APS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

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1 APRIL 2003 APS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES Countless Arizona communities have developed and implemented strategic and business retention and development plans. Many have succeeded while others have struggled. Through the commitment of community leaders and citizens, APS has been quietly helping Arizona s cities and towns identify key strengths and challenges critical to their success. APS offers programs that focus on community development, business development and business retention. Those programs include A Focused Future, A Focused Future II and Building Bridges to Business (B3). By Evelyn Casuga Developed by APS Community Relations and Economic Development Department in 1993, the Focused Future program is a dynamic process that provides technical economic development assistance to Arizona communities and regions. Focused Pictured are some of the eighty young people from Lowell Elementary and North High Schools in Tucson, attend a Youth Visioning Exercise at Lowell Elementary School on February 25, The purpose was for the Central City South Focused Future Action Team to understand how the young people of the area view their neighborhood and to have them identify what they would like to see happen in the area. Future helps communities create a strategic plan that sets the stage for a prosperous local economy. Community leaders and volunteers form teams that assess the status of the community and what it needs to improve. APS provides guidance and support throughout the process. Kids participate in a hands-on exercise at the Youth Visioning Exercise at Lowell Elementary School. More than 40 Arizona communities have participated in the Focused Future process. From Sedona to Douglas, these communities have worked to develop stronger economies and further improve their quality of life. Continued on page 2

2 RURAL COMMUNITIES, Continued from page 1 A Focused Future is one of those rare win-win programs, said Evelyn Casuga, APS Southeast Division manager. We stress early on that this is a partnership. Residents of Goodyear participate in a public forum as part of the A Focused Future II program. Elements of A Focused Future II include an examination of successes and challenges, issue and trend analysis, and exploration of best practices. Included in the process is the design of a new model of non-traditional economic and quality of life measures developed to monitor successes as defined by the community. Like other members of the community, APS has a stake in the community s financial growth. We re making an investment. As they thrive, so do we. The future of the community is in the hands of its members. We just give them tools and guidance, says Casuga. A Focused Future is a communitybased program. That s why it has been so successful. One of many success stories is the City of Douglas. In 1996 Douglas adopted its Focused Future Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The document served as a blueprint for economic development in the community and ushered in a new era of collaborative and focused economic development. Since then, Douglas has made tremendous strides in the implementation of the strategic plan. Improving housing and the area s quality of life were critical issues. Now citizens are talking positively about the cleanliness of the community and its improved aesthetics and atmosphere. People are landscaping and painting their homes and new housing is being built making a tremendous visual impact on the city. Physical improvements also included a $1.5 million investment in an apartment complex and the development of new parks. Because of the community s success with A Focused Future, Douglas was selected to participate in a new program called A Focused Future II. Cottonwood, Goodyear and Prescott Valley were also selected to participate in the new program. Elements of A Focused Future II include an examination of successes and challenges, issue and trend analysis, and exploration of best practices. Included in the process is the design of a new model of non-traditional economic and quality of life measures developed to monitor successes as defined by the community. Focused Future II is a great program with great value, said Gary Marks, executive director, Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation. The process and the end product are extremely valuable as long as the community implements the plan. The Focused Future II process was created to engage more community involvement and public participation as key components to the development of the strategic plan. Douglas recently unveiled its plan which identifies seven important opportunities for economic sustainability: Maximizing Douglas proximity to Mexico Creating better paying jobs that encourage area youth to stay in Douglas Increasing the standard of living for all residents, thus improving the quality of life Providing services and goods to support the local and regional economy Creating and sustaining an environment where people who work in Douglas choose to live in Douglas Increasing and enhancing educational opportunities within the community and Enhancing the image of Douglas both within and outside the community. The process was long and challenging, but well worth the effort, said Douglas City Manager Michael J. Ortega. We believe we will quickly begin to see the results of this comprehensive effort. The City of Casa Grande also is a success story. As A Focused Future community, the city has an integrated and energetic economic development team that is comprised of an economic development foundation, Continued on page 10 2 APRIL 2003

