About
Mesa, Arizona’s third largest city, is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., ranked #38 in the nation. Mesa ranked third in Money Magazine’s 2006 “Best Big Cities” and “Best Places to Live” in the U.S. Mesa has cultivated a diverse economic base, attracted and established educational institutions of excellence, and offers a pro-business climate.

Mesa’s sunny, temperate climate provides year-round recreation opportunities, including ample parks, nearly 30 golf courses and miles of trails and path systems. Mesa is rich in arts and culture, with a number of cultural facilities including theatres, museums and an arts center.

Location
Located 15 miles southeast of Phoenix, Mesa and its planning area encompasses 172 square miles.

Population
More than 450,000 residents; Mesa’s growth rate, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is 6.9%. It is projected that by 2020, Mesa will have a population of 567,000.

Median Age
The median age is 32.91 years.

28.1 % Under 18 years
10.0 % 18-24
29.1 % 25-44 years
19.8 % 45-64
13.0 % 65+ years

Median Household Income
$49,938

Median Home Value
$282,880 (new)
$239,000 (resale)

Growth Indicators
6,277 new building permits issued in 2006
$7.5 billion collected in taxable sales

City Infrastructure
Mesa provides all standard municipal services such as police and fire protection, parks and recreation, libraries, transportation, neighborhood outreach and general administration. The city also owns and operates electricity, gas, water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities.

Regional Employment Areas
Downtown Mesa, Falcon Field Airpark, Superstition Springs, the Williams Gateway Area, Superstition Freeway Corridor and Union Pacific Business Corridor.

Economic Base
Mesa’s primary economic base comprises aerospace/aviation, agri-business, education, healthcare, electronics, manufacturing, retail and transportation services.

Major Employers
(# of employees)
AT&T (2,800)
Banner Health Systems (6,600)
Boeing (4,700)
City of Mesa (3,200)
Empire Southwest Machinery (1,000)
Kroger Company (1,080)
Mesa Public Schools (10,000)
TRW Safety Systems (800)

Educational Facilities
Mesa Public Schools
ASU Polytechnic
AT Still University
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
East Valley Institute of Technology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Mesa Community College
Northern Arizona University
University of Phoenix

Major Attractions
Hohokam Stadium (Spring Training home of the Chicago Cubs)
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Amphitheatre
Mesa Arizona Temple
Mesa Indoor Aquatic Center
Red Mountain Multigenerational Center

Resorts/Hotels
Mesa has more than 60 resorts, hotels and motels. Some of the resorts and hotels include:

Arizona Golf Resort
Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa
Marriot
Windemere Hotel and Conference Center

Financial Sources
(2005/2006)
Enterprise $283 million
Intergovernmental Revenue $175 million
Sales Tax $117 million
Carryover $63 million
Licensing and Permits $19 million
Fines and Forfeitures $13 million
Charges for Services $20 million
Misc. $10 million
Other Taxes $1.7 million

Total financial sources: $705 million

Honorable Rankings
#3 of the 10 Best Big Cities (2006, Money Magazine)
#3 of the Best Places to Live (2006, Money Magazine)

Sources: City of Mesa 2007, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Claritas, Arizona Real Estate Center, U.S. Census Bureau