By Curt Woody, Economic Development Manager

The town of Marana adopted its strategic plan in 2008 and updated it in March 2012 to provide Town Council and staff with a guiding document and flexible tool to lead and promote innovative thinking. The strategic plan provides initiatives and action strategies that challenge us to find specific ways to attract and maintain career-oriented commerce. The town implemented two policies in 2012 that reflected those initiatives. The first was a joint venture between the Marana Chamber of Commerce and town management to collaborate on a business retention program that involved onsite contacts with more than 600 businesses. These businesses were surveyed to identify the positive and negative aspects of conducting business within the town. The sign code ordinance was identified as an area that needed improvement. As a result, there are portions of the code that are being revised.

The Marana Job Creation Incentive Program was the second policy adopted to address the economic development initiatives. Originally approved in 2010, the program was revised and reintroduced last November. Reducing the requirements from a $2 million investment and 25 new jobs to a $1 million investment and 10 new jobs (salary of $40,000 a year or more) broadened the scope of the program. The company may apply for rebate of the construction sales tax generated by this investment to be spent on any number of six elements identified within the program.

The town of Marana strives to create and identify best practices that complement the guiding principles within our strategic plan. This culture of excellence is prevalent in all departments and aspects of the town’s goals.