As Mesa’s Mayor, I have the privilege of helping guide our community into an extraordinary chapter of prosperity. Our city is now part of a globally competitive region, home to advanced manufacturing, semiconductor innovation, biotech research, and companies whose products reach every corner of the world.
Global investment isn’t just good for Arizona, it’s essential to Mesa’s economic opportunity. Today, foreign-owned companies employ more than 144,000 Arizonans and contribute billions to our state’s economy. Over the past three years, Arizona has attracted more than $35 billion in new foreign direct
investment, resulting in thousands of high-quality jobs in emerging industries.
International companies chose Mesa because we have the infrastructure, workforce and collaborative mindset required to compete in the modern economy. We’re seeing major expansions from Fujifilm Electronic Materials, JX Advanced Metals, Komatsu, KoMiCo, Moses Lake Industries, Pentagon Technologies, XNRGY and many others. Their investments strengthen our local economy and position Mesa as an international magnet for business.
That’s why I’m currently leading a Mesa delegation on an economic development mission to Japan, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, ASU and SRP. The country has announced a historic commitment to invest $550 billion in U.S. energy infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, critical minerals and medical production. Through years of planning and strategy, Mesa has positioned itself to capture a significant share of that investment. Several of these cutting-edge industries are already flourishing in Mesa.
My economic strategy is straightforward: continue diversifying Mesa’s economy, expand high-wage careers in advanced industries, and recruit companies that strengthens our tax base. Mesa values our international partners and stands ready to promote the entire region, while ensuring Mesa has a seat at the table.
This trade mission is a responsible investment for the future. Foreign direct investment takes partnerships that build trust over time. The return on investment will pay dividends for decades. Just a single advanced manufacturer can create hundreds of jobs, generating economic impact for future generations. We’ve seen this approach succeed statewide — Taiwan’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) arrival in Arizona began with a similar international outreach.
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We’re already seeing momentum. Taiwan-based companies are expanding in Arizona, and direct flights between Phoenix and Asia are increasing dramatically. Global markets see potential and Mesa must be ready to seize that opportunity. By representing Mesa on this international stage, we’re positioning our residents to benefit from the industries that will define the next generation of American manufacturing. My commitment is to keep Mesa competitive, drive growth and create more economic opportunity.
Our city is open for business and the world is taking notice.
