
Arizona has been ranked very high nationally in entrepreneurial activity and new business
starts. According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, the attraction is that Arizona’s business
and property taxes are low, as well as workers’ compensation costs. It is critical for long‐term
success to ensure that new business start‐ups and entrepreneurs have a solid foundation. Some
of the basic mistakes that lead to entrepreneurial failure include:
• Poor business planning
• Inadequate funding
• Choosing the wrong business structure
Creating the environment within Fountain Hills that fosters the entrepreneurial spirit and
assists new business start‐ups is an important component of the economic program. In 2010,
the Fountain Hills Business Incubator was established as a public/private partnership to
enhance the entrepreneurial success rates.
GAME PLAN
7. Create a support structure and assistance for entrepreneurial growth.
Action Steps:
• Utilize the Business Incubator to grow new businesses and assist others that may be
struggling.
• Annually evaluate the Business Incubator effectiveness to ensure it is achieving its
mission and providing adequate return on investment.
• Partner with existing groups and organizations to assist with business start‐ups,
mentoring, and other resource identification and deployment.
Foundational Maintenance
Goal: Ensure that the tools, systems, and structures effectively support
economic growth.
FOUNTAIN HILLS POSITION
Community foundations are those resources such as infrastructure, regulations and policies,
education and training, and capital that are the building blocks for a strong economy. Successful
November 2012 Draft Page 14 of 19
Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
community and economic development programs are dependent upon this solid framework for
growth and sustainability.
GAME PLAN
8. Identify and promote viable incentives for businesses locating to Fountain Hills that relieve
fiscal burdens and/or make the businesses more competitive.
Action Steps:
• Perform a comprehensive survey of incentive tools and strategies currently being
successfully employed by communities throughout the metro area.
• Compose business assistance and incentive package/proposal for Council’s
consideration and possible adoption.
• Develop and execute a strategy to communicate the availability of incentives as adopted
by the Council to targeted businesses.
9. Ensure a business‐friendly environment within Fountain Hills.
Action Steps:
• Identify, inventory, and review Town regulations that are onerous for economic
development efforts.
• Develop a plan to make regulatory modifications that would facilitate economic
development activities that align with creating a more vibrant business environment
while not compromising community values.
10. Maintain Fountain Hills’ physical infrastructure to support economic development.
Action Step:
• Adequately fund and maintain capital improvement projects that maintain the Town’s
investment and improve the community’s quality of life.
11. Ensure Town services meet community needs and achieve a more sustainable revenue
balance.
Action Step:
• Collaboratively pursue funding strategies that meet the current and future needs of the
Town of Fountain Hills.
Locational Catalysts
Goal: Revitalize and maximize the economic opportunities of community
assets.
FOUNTAIN HILLS POSITION
Fountain Hills has tremendous geographic and locational assets that can serve as a catalyst for
economic growth. These business development areas include the Civic Center, Avenue of the
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Fountain Hills, Fountain Park Area, Shea Corridor, and Saguaro Boulevard. Each asset has
development that has occurred, is occurring, or is in need of revitalization. Continual evaluation
and action planning is needed to ensure that these assets are not under‐utilized and are
developed in such a way to enhance the long‐term sustainability of the community.
In 2009, the Town of Fountain Hills adopted the Downtown Area Specific Plan that identified
nine districts that offered revitalization and development opportunities. These districts
included:
• Business District: Center of downtown commerce that promotes entrepreneurship
through a variety of commerce related opportunities and business related uses.
• The Avenue District: Core of the downtown with a comfortable atmosphere for
strolling, sight‐seeing and shopping. This district will evolve into a premier shopping
destination for residents and a must‐visit magnet for visitors.
• South End District: Envisioned as a mixed‐use downtown residential neighborhood that
is complemented with small neighbor‐hood‐oriented commercial, second story offices,
and specialty shops. This district will contain a "village square" that will provide the
downtown with a prominent park.
• Residential District: Currently developed as condominiums and is a vital component in
providing an infusion of people into the downtown area and enhancing the vitality and
quality of the downtown experience.
• West Side District: A true mixed‐use district where residential infill as well as retail,
offices, and services will be encouraged. This is also a possible location for a future large
entertainment anchor.
• Civic District: Current home of the Town Hall, Community Center, Library, and Museum.
This district will be enhanced with future additional artwork and possibly infill
development such as a community pool or similar uses that will enhance the quality of
life for the town residents and visitors.
• Service District: Existing commercial area and the current location of Fountain Hills
Plaza (aka Bashas’ plaza). Community oriented businesses in this area will be maintained
as an important component of the downtown and the community as a whole.
• Lakeside District: Provides a dynamic transformation of a portion of the existing
Fountain Park. This district will become a unique, amenity‐oriented open space
environment with a prominent performance venue and the possibility of some specialty
retail shops, café's, and other appropriately sized businesses.