3 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE By Kelli A. Sertich, AICP, CFM This year has started out as a busy one for The AzPA Board of Directors. There have been a number of activities and issues addressed in January and February, and therefore, a lot of outstanding effort to be recognized. The first board meeting of 2003 took place on January 17th with the entire board in attendance. In addition to dealing with the standard issues (budget, conference, workshops, etc), the board voted to send letters supporting continued funding of the planning program at the University of Arizona and for preserving the Department of Commerce Community Development Program. As of this writing, both programs are limping forward. However, the budget process is not over yet, so whenever possible, please continue to offer your support. On January 31st, a very successful meet and greet was held in Flagstaff to give the board members an opportunity to chat with NAU planning students. The event was held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Flagstaff. Students, faculty, board members, and planning staff from the county and city were in attendance. I would like to offer a big thanks to Kyle Dalton, Student Director NAU, and Jerry Swanson, Director at Large, for all of their efforts in making this event successful. I enjoyed talking with the students and their enthusiasm reminded me why planning was a great profession. Expect to see similar events at ASU and U of A. The Legislature is well into session now. On February 11th, AzPA s first Planner s Day at the State Capitol took place. The weather held (although it was a little chilly) and a steady stream of people came by the tables to receive info on the Arizona Planning Association and American Planning Association. About 25 planners from around the state participated. We look forward to this event continuing each year with growing involvement from AzPA s members. The day went smoothly due to the extensive preparation by Debra Stark, V.P. Legislative Affairs, Tom Dorn, AzPA lobbyist, and Patti King, chapter administrator. Great job! And thanks to Debra, Tom, and the legislative committee for hustling to stay on top of all the legislation. The Professional Development Committee held their first program of the year on February 21st. This was the annual AICP Exam Workshop and this year there were 21 planners present. I would like to thank Joy Rich, V.P. Professional Development, for organizing the event and Michael Waiczis for his commitment to our chapter each year as the presenter. Good luck to all of you who are taking the AICP exam this year. There will be a variety of professional development workshops to attend throughout the remainder of the year. The Awards Committee is working away on this year s Awards Program. Be on the lookout for the application in May or June and be thinking of projects to submit. Categories where we receive too few entries are the Distinguished Leadership and Historic Planning Pioneer. We need to recognize those among us who are leading the way in planning and promoting the cause of making great communities happen. To all of you working on these committees, writing for this newsletter, and volunteering for AzPA activities Thanks You make the difference. ARIZONA CHAPTER MISSION STATEMENT The Arizona Planning Association is committed to improving the quality of the built environment and the preservation of the natural environment in the State of Arizona by supporting and advancing the virtues of responsible planning throughout the state; to function as the nucleus for the exchange of ideas and information and to provide the general membership and the public with information necessary to make informed responsible decisions on planning issues. APRIL

4 RAPID: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BENEFITING ARIZONA S RURAL COMMUNITIES By JJ Allen WHAT IS RAPID? Rural Assistance for Planning and Infrastructure Development (RAPID) was organized in Fall It is an informal group of state, federal, and other entities that can provide assistance to rural Arizona cities and towns in the areas of planning and infrastructure development. The impetus of RAPID is two-fold: 1) to assist participating communities in recognizing the foundational building blocks of a thriving community, and 2) to present them with a myriad of planning and infrastructure-related resources through one point of access. Governor s Policy Advisors Arizona Humanities Council Greater Arizona Development Authority Arizona Office of Tourism USDA Rural Development Arizona Small Utilities Association Water Infrastructure Finance Authority As the RAPID team considers a community s needs, a guiding tool is the Community Utilization Matrix, seen below. This matrix is not to say that one size fits all, but it illustrates that the successful development of a community generally begins with planning, progresses with investment in infrastructure, and continues with economic development. Through RAPID, participating communities are able to draw on the perspectives of professionals specializing in the four areas of this continuum. After reviewing and discussing a community s planning and infrastructure projects, the RAPID team provides feedback that identifies the ways the community could take advantage of the individual RAPID programs to further those projects. For example, the community could apply for a Growing Smarter grant or request technical assistance from the Community Planning Office of the Department of Commerce. Or, they may find that the Arizona Office of Tourism has assistance available to promote a local attraction. The community can then follow-up with those programs individually. RAPID is administered by the Greater Arizona Development Authority, and team members include the following: APS Community Development Arizona State Library Arizona Department of Commerce Arizona State Parks Arizona Department of Housing Government Information Technology Agency Arizona Department of Transportation ROUND 1: THE TOWN OF FLORENCE RAPID s first efforts were with the Town of Florence. The team held preparation meetings in early 2002, and then met with town staff to get direct input as to what planning and infrastructure projects were being considered. With this information, the team compiled a report that described the many ways the programs represented in RAPID could match up with the town s needs. This report was then presented at a meeting in Florence that facilitated direct interaction between the RAPID team and town staff. As a result of the report and final meeting, the Town of Florence gained a greater understanding of the various types of assistance available. The report was well received, and the town staff appreciated the chance to talk face-to-face with potential assistance providers. Because of various funding cycles and budget constraints, it is too early to tell just how much Florence will utilize the programs represented in RAPID. However, consensus was that the process was beneficial to both the town staff and to the RAPID team members. Continued on page 10 4 J APRIL 2003

