Economic Development News April 2026 | | |
Happy Spring everyone! The team is excited to bring you another edition of the QC Economic Development Newsletter, your go-to source for updates and opportunities in Queen Creek. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we hope you find this newsletter informative.
Doreen, Jenn, Marissa, and Bridgette
The QC Economic Development Team
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In February, Queen Creek’s 2026 State of the Town highlighted a year of achievements that continue to shape our community. The accomplishments align with the Town’s Corporate Strategic Plan and were complemented by a panel featuring several of the Town’s agritainment destinations.
This year's State of the Town presentation is now available to read or watch online.
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QUEEN CREEK JOB FAIR, May 7th
Through our partners at Arizona at Work, there will be a job fair held at the Queen Creek Library on May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Industries represented include education, government, manufacturing, healthcare, customer service, and public safety. Please share with potential job seekers and employers.
Contact HSDBusinessServices@Maricopa.gov for more info.
| | | HORSESHOE PARK & EQUESTRIAN CENTRE RIBBON CUTTINGS | | On March 11, Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre celebrated two ribbon cuttings for the new Earnhardt digital display sign and the Barney Family Pavilion. | | GROUND LEASE AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY AT HORSESHOE PARK & EQUESTRIAN CENTRE | | | | |
The Town of Queen Creek invites interested development teams, restaurant operators, and commercial partners to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) for a potential ground lease and development opportunity for a full service restaurant and/or complementary commercial use at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre.
This Request for Interest is intended to gauge market interest and qualifications and will be used to inform potential next steps, which may include a future Request for Proposals (RFP).
The intention of this addition would enhance the experience at Horseshoe Park while maintaining the park's tradition of providing the full equestrian experience.
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In February, we kicked off National Entrepreneurship Week with a LEVEL UP networking event, designed exclusively for entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators.
Mayor Julia Wheatley opened the event, followed by a fun and informative presentation on creating an agile marketing plan by Maisha Christian, President of Gazelle Works.
If you're interested in attending our next entrepreneurship event please click the link below.
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Downtown continues to glow up, with construction and momentum visible throughout the area. Backed by more than $200 million in private investment and 230,000 square feet of commercial development underway including restaurants, retail, and mixed-use projects.
The Downtown Vibes campaign is keeping that energy front and center, so keep an eye out for more signage, social media reels, and swag.
Downtown Queen Creek is entering a highly visible phase of transformation. To view the progress see the link below.
| | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN | | |
The consultant team, Civic Solutions, met with Town leadership and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) during the week of March 23 to present a draft of the new five-year action plan.
At the EDC meeting, Civic Solutions provided an overview of their engagement process, key insights gathered, and the proposed strategic framework.
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This engagement included interviews and roundtable discussions with a broad range of stakeholders, including Town Council, multi departmental Town staff, major employers, GPEC, ACA, brokers, small business owners, developers, utilities, education and workforce partners, and community leaders.
The plan outlines five overarching goals:
1. Competing for investment that builds Queen Creek’s future
2. Infrastructure that unlocks opportunity
3. A downtown that comes alive
4. Destination Queen Creek
5. Aligned for momentum
The Economic Development Commission recommended approval of the plan. The plan is scheduled to be presented to the Town Council in May.
| | | | At the April 15 meeting the Town Council approved the reappointment of Grant Tayrien, Marc Valenzuela, Perry Berry, Brian McKean, Nate Knight, Neil Calfee, and Brent White and the appointment of Michelle Kim to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) to a two-year term beginning April 16, 2026. | | | | |
New businesses have recently opened in our town!
Visit our New Business page to learn more, support local, and see what’s new.
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Economic Development Website | |
The Queen Creek Economic Development team has a robust website that includes demographic information, data, and resources for businesses in Queen Creek.
Visit for more information
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