Coolidge, Arizona

Building for Tomorrow in the ‘Sun Corridor’

 

Transforming to meet resident and needs while preserving local appeal

Coolidge, Arizona, stands at the forefront of the ‘Sun Corridor,’ driving regional growth and innovation. In an insightful conversation with Mayor Jon Thompson, City Manager Rick Miller, Development Services Director Gilbert Lopez, and Lynn Parsons, Executive Director of the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce, the city’s leadership team shares numerous updates, reflecting the community’s transformation and the strategic initiatives shaping its future.

Anchors of economic development

One of the most significant developments is the anticipated ground breaking of the Procter & Gamble manufacturing facility. Lopez elaborates, “We’re anticipating them breaking ground this fall. They aim to start moving earth and begin building the facility.” The new addition is set to manufacture laundry dryer sheets and Tide Pods, bringing substantial employment opportunities and bolstering Coolidge’s reputation as a key player in the industrial landscape.

Nikola Motor Company, another key regional employer, is making strides in producing hydrogen fuel cell and battery semi-trucks at their advanced facility. “They’re leading the way in zero-emission semi-trucks,” says Lopez. The company’s presence underlines Coolidge’s dedication to innovative and sustainable industries.

Mayor Thompson expresses his enthusiasm for these developments and their positive impact on the community: “Having Procter & Gamble and Nikola in our community not only creates jobs but also attracts other businesses and industries, fostering a dynamic and supportive environment that we can all be proud of.  The city is able to respond to companies looking to locate their business in Coolidge by quickly assembling a team of decision makers to ensure a projects success.”

Airport enhancements

Coolidge Municipal Airport has undergone substantial improvements, including power upgrades and the addition of companies like E-Cube and Daycraft Systems. These changes have transformed the airport from a dormant facility to a thriving hub, creating new job opportunities. The FAA’s recent approval of the airport master plan further cements its potential as a major economic driver.

Miller adds, “We now have 179 people working at the airport, up from just 40 a few years ago. Companies like E-Cube, which disassembles and repairs planes, and Daycraft Systems, a military contractor, bring high-paying jobs to the community.”

These developments are complemented by the airport’s increasing capacity to handle larger projects and aircraft. Thompson explains, “With the new power lines and increased amperage capacity, we can now attract even bigger companies to our airport, further boosting employment and economic activity.”

Workforce development

Workforce development remains a priority, with Central Arizona College (CAC) playing a crucial role. New programs in automated industrial technology, commercial electrical welding, and commercial driver’s licenses are some highlights. Miller notes, “We work closely with the college to ensure we meet the needs of local businesses.” The collaborative efforts between CAC and local industries ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers to support Coolidge’s growing economy.

Mayor Thompson emphasizes the importance of these programs, saying, “Our community is known for stepping out and being relevant to what’s going on. The CDL training program is a testament to our commitment to providing practical, job-ready skills.”

The city also collaborates with other educational institutions and local businesses to offer various training opportunities. “We have programs that cater to different industries, from nursing to drone technology,” says Lopez. “This variety ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our growing economy.”

Housing developments

Coolidge’s housing market is responding to increased demand for single- and multi-family units. “We’re seeing a pickup in permits from big players like DR Horton and KB Homes,” says Lopez. The city is also expanding rental options, with over 500 units in various stages of development. This balance between rental and ownership options caters to a diverse population, from new homebuyers to long-term renters.

Miller provides further insight: “At our peak in 2021, nearly 700 single-family homes were constructed. Although there was a dip due to rising interest rates, we’re seeing a resurgence in single-family and multi-family housing developments.”

The diversity in housing options is crucial for accommodating the city’s growing population. “We want to ensure that everyone, from young professionals to families and retirees, has access to quality housing,” says Parsons. “Our goal is to create a community where everyone feels welcome and supported.”

 

Renewable energy initiatives

The city’s commitment to renewable energy is evident through numerous solar projects. Lopez highlights, “We’ve approved a significant amount of land for future solar development.” These projects contribute to a greener environment and attract industries seeking to leverage clean energy.

Miller shares an exciting update, “Recently, CNBC featured a large solar battery project in our region, the largest of its kind.” This project, consisting of 857,000 solar panels, will primarily power Meta’s data center, demonstrating Coolidge’s capacity to support major tech companies with green energy.

