Chandler continues to be a city of choice for major corporations, small businesses and entrepreneurs alike with its pro-business climate, skilled workforce, educational opportunities and thriving community.
Business Attraction and Expansion in Chandler
Chandler actively meets with developers, brokers, retail executives and existing businesses to market available properties and development opportunities, resulting in the attraction of these new businesses and expansion projects in 2023.
Best City for Business
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry named Chandler the Best City for Business, citing how the city’s business-friendly tax climate and regulatory policies make it easy and attractive for companies to locate and expand.
Economic Developer of the Year
The Arizona Association for Economic Development named Team Chandler’s Micah Miranda Economic Developer of the Year for large communities.
Check out the Year in Review Blog for a full recap of economic development news.
Chandler Airport and Airpark
Seven monument signs were installed throughout the employment corridor to welcome visitors to the area, enhance its sense of place and reinforce its brand identity. This project was initiated following the Airpark Area Plan Update, which identified gateway signage as an opportunity to help brand the area.
Chandler Municipal Airport’s Strategic Business Plan was initiated; the first in the airport’s history. Improvement projects at the airport included:
- Installation of a wildlife exclusion perimeter fence funded by a state grant.
- Armory ramp LED lighting upgrade project.
- Heliport LED lighting upgrade and reconfiguration.
- Taxiway and runway sign replacement.
Educational Opportunities
Grand Canyon University opened its new nursing site in West Chandler for its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, expanding higher education opportunities in Chandler while contributing to the healthcare workforce.
Thousands of families attended the 12th annual Chandler Innovation Fair, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from technology companies and schools who demonstrated how important science is to daily life. The event, held in partnership with Chandler Unified School District, is designed to get kids interested in STEM careers and is part of the Arizona SciTech Festival.
Business & Career Support
The Arizona State University (ASU) Chandler Innovation Center in Downtown Chandler is a hub for startup resources and support. An intergovernmental agreement was executed with ASU to manage the Chandler Endeavor Venture Innovation Incubator, and ASU also opened a new coworking space that provides free workspace and office amenities for entrepreneurs.
A job fair helped those directly affected by the closing of the General Motors’ IT Innovation Center find new and rewarding careers. More than 470 job seekers attended the job fair at Chandler-Gilbert Community College where 24 companies sought to hire for a total of 560 available software development/IT-related jobs.
Redevelopment Strategies
The Chandler Infill Incentive Plan was amended in late 2023, providing tools to promote and facilitate desirable redevelopment projects in Chandler north of Loop 202. City Council’s 2023-25 Strategic Framework calls for “targeted use of adaptive reuse, infill, mixed-use and redevelopment tools and plans supporting the vitality of commercial centers and neighborhoods.”
Development Process
Hosted a Planning 101 workshop that outlined Chandler’s zoning process, how development is evaluated and the ways the city works with residents and commercial developers to preserve the community’s quality of life.
Visit Chandler
Chandler remains top of mind as a destination of choice for travelers and meeting professionals. A redesigned VisitChandler.com and updated Chandler Visitor’s Guide enhanced the online experience for potential visitors and event planners. The “Chandler Like a Local” video series highlighted experiences for tacos, breweries, pizza and more.