a rural municipality due to its size, opening the door to additional state level incentives. REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND LEADERSHIP The city works closely with organizations such as the West Valley Regional Chamber, the Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC), and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “One of the great advantages of not only El Mirage, but the whole West Valley is the total embrace of regionalism, and this starts from the mayors and works down to the city managers and economic development people,” Doyle imparts. “We have great collaborative partnerships.” He shares that El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo serves as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council. She also sits on the State Transportation Board and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council board of directors. Doyle believes the mayor’s advocacy has helped raise the city’s profile. “Ten years ago, I would go to different events and mention El Mirage, and the first question I would get is, where’s El Mirage? That focus has changed, a lot of people are aware of what’s going on here,” he relays.“That is not only because of Microsoft and some of the large industrial communities that have come in here, but also I give credit to our mayor for getting out there and advocating for El Mirage. We’re very fortunate to have her.” PREPARING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW As the city continues to see opportunities grow, it is investing in workforce development. El Mirage works with education, industry, and regional partners 180 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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