5 THE COMMUNITY PLANNING OFFICE PROVIDES TOP-DOWN SUPPORT FOR BOTTOM-UP SOLUTIONS By Kristen Keener For many rural communities and counties in Arizona, the Community Planning Office at the Arizona Department of Commerce is one of the first stops for planning assistance. The Community Planning Office was established in 1982 to aid rural communities and counties in areas crucial to planning for and managing community development and economic vitality. The fundamental philosophy of the Community Planning Office is to foster community capacity-building at the local level and solid community planning and economic development foundations throughout Arizona s municipalities, counties, and tribal communities. As one of the only state resources in existence addressing grass roots planning and zoning issues, the Community Planning Office directs its activities to be most effective and responsive to statutory mandates and community and county needs. Community Planning Office staff are currently focused in the following areas: Technical Assistance The Community Planning Office provides statewide technical assistance, education, and training in areas such as land use planning, zoning, development, infrastructure, public participation, and strategic planning to effectively enable public officials and community leaders to make informed decisions that result in healthy, thriving communities. Local level implementation of Arizona s Growing Smarter Acts From the inception of the original Growing Smarter Act in 1998 through Growing Smarter Plus 2000, the Community Planning Office has been developing resource materials and conducting Growing Smarter education workshops to update local elected and appointed officials on these state planning mandates. Community Planning Office staff participate on municipal and county general/comprehensive plan technical advisory committees and proactively assist communities that do not have general plans in place. The Arizona Department of Commerce, via the Community Planning Office, is also one of the four primary review entities identified in the statutes to comment on local plans and major amendments (ARS (C)(4) and ARS (G)(4)). Administering the Growing Smarter Planning Grant Program The purpose of the Growing Smarter Planning Grant Program (GSPG) is to assist small and rural municipalities or counties in meeting their basic planning needs as they relate to developing general/comprehensive plans that meet state Growing Smarter requirements. The GSPG funds may be used for planning efforts in compliance with Growing Smarter/Plus including, but not limited to, public participation program development and implementation; general or comprehensive plan text, map and graphics preparation; zoning ordinance development or updates; and the development of specific plans, design guidelines, etc. that build on the foundation set in the general or comprehensive plan. Since 1998, over forty communities and counties have been awarded GSPG funds. Growing Smarter Oversight Council In February of 2001, Governor Hull established the Growing Smarter Oversight Council (GSOC) by Executive Order to monitor the implementation of Growing Smarter, suggest refinements, and measure effectiveness, among other charges. The Community Planning Office is the designated resource and coordinating staff for the GSOC, which comprises 33 appointees representing various interest groups and other growth stakeholders. Military Airports Regional Compatibility Project The Arizona Department of Commerce, via the Community Planning Office, is leading the Arizona Military Regional Compatibility Project. Senate Bill 1120 (May 2001) appropriated funds to develop comprehensive land use plans in the noise and accident potential zones surrounding active military airports. This long-term, statewide endeavor is designed to find resolutions to encroachment issues through collaborative effort and strong implementation. Phase one of this effort addresses the following military facilities: Luke Air Force Base and Luke AFB Auxiliary 1 Airfield; Continued on page 11 APRIL

