news & updates
news & updates
The City of Mesa was recently honored with three 2026 Golden Prospector Awards from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED). The City's Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) was recognized in the categories of Deal of the Year and Multimedia Promotion, while the Office of Urban Transformation (OUT) was recognized in the Program/Processes category.
Mesa OED received awards for its landmark economic development deal with Hadrian, Inc., an advanced manufacturing company using artificial intelligence and robotics to build aerospace and defense components, as well as for the Better Life Mesa Campaign, a marketing effort that promotes Mesa to both businesses and residents. Mesa OUT was also recognized for The Redevelopment Toolkit, a series of tools that support private reinvestment in obsolete or deteriorating properties.
"These awards reflect the breadth of work happening across the City to strengthen Mesa's economy," said City Manager Scott Butler. "We're attracting new investment and jobs, reinvesting in existing properties and telling Mesa's story to businesses and residents. I'm proud of our teams for the thoughtful and practical approach they're taking to create opportunities and keep Mesa moving forward."
The Hadrian, Inc. Factory 3 (F3) project brought one of the most significant advanced manufacturing investments in Arizona to Mesa, establishing a next-generation AI-powered manufacturing and software hub for mission-critical aerospace and defense components at The Cubes at Mesa Gateway. The project represents approximately $200 million in capital investment and is expected to create more than 350 new jobs with average annual wages of approximately $71,000, secured through a performance-based incentive structure that ties public investment directly to job creation and resident hiring.
What made the Better Life Mesa Campaign stand out was its dual approach, reaching business audiences like site selectors and developers (B2B) alongside residents and visitors (B2C) under a single "More to Mesa" brand. Using an integrated paid media strategy across social media, streaming audio, radio, digital billboards and geo-targeted advertising, the campaign outperformed industry benchmarks across nearly every platform, growing Mesa's Better Life Mesa Instagram following from 92 to more than 2,500 followers.
The Redevelopment Toolkit is one of the City's most impactful commitments to revitalization and reinvestment. Buildings developed twenty or thirty years ago often no longer reflect current economic or community needs. Reinvestment in aging buildings creates new jobs, introduces new businesses to Mesa's neighborhoods, remediates blight and improves the economic vitality of the city.
"These two awards capture the full scope of what our team does every day, from closing transformational deals like Hadrian to telling Mesa's story through campaigns like Better Life Mesa," said Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O'Donnell. "We're proud to see both efforts recognized by AAED."
"What makes The Redevelopment Toolkit different is that it was built to solve real-world problems that often stall complex redevelopment projects," said Mesa Redevelopment Program Administrator Jeffrey Robbins. "When old buildings are beautified, and small businesses have spaces to grow, Mesa is a better place for our residents."
The Golden Prospector Awards, presented annually by the AAED, recognize outstanding achievements in advancing economic development across Arizona. The program encourages innovative approaches that strengthen communities, attract investment and promote sustainable growth throughout the state.
For more information about AAED, visit aaed.com.