• Park District: The majority of Fountain Park will remain as it is. Potential improvements
include more trees, decorative park lighting, seating areas, signage, and park
furnishings. The park will remain as a primarily passive recreational area.
Each district is intended to have its own unique character and yet each district will also blend
harmoniously with the other downtown districts to create the "Downtown Vision.” The
Downtown Vision gives the Fountain Hills downtown area its unique character and appeal while
providing for an invigorated business climate as well as an increased quality of life for the town
residents and visitors.
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Though much emphasis has been placed on the Downtown Specific Plan area, the Shea
Boulevard Corridor and Saguaro Boulevard offer economic development opportunities that
should not be overlooked.
GAME PLAN
12. Develop and prioritize an implementation strategy for the Downtown Specific Plan.
Action Steps:
• Identify and mitigate land use restrictions and zoning within the Districts which are
hampering development as envisioned and identified in the Area Specific Plan.
• Identify and assess potential conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian traffic in
downtown.
• Evaluate parking quantity and quality.
• Ensure public and private infrastructure is properly maintained.
• Maintain downtown aesthetics.
• Encourage infill development, development of large vacant parcels, and redevelopment
within the Districts in alignment with the Area Specific Plan.
• Support a diversified retail and restaurant mix in the Avenue District between Saguaro
Drive and Verde River Drive.
• Develop a plan to clearly identify pedestrian walkways and interconnectivity within
Districts and between Districts that minimize conflict between pedestrian traffic and
vehicular traffic.
13. Foster the revitalization and enhancement of existing areas.
Action Step:
• Establish a vision and guidelines for future revitalization and enhancement of
commercial corridors such as Shea Boulevard and Saguaro Boulevard as well as existing
neighborhoods.
Strategic Implementation
Economic development in Fountain Hills requires a collaborative effort to ensure success. The
Town of Fountain Hills plays a key role along with the business community and residents. The
Town works collaboratively with the various stakeholder groups and other agencies in its effort
to diversify the local economy.
The Economic Development Plan is based on expanding the local economy and improving the
standard of living within the Fountain Hills area. Following is a list of success objectives that will
assist in implementation. Many of these objectives are similar to The Ahwahnee Principles for
Smart Economic Development created by the Center for Livable Communities in Sacramento,
California.
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
Coordinated Approach: All entities involved in economic development must work together to
achieve mutually agreed‐upon goals to ensure a sustainable effort.
Community Collaboration: A comprehensive understanding of the town and region and a
commitment to collaborating with entities throughout the region (e.g., federal agencies,
incorporated communities) are critical.
Smart Growth: The regional environment is a tremendous asset that should be protected for
community and economic development reasons. The community must take great strides in
addressing resource issues, such as water, to ensure long‐term sustainability.
Long‐Term Efforts: Economic development is not a one‐shot activity. Success requires long‐
term investments (e.g., infrastructure and telecommunications) as well as continued focused
effort and evaluation.
Existing Business Support: The town’s focus is on supporting existing enterprises, while looking
at diversifying the economic base is important. Existing businesses are Fountain Hills’ most
valuable assets because they are already contributing to the local economy and quality of life.
They are also the best source of business expansion and local job growth.
Corporate Responsibility: Fountain Hills encourages enterprises to work as civic partners,
contributing to the community, protecting the natural environment, and providing workers
with good pay, benefits, and opportunities for upward mobility, within a healthy working
environment.
Human Investment: Human resources are so valuable in the Information Age and Fountain
Hills will strive to provide life‐long skills and learning opportunities by investing in excellent
schools, post‐secondary institutions, and opportunities for continuous education and training
that are available to all.
The strategic implementation program should be initiated with an Economic Development
Summit. The Summit would bring together community leaders, stakeholders, and experts in
economic development, downtown development, and tourism fields to discuss the initiatives
and direction the community should be take to implement the Economic Development Plan.
Annually, the Economic Development Summit would be held to review, revise, and redirect the
economic development effort.
Potential partners for the summit might include (but would not be limited to):
• Town of Fountain Hills
• Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau
• Greater Fountain Hills Business Alliance
• Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
• Greater Phoenix Economic Corporation
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Fountain Hills Economic Development Plan
November 2012 Draft Page 19 of 19
• Arizona Commerce Authority
• Utility providers
• Education providers
• Support providers (commercial realty, etc.)
Performance Metrics
Performance metrics are applied to measure the Plan's activities and its overall performance.
As there is always an element of uncertainty about the future, regular review to ensure that a
plan is still effective and achieving desired outcomes is critical. Performance metrics should
support the intended strategic outcome and typical meet six criteria: time, cost, resources,
scope, quality, and actions. Performance metrics will be established with each strategic
initiative to provide annual assessment of progress.