6 SOUTHERN SECTION UPDATE By Barbara Strelke, AICP, Southern Section Director The Southern Section has been busy planning more events for In March, about 40 Southern Section members met at the Sonoran Cohousing community for a brown bag discussion on cohousing. James Hamilton, project manager and a Sonoran Cohousing resident, discussed the philosophy, planning, and financing behind the cohousing concept. He was able to answer several questions our local planners had regarding this relatively new housing option. After a question and answer session, attendees were taken on a tour of the community. For April, the Southern Section will be hosting a mobile workshop to Nogales, Arizona with a stop in Nogales, Sonora. Local officials and planning representatives will be speaking about economic issues and planning efforts along the border. If you have not received information about this event, please call Robin Valenzuela at or Julie Campbell at Sometime during the summer months, we are planning to host a panel discussion regarding border issues. Planned topics are immigration policy, economic, and social issues. If you have any specific issues or topics concerning the U.S.-Mexico border, that you would like to learn more about, please contact Barbara Strelke at encoreplanning@ theriver.com. Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who has provided contact information to Robin. We now have an updated list of 200 Southern Section members. If you are not on this list or wish to be removed from it, please call Robin at GROWING SMARTER IN MARANA By Jordan Feld Planners in Marana have the challenge of planning for a community with the highest growth rate in the State, as well as planning for pygmy owls a federally listed endangered species. An interesting juxtaposition planning to accommodate a burgeoning population while at the same time planning to accommodate an endangered species. Those are just two examples of the critical issues that needed to be addressed in the process of preparing the General Plan Update. Planning of a community of nearly 120 square miles is an intricate and difficult undertaking made easier by one simple fact citizens and staff are committed to making Marana a great place to live, work, and play. In the spirit of this commitment and as required by Growing Smarter the Town of Marana placed the General Plan Update on the March Primary Ballot. The General Plan Update was approved by over 90% of the voting citizens. This marks a significant step in Marana s maturation and demonstrates a level of understanding for equity, cooperation, and an unmatched example of environmental stewardship among citizens and elected officials. The update process relied upon a thorough public involvement plan, communitywide support of the update effort, and a local commitment to the values of managing growth and diligent land use planning. The dissemination of Growing Smarter principles was achieved through numerous neighborhood and focus group meetings as well as direct online access to the update process. In the days leading up to the election, a mass mailing of sample ballots and supporting information proved critical in conveying the purpose and impact of the update. Like the old entrepreneurial adage that a good product sells itself, the ratification of the General Plan Update demonstrated community support for the planning mandate established through Growing Smarter. 6 J APRIL 2003

7 REGIONAL TOURISM MARKETING STRATEGY Diversification of a community s economy can be difficult. But, when the community is located far from the beaten path and cannot offer amenities such as a major airport, rail line, or interstate, the task can become daunting. Tourism is one aspect of economic development that can be successful without the existence of the amenities that often exist in larger metropolitan areas, or even in other small communities that have location advantages. Community leaders in Gila and Pinal counties understood this some time ago and began pushing for a Tourism Marketing Strategy not for individual communities, but for the region as a whole. With the assistance of a technical assistance grant from the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the dream became reality. In April 2002, the Regional Council of the Central Arizona Association of Governments (CAAG) formally approved the Regional Tourism Marketing Strategy for Gila and Pinal counties. Promotional efforts geared toward Theme Marketing (the selection of a specific area of interest in order to attract a particular tourist segment) have been singled out for priority status. The theory is that once you attract a visitor to the region who has an interest in a region-wide theme, he/she will be more likely to travel throughout the two-county area to visit these related attractions. This, of course, will keep the tourist in the area for longer periods of time, raising the likelihood that they will make gas, food, lodging expenditures, and/or souvenir purchases. Considering the state budget cuts that are looming on the horizon, and in view of the potential impact to the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), CAAG s Tourism Marketing Strategy is looking even more vital to the economic viability and diversification of this mostly rural area. COMBINATION OF FUNDS BUILDS POOL FOR SUPERIOR Small towns generally have to make do with equally small budgets. Unfortunately, the costs of items required by these communities are not reduced proportionally to the community s availability of cash. In some cases, the costs are even higher due to the distance a construction crew, for example, might have to travel to the job site. The Town of Superior recently ran up against this obstacle when developing its tactics for the construction of a new community swimming pool. In the process, town staff formulated a plan whereby Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds could be used to match a grant from Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. Time became another complicating factor as the CDBG grant was nearing expiration at the time when the contract for Heritage Fund money was just being released. Assistance from the CDBG staff at the state level, along with a construction company that was committed to the timely completion of the project, allowed the pool to be finished within the short time period that remained before the CDBG funds expired. Superior now boasts a new pool that offers amenities such as a zero-entry area, water features, tables, ramadas, bathhouse, and showers. Through an IGA, the local high school will also be able to take advantage of this new facility by holding swimming competitions here. APRIL

