WESTMARC’s Economic Development Summit provides members and the community with updates on progress and future plans for economic development in Western Maricopa County. The event features speakers and panels addressing current issues and opportunities for economic success.

Featured Topic: Sustainable Growth in the West Valley

Build smarter. Grow stronger. The West Valley’s blueprint for sustainable, competitive expansion.

Opening Session: 

Arizona’s Next Chapter: Competing for Advanced Industries While Building Community 
A fast, data‑rich look at the West Valley’s moment: balancing accelerated industrial investment with long‑term livability. Power & water certainty, freight/mobility delivery, housing + talent, and permitting/air quality risk—and the role of regional alignment.

• Evelyn Casuga - Center for the Future of Arizona 

• Cathy Teeter - CBRE

Panel 1

Proactive Infrastructure Readiness for Economic Growth: Resources & Power Generation
Exploring how to keep projects on schedule and resilient without over‑reliance on the grid: substation timelines, interconnection queues, microgrids/onsite generation, demand management, and the realities of Assured Water Supply (AWS) for industrial users.

• Cheryl Covert - City of Avondale

• Cameron Robb - APS

• Deputy Director Clint Chandler -ADWR 

Panel 2

Freight, Freeways & On Time Delivery: Loop 303, I10 Relief, SR 30 & Prop 479 Projects 
Emphasizing the delivery backbone for advanced manufacturing and logistics: Loop 303 buildout, I10 relief, SR 30, key Prop 479–funded improvements, and how project phasing affects site selection, construction staging, and long-term goods movement. 

• Moderator: John Kelly -Triadvocates
• John Bullen - MAG Leadership
• Kini Knudson - City of Goodyear

PLUS RAPID FIRE TED TALKS & MORE