by Craig McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande
In 2021, Casa Grande experienced record jobs expansions. We attracted historic wins in advanced industries like semiconductors, electric vehicles, major manufacturing, and much more.
This would not have been possible without the partnerships from Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), Central Arizona College, Pinal County, Casa Grande Union HS District, Casa Grande Elementary School District, Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, and most importantly, City Staff.
One example of this cooperation and collaboration is in Advancing Workforce Excellence.
In March, the state of Arizona, Pinal County, City of Casa Grande, and Central Arizona College launched a training center to prepare Arizonans for jobs in high-tech industries.
The state-of-the-art facility, named “Drive48,” features cutting-edge robots and multiple hands-on training rooms outfitted to prepare workers for jobs in automotive manufacturing.
The facility received national attention in September when the National Governors Association held its 2021 Fall Workforce Symposium in Phoenix. Representatives from more than 23 states and territories heard from local leaders in industry, government, and higher education about the partnerships and programs in place to maintain a robust, high-tech talent pipeline, including touring the Drive48 facility.
Annual Industry Economic Impact to Casa Grande:
- Jobs total 8,223
- Personal income totaling $407.2 million
- City revenues of $55.0 million
- Economic output of over $2.4 billion
- $260.8 million in total construction valuation
- 1,500 total new home construction permits issued in 2021 (+39%)
- Planning & development reviews +66%
Top contributing Industrial partners:
- Lucid Motors
- Walmart
- Kohler
- Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center
- Hexcel Corporation
- Frito Lay
- Abbott
- Tractor Supply
- National Vitamin
- LKQ
- ACO Polymer
- Cardinal Glass
- Bull Moose Tube
- Price Industry
- Franklin Foods
- Daisy Brand
- Price Industries
- Commonwealth Dairy
Lucid is now Casa Grande’s No.1 employer with over 1,300 employees. Phase II expansion is underway and will create an additional 2.85 million square feet adding to the current .99 million square feet. The amount of steel for Phase II is estimated at 18,000 tons.
Banner Casa Grande doubled the size/capacity of its emergency room. Banner health care workers have done an amazing job through these difficult times.
City staff continues to press our strategic goals forward to help us attract new companies, help existing companies to expand, and develop new job opportunities that continue to expand our overall economy.
Looking forward to another great new year!