By Peter Madrid | MadridMedia

Collaboration is a word used quite often in commercial real estate circles. It describes perfectly what the ULI Arizona panel on the transformation of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport discussed recently at SkySong.

The airport has roots that go back to when it was a military airfield, known then as Williams Air Force Base. Today it is a bustling regional airport fueling economic growth not just in the Southeast Valley, but in all of Metro Phoenix.

Panelists came from entities playing pivotal roles in shaping the area’s future as a center for technology, business, regional connectivity, and innovation. So, what makes Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport the economic force that it is?

“A majority of the companies coming have been bringing quality and highly-skilled jobs,” said Jackie Orcutt, a Senior Vice President with CBRE. “When this is the case, you need great partnerships. These partnerships include making sure there is labor, housing, and workforce training. Also, where are these people going to eat and shop. Retail partnerships are just as important.”

The development of the nearby Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, a driving force for education, research and entrepreneurship, has been key. Denise Christensen, Director of Real Estate Development at ASU, explained why.

“The Polytechnic Campus shows exactly what an innovation zone is. It puts the airport in proximity to ASU’s innovation and talent,” Christensen said. “There are research labs and lots of really smart engineers. ASU Poly has been in the Southeast Valley for 30 years. In that time frame, the campus has really emerged as a hub of engineering and great tech education. Today there are 6,200 students; that number could grow to 15,000 by 2028. That is a pretty significant growth rate. We want to establish a presence that is well known nationally and internationally.”

Maria Laughner, Deputy Economic Development Director for the City of Mesa, said any community would want an airport – especially one with the amenities that Phoenix-Mesa Gateway possesses.

“The airport is the best thing to happen not just to Mesa but to the Southeast Valley as well,” Laughner said. “It’s seen as a tech hub as well. It represents the future of aviation and what it’s going to mean to future generations. It also represents business attraction. Companies want to be near an airport. Employees travel for business; airports help with that, as well as tourism, which is huge. When you look at the entire host of opportunities around the airport, we are very lucky to have it here in Mesa.”

Lori Collins, Director of Business and Economic Development for the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, agrees.

“Thirty years later we have seen more than 2 million passengers play out of the airport. There are 60 businesses on site; we have more than 700 development acres to go. We are just hitting our stride. The sky is the limit.”

Moderating the panel was Sarah Owen, District Business Development Manager at Sundt Construction.