8 Neighborhoods Energizing Our Community Spirit Arizona A CONFERENCE ON NEIGHBORHOODS FOR ARIZONA JUNE 27-28, 2003 Where: Mesa Centennial Hall and Convention Center, Mesa Sheraton This conference is sponsored by The Leadership Centre a unique public-private partnership formed by the City of Chandler, City of Mesa, Town of Gilbert, Town of Queen Creek, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Mesa Community College, Sunbelt Holdings, and The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Maricopa County. Who is invited: Anyone who lives in a neighborhood, works with neighborhoods, or cares about neighborhoods Topics and Speakers include: Governor Janet Napolitano is invited, Lincoln Land Institute s Making Sense of Place, homeowner association training, growth, neighborhood security, water conservation, neighborhood technology and many others Registration: Contact Debra Umbower x 338 or register on the web: CONFERENCE EARLY REGISTRATION OPPORTUNITY By Jon Froke, AICP, City of Glendale Recognizing that many local jurisdictions and state agencies are facing serious budget constraints, the 2003 conference planning committee has decided to offer a ten percent discount on conference registrations paid prior to the end of June, This means that registration rates will be rolled back to those charged in The conference committee is hopeful this helps the Arizona Planning Association membership and ensures a successful conference. Following is an early registration form. You may submit it via fax or mail and payment by check or credit card will be acceptable. If you have any questions, please call the association office at I look forward to seeing you here in Glendale for the 2003 Conference. 8 J APRIL 2003

9 IMPLEMENTING ARIZONA S FUTURE ARIZONA PLANNING ASSOCIATION 2003 ANNUAL CONFERENCE EARLY REGISTRATION FORM October 15-17, 2003 Glendale Civic Center Glendale, AZ To qualify for the early registration ten percent discount, please complete this form and return it to the address below by Monday, June 30, Mailed, faxed and ed registrations will be accepted. Payment for all early registrations must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 30, No refunds will be issued on registrations not canceled prior to October 6, Registration includes admission to all sessions, opening reception, continental breakfasts, awards luncheon and Planners Bazaar. For registration information or questions, call (602) Name: Title: AICP: Yes No Full name, exactly as you would like it on badge: Organization: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Address: *Membership with AzPA, Arizona Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, or the Arizona Bar Association. Please check here if meatless meals are desired: MOBILE WORKSHOPS The following mobile workshops are $35 per person ($40 after October 6) and are limited in attendees: Downtown Walking Tour Historic Glendale Tour West Valley Development Coyotes and Cardinals West Valley Sports Facilities Mixed Use Implementing a Sustainable Phoenix Subtotal for Mobile Workshops $ GUEST TICKETS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS Amount Opening Reception $35 (no host bar) $ AzPA Awards Luncheon $30 $ Planners Bazaar $35 (no host bar) $ Subtotal for Guest Tickets $ Please check here if meatless meals are desired for your guest: Total Payment (Registrations/Mobile Workshops/Guest Tickets) $ Method of Payment: Check Credit Card (Visa/MC Only) Credit Card # Exp. Date Print name as it appears on card: Signature: Member* Non-Member Amount DISCOUNTED CONFERENCE REGISTRATION By June 30 (postmarks accepted) $175 $200 Planning Commission or Board $110 $135 Student $90 $110 EARLY CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Registrations sent July 1 September 19 $195 $225 Planning Commission or Board $125 $150 Student $100 $125 LATE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Registrations sent after September 19 $225 $255 Planning Commission or Board $155 $185 Student $125 $150 Breakfast Roundtable (requires separate reg.) $ 35 $ 45 PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOP Regulating Big Box Development Deadline: October 10, 2003 $ 55 $ 65 Student $ 35 $ 45 Subtotal for Registrations $ Arizona Planning Association North 31st Avenue Suite 405 Phoenix, AZ For More Information Phone Fax pking830@qwest.net APRIL

