Eye on Buckeye | July 2023 | Economic Developments

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Buckeye is moving dirt for residents!

If you’ve lived in Buckeye for any period of time, it’s no surprise that the city has emerged as a vibrant community with a booming economy. Buckeye has been experiencing remarkable residential and commercial growth for the last decade, attracting businesses and employers from across the country, a testament to the Economic Development Department’s success.

Buckeye’s strategic location, supportive business environment and expanding infrastructure have made it an attractive destination for investment. As the city continues to evolve and embrace innovation, Buckeye is poised to further enhance its economic landscape, creating opportunities and prosperity for its residents and businesses alike.

While Buckeye does not control which businesses can or cannot call our city home, we do look to attract emerging industries and services that fill the service gaps in the community and meet our growing population’s needs.

Buckeye’s strategic focus on key industries has positioned it as a prime destination for economic development and investment across many sectors with 10 million square feet of commercial development currently underway. Here’s just some of what’s in the pipeline now.

Connecting Residents to Local Jobs

Buckeye’s Economic Development Department is not only dedicated to attracting businesses to the community but also focuses on developing a strong and thriving workforce. Recognizing the importance of a well-trained and educated labor pool, Buckeye offers access to training and educational opportunities while facilitating forums for employers to share best practices. The city’s goal is to provide employers and employees with everything they need to succeed in Buckeye.

A significant factor driving Buckeye’s workforce development efforts is the high percentage of residents currently commuting outside the community for employment. Approximately 92% of the resident workforce in Buckeye commute to jobs located outside of Buckeye. This presents a unique opportunity to tap into a pool of skilled workers who have expressed a desire to work closer to home, reducing their commute times and improving their overall quality of life.

Buckeye capitalizes on the concept of the reverse commute, wherein employees travel against the flow of traffic compared to traditional commuters in the Greater Phoenix area. This advantage significantly reduces commuting time for employees, making Buckeye an attractive location

for a highly skilled permanent workforce. The reverse commute feature serves as an asset that further enhances the city’s appeal to both businesses and employees to make Buckeye a great place to live, work and play.

To leverage the potential of the reverse commute and foster workforce development, Buckeye organizes job fairs known as “Reduce the Commute Job Fairs.” These events have been remarkably successful in connecting local businesses with skilled workers in the area. The job fairs have witnessed dozens of area businesses hiring qualified employees on the spot, contributing to the growth and vitality of the local economy. The positive outcomes and impact of these job fairs underscore the effectiveness of Buckeye’s workforce development initiatives.

The success of the Reduce the Commute Job Fairs has led to their regular occurrence, with the next event scheduled for October 2023.

Industrial & Business Parks

With millions of square feet of Industrial and Business Park locations under construction Buckeye is becoming a prime location for companies looking to expand or establish new operations. Industrial and business parks serve as hubs for manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship while creating countless job opportunities.

KORE Power – The nation’s first lithium-ion battery cell manufacturer has broken ground on the first phase of their two million square foot facility near State Route 85 and Baseline Road. Dubbed the KOREPlex, the facility will support up to 12 gigawatts of battery cell production to ensure a reliable and independent U.S. supply chain for lithium-ion battery cells that are critical to the future of electric vehicles, power grids and more. It’s a billion-dollar investment by KORE Power that will create more than 3,000 jobs once fully operational in 2024.

• KV Buckeye 10 – This 260,000 square foot business complex near Verrado Way and Roosevelt Street will be ready later this year.

• Crimson Canyon – 324,000 square foot speculative industrial building will come online later this year at Durango Street and Miller Road.

• Buckeye 77 – Located at Southern Avenue and Apache Road, the 1.2 million square foot speculative industrial building is anticipated to be completed later this year.

• Mission Park – At Perryville & I-10, this combined 724,000 square feet of speculative industrial buildings will be completed in 2024.

• Paloma Vista Logistic Center

Phase one of this massive logistics center off of Perryville Road and McDowell Road will be completed later this year with nearly 1.5 million square feet of space between two buildings.

• Buckeye I-10 Logistics

The 640,000 square foot speculative industrial building near Verrado Way and Van Buren Street will be ready for tenants later this year.

Advanced Manufacturing

Buckeye has become a hotspot for advanced manufacturing, providing a favorable environment for innovation and production. The city offers a skilled workforce and a robust infrastructure network, making it an ideal location for manufacturing companies seeking expansion. Buckeye’s advanced manufacturing sector continues to grow, creating job opportunities and fostering economic prosperity.

Rehrig Pacific Company – A leading manufacturer of integrated sustainable solutions for the supply chain and environmental waste industries, broke ground on its new plastic injection molding manufacturing plant in May. The 260,000 square foot facility near SR85 and MC-85 will employ 100 people. Rehrig Pacific is known for being an integral part of the community and is excited to be part of Buckeye!

Mayor Eric Orsborn with Andrew Resler, Head of Special Projects for Rehrig Pacific.

Distribution & Logistics

Thanks to its strategic location near major transportation corridors, including Interstate 10 and State Route 85, Buckeye has become a hub for distribution and logistics. The city’s proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and other regional airports enables efficient access to domestic and international markets. With a range of available industrial spaces and a supportive business environment, Buckeye attracts logistics companies seeking to optimize their supply chains.