Coolidge has become a leader in renewable energy, with several large-scale solar projects already in operation. The city has seen a significant influx of these projects, driven by federal incentives and its strategic location. This development benefits the environment and positions Coolidge as a hub for green technology.

Enhancing quality of life

The development of the Coolidge Regional Park master plan focuses on quality-of-life improvements. Phase one, set to begin this summer, includes a dog park, playgrounds, a fitness court, and more. “Our first phase will include a variety of recreational facilities,” says Lopez. This initiative reflects the city’s dedication to providing residents with ample recreational opportunities.

Mayor Thompson adds, “We’ve seen our local baseball and soccer teams double in size. The new park facilities will help accommodate this growth and provide a space for our community to gather and stay active.”

The park master plan is designed to evolve with the community’s needs. “As our population grows, we’ll continue to add new amenities and improve existing ones,” says Lopez. “This ensures that the park remains a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone.”

ISO rating upgrade

Establishing a full-time fire department has significantly improved Coolidge’s emergency response capabilities. “Our ISO rating has increased to a three,” notes Miller. “This upgrade enhances public safety and lowers insurance premiums for businesses and residents.”

Mayor Thompson recounts the journey: “When I first started, we had an ISO rating of five. The mayor and council wanted us to go full-time, and once we did that and made a few other improvements, our rating increased to a three. This benefits local businesses because a higher insurance rating from fire response generally means better insurance rates.”

Reflecting on the fire chief’s contributions, Thompson adds, “We have one of the best fire chiefs in the country. He served in Oklahoma City during the bombing and was a combat medic in Iraq and South Korea. He’s been instrumental in improving our fire department.”

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.

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, fostering a supportive environment for growth.”

Mayor Thompson highlights a recent success story: “Developers have donated to our schools, ensuring every child in Coolidge can read by the third grade. These partnerships are invaluable to our community’s progress. We’ve also seen developers put a new roof on our American Legion building and help with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) building. Their contributions make a significant difference, especially for our veterans.”

The city’s approach to partnerships extends beyond just economic development. Coolidge works closely with local organizations to support various initiatives, from healthcare to environmental conservation. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the community are thriving.

Tourism and cultural heritage

Coolidge’s rich cultural heritage, highlighted by the Casa Grande Ruins, attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. “This tourism piece is a significant contributor to our local economy,” notes Parsons. The preservation and promotion of these historical sites ensure that Coolidge remains a vibrant destination for visitors.

Miller adds, “Tourism not only brings in revenue but also highlights our community’s unique history and charm. It’s a vital part of what makes Coolidge special.”

In addition to the Casa Grande Ruins, Coolidge hosts various cultural and community events yearly. The annual festivals and events draw visitors from all over the region, celebrating the city’s heritage and bringing the community together.

Years of service

As Coolidge continues to evolve, the city’s leadership remains committed to strategic growth and development. Mayor Thompson’s vision is clear: “We’re focused on creating a community where people want to live, work, and play.” With ongoing initiatives in economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements, Coolidge is prepared for a bright and prosperous future.

Reflecting on his 43 years of municipal service, Miller adds, “It’s been an honor to serve Coolidge. The partnerships we’ve formed and the progress we’ve made are a testament to the dedication of our entire team.”

Parsons echoes this sentiment: “Our community’s success is built on collaboration and a shared vision for the future. We have a strong foundation and are excited for what’s to come.”

Building a sustainable future

Coolidge, Arizona, is a model of progress and innovation driven by a dedicated leadership team and strong community partnerships. The city’s strategic initiatives are transforming its economic landscape and enhancing its residents’ quality of life, making Coolidge a thriving and dynamic place to call home.

With ongoing projects and a clear vision for the future, Coolidge sets the standard for sustainable development and community engagement. As Mayor Thompson aptly puts it, “We are building a future where every resident can thrive, every business can grow, and every visitor can feel the unique spirit of Coolidge.”

AT A GLANCE

Coolidge, Arizona

What: A city part of the rapidly growing ‘Sun Corridor’ region, which is focused on economic development and improving the quality of life through initiatives in clean energy, infrastructure, and workforce development.

Where: Centrally located in Pinal County, strategically positioned between Phoenix and Tucson within the ‘Sun Corridor.’

Website: https://www.coolidgeaz.com/