Goodyear City Manager Brian Dalke was presented with the prestigious Arizona Association for Economic Developers William Lampkin Long Term Excellence in Economic Development Award during the organization’s spring conference in Tucson on Thursday, May 1.
Marking his 20th year with the city this year, Dalke became Goodyear’s first economic development director in 1994 when the city still was covered with cotton fields and had just a population of 10,000, Brian Dalke’s role in the city’s transformation and economic development accomplishments are long and far-reaching for the success of the West Valley and the region.
As economic development director and now city manager, he helped to lead the charge on numerous development agreements and projects that are ongoing and continue to sustain the city – while maintaining its reputation as a leading aerospace and defense contracting hub but expanding in quality healthcare, manufacturing, warehouse distribution and retail.
The award that recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual that has made significant contributions to economic development efforts in Arizona and demonstrated a sustained commitment to AAED.
He was nominated for the award on March 7.
Other accomplishments Dalke has reeled in or been a part of: He also was lead negotiator for Goodyear’s Development Agreement with Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s Western campus which brought world-class cancer care to the region, creating more than 650 jobs. He also spearheaded plans for the military re-use zone at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport where businesses are continuing to expand – and earmarked locations for Goodyear’s foreign trade zone in addition to spearheading innovative development agreements and managed a $55 million improvement district that provided infrastructure for a major commercial corridor, the largest in the state at the time.
Key businesses that have set up shop in the city under Dalke’s tenure include: Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods Distribution Warehouse, Macy’s online fulfillment center, Sub-Zero, Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels and West Valley Hospital; just to name a few. Dalke also has been a constant supporter of the mission at Luke Air Force Base – the largest fighter jet training base in the world and now home to the F-35.”
Dalke also has found time to teach at Estrella Mountain Community College’s business classes – helping to guide others working on business plans – businesses that have come to fruition and are thriving in Goodyear today. He also supports AAED’s Basic Economic Development Course as a course instructor each year helping to educate our future economic developers.
