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Musings of Sara Dial

Image Courtesy of Rick D'Elia

I’ve had the unique experience over the past 20 years of working on both sides of the economic development model. In the 90’s, I served as Governor Symington’s Commerce Director aggressively recruiting companies and making the case for government support. Following that position, I moved into the private sector as a site selection consultant representing businesses in the economic development process.  Among my clients are Google and Facebook. I know what they look for and what other cities are doing to attract them:

  • Universities and other knowledge clusters - Available and qualified talent is the most critical factor in the site selection process.
  • Cool urban environments – Large urban cores connected to smaller neighborhood districts.
  • Transportation assets – Both global and pedestrian transportation is desired.
  • Lifestyle amenities – Arts and culture, parks and sports venues.

Phoenix and Tempe can individually claim many of the assets critical to attracting knowledge companies. But when you look at the area as a region, the story becomes much stronger.

Why didn’t we look at packaging this area as a region before?!

It’s time to think big and act like the entrepreneurs we want to attract and retain. Together, we can make the vision for the Discovery Triangle a reality.  Join me in this exciting effort.

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What is the Discovery Triangle?

The Discovery Triangle is a multi-city urban development and investment initiative led by the Discovery Triangle Development Corporation (DTDC), a public/private, not-for-profit organization.

As its name implies, the Discovery Triangle is a rich center for knowledge and innovation. Encompassing the urban areas of Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona, the effort capitalizes on existing infrastructure, multi-model transportation options and the hundreds of cutting-edge companies clustered in the area.

As a non-profit development services company, the DTDC encourages, facilitates and enables (re)development opportunities for creating a sustainable future for existing and future businesses and residents. Specifically, the DTDC:

- Facilitates location or expansion within the Discovery Triangle region.

- Negotiates with policy makers for valuable economic growth tools.

- Creates project-specific solutions to financing gaps.

Balanced by nature, arts, culture, professional sports and a variety of affordable housing options, the Discovery Triangle's quality-of-life appeal is a huge attraction to all types of businesses.

The area's inclusion of top-tier higher educational institutions provides the source for a well-educated workforce, while its immediate proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport provides a gateway to the world.