From the May/June 2025 issue
Business Facilities: Could you describe the business landscape of Maricopa, Arizona, and what benefits it offers to businesses?
Christian Prices: Maricopa City is part of the Phoenix Metro area, specifically in Pinal County, and it’s about half an hour from Sky Harbor International Airport and downtown Phoenix.
At just 22 years old, we’re among the fastest growing cities in the U.S., jumping from a population of just over 1,200 in the year 2000 to around 80,000 today. Additionally, Maricopa is recognized as one of the most diverse, well-educated, and safe cities in Arizona. It creates a very professional business environment, prioritizing market speed, and benefits from low land prices, reliable utilities, and a century-long water supply.
BF: What are the primary industries in Maricopa?
Price: Maricopa features several key economic sectors centered around business and industry.
- Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductors
- Information Technology and the Internet of Things
- Automotive and Autonomous Mobility
- Healthcare & Medtech
- Agribusiness Technology
The semiconductor sector enjoys a solid regional presence, with companies like Intel and TSMC nearby. Plus, having Volkswagen and Nissan certification sites, along with a Lucid Motor Company manufacturing facility, enhances synergy within the automotive realm. Furthermore, a partnership between a University of Arizona research facility and the USDA’s Arid Land Research Institute supports the city’s growing agricultural business.
All these advantages contribute to an appealing environment for business growth and collaboration.
BF: What are the long-term benefits of doing business in Maricopa?
Price: It’s straightforward. Maricopa is within the Phoenix Metro area, which yields a consistently educated and skilled workforce. Efficient transportation via rail networks, access to essential resources like water and natural gas, competitive land pricing, and a proactive business atmosphere—all these factors make Maricopa ideal for business relocation or expansion. Also, home prices here are quite competitive compared to other metro areas, with new housing developments to accommodate employees.
BF: What recent developments should site selection teams be aware of in Maricopa’s business environment?
Price: We’re actively looking for ways to welcome new businesses. The City Council has acquired over 1,200 acres for industrial and commercial use. With the Maricopa Business Park initiative, the city is committed to fostering economic growth while streamlining the permitting process to support new industries and businesses quickly.
BF: What recent projects have involved relocation or expansion?
Price: Currently, we’re collaborating with prominent national developers to develop 680 acres of industrial land, aiming for over 9 million square feet of usable space with flexible building options. This business park is situated next to the Union Pacific Mainline, utilizing short rail lines effectively. Also, the park features advanced multimodal transportation facilities for tenants. The Kinder Morgan natural gas mainline runs parallel to the site, marking this large, well-connected development as crucial for boosting Maricopa’s manufacturing sector and job opportunities.
BF: What are the highlights of life quality in Maricopa?
Price: Maricopa is a welcoming, safe, and diverse community, and the quality of life here is exceptional. Being a relatively new city, we boast new homes, parks, libraries, and other amenities. We rank as the 5th safest city in Arizona and the third best place to raise a family in the state.
BF: What’s on the horizon for Maricopa?
Price: The future looks incredibly bright for Maricopa. As one of the fastest-growing cities, we’re attracting a highly educated workforce. People are drawn to places that are sheltered from severe natural disasters, which means there will continually be a demand for more industrial and commercial spaces to accommodate the expanding population.
