Miller explains, “Our transit system serves local needs and connects residents to larger regional hubs. This connectivity is crucial for both our workforce and overall community mobility.” The city’s transportation initiatives also include plans for future passenger rail services. “We’re working hard to ensure Coolidge becomes a key stop on future passenger rail routes,”Thompson notes.“This will further enhance our connectivity and support our economic growth.” COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Strong community partnerships are integral to Coolidge’s success. “Partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies are critical,” emphasizes Parsons. “The Arizona Commerce Authority helps us attract and work with local industries, and the workforce development programs of the county are vital. These collaborations enable the city to respond effectively to challenges and capitalize on opportunities, Transitioning to a full-time fire department was a major undertaking, but it has already paid off. “The calls for service have doubled, and our response times have improved significantly,” says Miller. “This is a critical component of our commitment to public safety.” ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY Transportation infrastructure is another critical area of focus. Coolidge’s transit system, including the Cotton Express and Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART), provides vital services to residents. “We’re looking to expand services to new industrial areas to accommodate the workforce,” states Thompson. The expansion ensures that residents have reliable and efficient transportation options as the city grows. ARIZONA’S EMERGING MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY HUB Significant private sector announcements in recent years in Electric Vehicles and Batteries, Semiconductor Supply Chain, Consumer Products, and Building Materials total over $10.2 Billionin capital investment and13,500 jobs . www.pinal.gov/ed Scan for Video of Economic Development Highlights 80 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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