Our business climate, talented workforce and lifestyle make Chandler a destination of choice for global industry leaders, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Growth in employment areas, plans for unbuilt properties and higher education partnerships were key outcomes in 2022.
Business Attraction and Expansion in Chandler
Total Employment | 130,900
Source: MAG 2021 Employer Database
Mayor Roundtable Discussions
Mayor Kevin Hartke facilitated three roundtable discussions with industry leaders.
These events provided key industry stakeholders with insight on the City Council’s policy goals and objectives and how the City can best support business and economic growth.
West Chandler Branding
The final two West Chandler monument signs were installed at major intersections in hopes of strengthening West Chandler’s image and sense of place.
"When you enter West Chandler, we want you to know that you are in an important part of our community," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. "When you hear the name ‘West Chandler’, we want you to envision a vibrant and dynamic employment corridor."
Visit Chandler
Virtual Tours & Choose Chandler
An immersive experience launched on the tourism website with 360-degree virtual tours and photos to promote travel to our community. The Choose Chandler campaign promoted the benefits of buying from local businesses with an emphasis on shopping local during the holiday season.
2023 Chandler Visitor's Guide
The 2023 Chandler Visitor’s Guide and an updated Event and Meeting Guide were published as tools to help meeting professionals considering hosting a meeting in Arizona. Nearly $250,000 in Arizona Initiative Marketing Grant funds were secured to promote Chandler as a meeting and events destination.
Tourism Spotlight - The Aloha
From Outdated Motel to Chic Roadside Stay for the Modern Traveler
The Aloha, a classic motor inn, was redeveloped by owners John Hylton and Bill Simmonds into a 26-room boutique motel for the modern traveler. Located at 445 N. Arizona Ave., the motel, which reopened in April 2022, is perfectly situated for visitors wanting to explore downtown Chandler and the surrounding area.
“We are excited to see The Aloha reopen and give visitors to our community a unique place to stay,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “This is a great example of thoughtful redevelopment, preserving the best aspects of a classic Chandler property while giving it new life.”
Redevelopment Strategies
Chandler focused on infill and redevelopment strategies, resources, policies, and codes this year.
Projects Currently Planned and/or Under Construction
Airport Redevelopment
Chandler is working on development strategies for vacant properties inside-the-fence of the Chandler Municipal Airport. Work on a business plan began in late 2022 to identify development and financial goals as a means of executing a successful capital development program, including the extension of Cooper Road and analysis of properties on the southside of the airport. The plan will augment the Airport Master Plan Update completed in 2020.
New Hangars at Chandler Airport
City Council approved an agreement with GateOne to develop executive hangars on a 1.6 acre parcel identified in the Airport Master Plan. The development should be completed in 2024.
Higher Education Partnerships
The City's partnerships with University of Arizona and Chandler-Gilbert Community College expanded in 2022.
Expanded UA Presence
The University of Arizona recently expanded to a larger space downtown at the Johnathan Building. The new, 12,000-square-foot space was built out in time for the Fall 2022 semester with a grand opening ceremony in November.
The new location will accommodate the University of Arizona's next phase of growth in Chandler, which includes plans to serve more students and introduce additional programs based on local employer labor needs.
Internship Program with Chandler-Gilbert Community College
An agreement and a shared coordinator position is helping to connect Chandler-Gilbert Community College students with internship opportunities at the City of Chandler.
This unique partnership offers students the experience of working in a range of administrative, professional, technical and vocational disciplines, while offering the City early exposure to talented people who may be interested in careers serving their community.