10 RURAL COMMUNITIES, Continued from page 2 the mayor, council, other city officials, the Arizona Department of Commerce and APS. The team recently attracted two strong businesses to the area and, according to those businesses, Casa Grande s organized and effective approach to addressing businesses needs was a key factor in their selection. Casa Grande s Focused Future plan is the foundation for the community s success, says David Bentler, APS senior economic development consultant. Along with a great location with proximity to Interstates 8 and 10 and the Union Pacific Railroad, the city was organized and prepared with its presentation to the new businesses. Another important aspect of successful community and economic development is business retention and expansion. Studies estimate that as much as 80 percent of new job growth comes not from new businesses, but from businesses that already are established in a community. Building Bridges to Business (B3), APS newest economic development program, was developed to help Arizona communities retain successful hometown companies and encourage them to create more jobs. B3 is an Internet-based program that provides communities and their economic development organizations with sophisticated survey instruments and customized computer software that helps define, analyze and report community-specific company information. The B3 program evaluates each company s value to the community, growth potential, risk of relocation or downsizing, overall satisfaction and employment trends. With this information, communities can help local businesses survive economic difficulties or assist businesses with expansions that add new jobs. They also can identify companies that might be considering relocating to other areas and provide incentives to retain them. To date, pilots of the B3 program have been launched in three communities, Yuma, the Prescott Valley region and the greater Phoenix area. According to Ted Hidinger, a senior economic development consultant with APS, Based on input from a number of cities and economic development organizations across the country, B3 has proven to be an excellent tool for helping communities retain businesses and increase jobs. We are looking forward to similar results here in Arizona. Arizona is rich with natural and human resources that enhance its communities. Through the commitment of the state s diverse citizens and programs like A Focused Future, A Focused Future II and B3, and with the help of organizations like the Arizona Department of Commerce and APS, our cities and towns will continue to thrive and prosper. RAPID, Continued from page 4 ROUND 2 AND BEYOND As with any new endeavor, RAPID is a work in progress. The process with Florence helped the team realize that certain modifications could be made that would make RAPID more effective and efficient. The biggest change will be that future efforts will eliminate unnecessary preparation time. With the program s core concept being that communities can run their projects by the RAPID team and get quick feedback, the plan is to hold only one meeting per community. In advance of that meeting, the community will provide the RAPID team with a list and description of all its projects. With this information, the team members can individually prepare the feedback to be given in the meeting. The Greater Arizona Development Authority will prepare a report summarizing the proceedings of the meeting. The report will include in-depth descriptions of all the programs represented in RAPID. Under this new format, RAPID hopes to hold a project meeting each quarter. Depending on the participating community, these meetings may be held on site or in Phoenix. If you have any questions regarding the RAPID program, contact JJ Allen, Community Development Manager for the Greater Arizona Development Authority at jjallen@gada.info. 10 J APRIL 2003

11 TOP-DOWN SUPPORT, Continued from page 5 Davis-Monthan Air Force Base; Barry M. Goldwater Range and Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield and the associated air access corridors. A policy guidebook for outlying military facilities will also be developed containing best practices and guidance for rural jurisdictions and service branches. Education and Training The Community Planning Office organizes and conducts individual training workshops and retreats for counties and communities that respond to locally-identified concerns and will ultimately strengthen their economic infrastructure. Additionally, the Community Planning Office holds an annual statewide conference for boards of adjustment, planning commissioners, elected officials, and staff that is designed to increase the knowledge and skills necessary for promoting responsible public officials. Resources The Community Planning Office maintains a planning reference library comprising general and comprehensive plans, zoning codes, specific plans and area plans, among other important documents for every community, county, and tribal entity throughout the state. The Community Planning Office continually develops new, creative, and innovative resource materials. Examples include the Arizona Planning & Zoning Handbook and the Common Questions About Planning in Arizona, to help address community concerns and provide information for local problem-solving that ultimately increases opportunities for successful community and economic development. For more information about the Community Planning Office or other programs at the Arizona Department of Commerce, please visit the department s website at or contact staff directly at (602) Kristen Keener is a senior planner with the Community Planning Office, Department of Commerce PLANNING TECHNICIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Lake Havasu City, AZ Salary: $27,477 $44,990 DOQ, plus benefits. Requires: Bachelor s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Geography or a related field; or, any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work. For further job requirements and to obtain an application contact: Lake Havasu City, Human Resources 2330 McCulloch Blvd. North Lake Havasu City, AZ Phone: 928/ fax: 928/ tdd: 928/ or visit our web site at: Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received. EOE APRIL

