What We Heard
As a result of the stakeholder input of the past few months, a number of themes have emerged in the response cards that were completed at these gatherings.  This is a summary of what we have heard.   

Most residents offered exciting ideas for the Mesa Proving Grounds area.  Their focus concentrated on bringing more high-quality jobs to Mesa and retaining or expanding commercial development in and around the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.  In particular, they supported development that would include: 

• More commercial development in the area, ranging from retail development, to office and corporate spaces, to light industrial development.
• Community open space including parks and recreation areas.
• Expansion of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and its operations.

Economic Development
Quality jobs and economic development were the highest priority for all of the neighbors and community leaders.  They recognize the long-term opportunity of the Williams Gateway area.

When asked what kinds of companies would improve the Williams Gateway area, more than 70% marked higher education or university institutions.  Many neighbors want to continue to attract manufacturing and new technology companies to the area.  A resort core also earned strong support and was viewed as a need for the area.

Amenity Rich Community
In all of the forums and meetings about Mesa Proving Grounds, it is clear that residents desire a community that offers recreational, educational and community amenities.

80% of the respondents also told us they want more dining options, and 74% would like to see more parks in the Williams Gateway area.  Entertainment and arts/cultural amenities also earned support from a vast majority of stakeholders.

Transportation & Smart Growth
We learned from the response cards and surveys that many Mesans in the area have long commutes.  More than 90% of the respondents would take advantage of alternative modes of transportation if they were available.  Water conservation, use of solar technology and recycling programs were also strongly supported as steps that companies should take in becoming more sustainable.

Housing
There was strong support from the neighbors for a diverse mix of housing.  More than 66% responded that they believe we need housing for working families and executives.  Even more would like to see live/work spaces and housing in mixed-use developments in the Southeast Valley.

DMB wants to plan businesses and retail that work with a variety of housing options and more than 90% of the survey responses supported this concept.  They also offered strong support (70%) for a proposal that includes a mixed-use site that focuses on a resort and employment center.