Summit calls for economic infrastructure

If Arizona is to successfully lure companies, it would benefit by changing its stance that development must pay for itself, Chandler's economic-development director contends. Chris Mackay delivered the message last week during the ASU/City of Chandler Economic Summit at Chandler City Hall, which hosted leaders from Valley communities, government and businesses. It is the job of government to provide infrastructure that benefits everyone, Mackay said. Chandler's Price Corridor, for example, has been successful as a magnet for high-tech companies because its infrastructure includes optic cables and gas lines. In Arizona, there are not only impact fees for businesses but the costs of, say, a half-mile waterline or sewerline or power. Companies do not always face those expenses in other states or in other countries that compete for manufacturers, such as Intel. "Lack of attention to infrastructure is the thing that puts Arizona at the greatest disadvantage," Mackay said after the conference. "You can throw all the cash you want at a company, but if they have to put in $5 million or $10 million or more worth of infrastructure, it's not a level playing field."

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