• Ross Dress for Less Distribution Center

The 1.7 million square foot facility is currently under construction at Watson Road and Southern Avenue. When complete, this new Buckeye business will employ more than 1,300 people.

Energy

As environmental sustainability gains prominence, Buckeye has embraced renewable energy sources and become a leader in the sector. The city is home to solar energy farms and cutting-edge technologies that harness the power of the sun. With an abundance of sunshine and a commitment to clean energy, Buckeye has attracted renewable energy companies, driving economic growth while contributing to a greener future.

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Funko, Inc

The leading pop culture lifestyle brand relocated its main U.S. distribution to Miller and Lower Buckeye Roads in 2022. The company is leasing a 958,000-square-foot facility while employing over 300 people.

• APS HUBwest - With 100 employees to start and room for expansion, this 83-acre property at SR85 and Baseline Road will be the APS operation site to serve the growing West Valley.

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Five Below

The national retailer established its western distribution center at Miller and Durango Roads in 2021. The company employs nearly 300 people in its 850,000 square-foot building.

• NextEra Energy – The 3,000-acre Sonoran Solar and Storage project near the SR-85 and Riggs Road will be capable of producing and storing 260 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.

• Avolta – Renewable Natural Gas facility that turns manure from local dairy into biogas contributing to the Southwest Gas Pipeline.

Ross Dress for Less Distribution Center

Retail, Entertainment & More! Retail, Entertainment & More!

Buckeye’s rapid population growth has fueled the development of retail establishments to meet the increasing demand for goods and services. The city has seen a surge in the construction of shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Local entrepreneurs and national retail chains alike are drawn to Buckeye’s thriving consumer base, contributing to the city’s economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Verrado Marketplace

Vestar is planning a 500,000 square foot development for retail on the NE corner of Verrado Way and I-10. The project will feature a premier grocery store, department stores, movie theater, restaurants and services.

Costco Wholesale

The highly anticipated Costco on the southeast corner of Verrado Way and I-10 opened its doors on July 13. It’s expected that more retail and restaurants will be announced for the shopping center soon.

The Economic Development team has been hard at work to meet the needs of our community welcoming new retail, services and shopping centers throughout the city. Be on the lookout for another Retail Survey coming in early 2024.

Check out the list of restaurants, retail and services that have recently opened in Buckeye!

Sunrise Marketplace

This 35,000 square foot plaza at Sunrise Lane and Village Street will be a fun destination for shopping, restaurants and other services. The project is expected to be completed at the end of this year.

Jackrabbit and Indian School

This intersection continues to grow with tremendous opportunity in retail, entertainment and services. With the construction of Jackrabbit Crossing well underway, three corners of the intersection will be nearing completion by the end of the year.

Retail Survey’s most wanted:

uckeye recognizes the importance of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to its growing population. The city has invested in expanding its healthcare infrastructure, attracting medical professionals and supporting the establishment of medical facilities and clinics. Buckeye’s healthcare sector is growing a diverse range of services, ensuring residents have convenient access to comprehensive care.

Sundance Medical Pavilion – The 48,000-square foot facility broke ground in May at Watson Road and Yuma Road. The facility will house physical therapy, internal medicine, primary and multispecialty care, imaging, obstetrics and gynecology, specialized pediatric, and lab services.

Abrazo Buckeye – Abrazo Health acquired 27 acres for its Buckeye medical campus near the southwest corner of I-10 and Verrado Way. Plans for the campus include a medical office building, ambulatory services and an acute care hospital.

Banner Buckeye - Located on the northwest corner of Verrado Way and I-10, the 960,000 square foot project will include a full-service hospital and medical office buildings to help fulfill the health care needs of area residents.

Wrap Up

As Buckeye continues to expand its economic horizons, it is poised to become a bustling hub of commerce, providing its residents with a wide range of employment opportunities and a vibrant local economy. A general obligation bond will further contribute to Buckeye’s growth and development. This type of bond is a financial tool used by municipalities to raise funds for various public projects that could include roadway improvements, new fire and police stations, as well as new parks and libraries. Better infrastructure and amenities will make Buckeye a more desirable place to live, attracting more residents and businesses, which in turn will lead to increased economic activity and job creation. Be on the lookout for the general obligation on the November 2024 ballot.

Downtown Specific Area Plan

The Buckeye Downtown Specific Area Plan (Plan) is a visionary document that sets the stage for the growth, development, character and functionality of downtown Buckeye. Serving as the heart and soul of the community, downtown Buckeye will be reinforced and elevated through this plan, providing a clear road map for future civic and private investments in the area. By aligning with the community’s needs and desires, the plan aims to guide decision-making processes while fostering the growth, revitalization and sustainable development of downtown Buckeye.

Throughout the planning process, a comprehensive and inclusive approach was adopted to ensure that the voices of residents, business owners and property owners were heard. Engaging in various exercises and events, the community actively participated in identifying issues, opportunities and values related

to land use, economic development, design and aesthetics, transportation connectivity and downtown programming. This collaborative effort ensured that the plan truly represents the collective aspirations and priorities of the Buckeye community.

This document will provide a comprehensive framework for future decision-making processes, laying out realistic strategies for implementation that will shape the future of downtown Buckeye. From attracting new businesses to enhancing public spaces, the plan will serve as a catalyst for positive change and progress. The Plan is entering its final stages of development and will be published soon.

To learn more about the Plan and the process, please visit buckeyeaz.gov/downtownplan.

530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326