The jobs landscape in Maricopa could soon be changing dramatically following a major presentation by Chief Economic Strategist Rick Horst at a recent City Council meeting, detailed in a compelling presentation on the city's future growth potential.

City officials are playing a long game, buying 680 acres south of Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, to attract industry that could provide thousands of high-paying jobs to local residents. That single project alone is estimated to bring about 37,000 new industrial and manufacturing jobs to the city, giving locals hesitant hopes for an economic boost.

According to a report from the city's Department of Economic Opportunity.The development is part of Measure 482, which voters will allow for the city to sell on the July 30 ballot, and is expected to open the door to numerous job opportunities. Rick Horst highlighted the potential, saying, “The groundwork has been laid and we'll start to see results now.”

These planned jobs aren't the only economic development in store for Maricopa's future: the city has seen more than 400,000 square feet of retail and commercial development in the past four years, a trend poised to continue with new businesses such as a trampoline park interested in opening near Alterra Parkway and JWP, along with vibrant commercial space surrounding major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Aldi grocery stores.