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13 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS President Kelli Sertich, AICP Flood Control District of Maricopa County (602) Vice President for Professional Development Joy M. Rich, AICP, Maricopa County (602) Vice President for Legislative Affairs Debra Stark, City of Peoria (623) Vice President for Conference (2003) Jon M. Froke, AICP, City of Glendale (623) Vice President for Conference (2004) Mark Schnaufer, AICP, AMEC Infrastructure (520) Secretary Russell Lambert, AICP, City of Yuma (928) Treasurer Wahid Alam, AICP, City of Mesa (480) North Central Section Director Mark Wheaton, AICP, ADOT (602) South Section Director Barbara Strelke, AICP, Encore Planning Group (520) Citizen Planner John Jordan (602) Directors at Large Jerry Swanson, Town of Gilbert (480) Jeff Connell, AICP, Jones & Stokes (602) Bonnie D. Bariola, Pinal County (520) Rodney Cobb, Cobb & Associates (480) Newsletter Editor Dean P. Brennan, AICP, City of Phoenix (602) Newsletter Co-Editor Ken Hall, AICP (602) Maricopa Association of Governments Executive Director Patti King (602) Fax: (602) Web-site address: Arizona Planning is a statewide publication of the Arizona Planning Association, a Chapter of the American Planning Association. As the primary communications tool of the State Chapter, this newsletter serves a vital role in the planning community. All APA members and other persons interested in planning are invited to participate by writing articles or submitting graphics. In addition to "Point of View" and stories about planning, we solicit "Network" pieces, job ads, letters to the editor, photos, maps or drawings that relate to planning. Arizona Planning Association ADVERTISING RATES: N 31st Ave., Suite 405 $150 Annually, Phoenix, AZ Six Issues (602) fax (602) APRIL

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15 Todd Neill, ASLA 3295 N. Drinkwater Blvd. #11 Scottsdale, AZ Phone (480) Fax (480) SEDONA, AZ (928) (800) Stutz Bearcat Dt.#6 Growth is inevitable It s planning that makes the difference. Land Use Planning CADD Mapping Engineering Surveying Natural Resource Consulting SERVING CLIENTS SINCE 1974 COTTONWOOD,AZ (928) Clemenceau Plaza, Ste E. Hwy 89A TAOS, NM (505) COUNCIL, ID (800) Visit us at info@sec-landmgt.com APRIL

16 NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, ARIZONA PERMIT NO. 650 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION/ARIZONA N. 31 st Avenue, Suite 405 Phoenix, AZ FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE APS Economic Development in Rural Communities 1 President s Message 3 Rapid: A Collaborative Effort Benefiting Arizona s Rural Communities 4 The Community Planning Office Provides Top-Down Support for Bottom-up Solutions 5 Southern Section Update 6 Growing Smarter in Marana 6 Regional Tourism Marketing Strategy 7 Energizing Our Community Spirit Conference Conference Early Registration Opportunity Arizona Planning Association Important Dates to Remember MAY 10 AICP Exam 16 APA Board of Directors Meeting 30 Land Use Law Workshop, Phoenix 30 Newsletter Article Deadline JULY 25 APA Board of Directors Meeting AUGUST 5 8 Four Corners Conference, Las Vegas OCTOBER State Planning Conference, Glendale TO PUBLISH Articles should not exceed four pages, single spaced, 12 point font, formatted in Word Perfect or MS Word. Be sure to spell check your article. Graphics are encouraged: tables and charts saved as either Excel or Lotus (*.xls or *.wk4); pictures and maps saved in bitmap, tiff or eps format (*.bmp, *tif, or *.eps). Submissions should be ed or sent on 3.5" disk to the newsletter editor, co-editor, or staff administrator. Please include your name, title, organization, phone number, and address.