Fall Issue 2026

From The Publisher

Downtown: 12 Economic Drivers

Make no mistake – Tucson is a better place because downtown has become a massive economic driver for the community. But the truth is, it needed to be. “In most cities, downtowns are the primary economic engine, repository of knowledge and culture and generator of new ideas, new technology and new ventures. They are the very heart of the city,” said the late Alexander Garvin, an influential urban planner in New York City.

In this issue, BizTucson delves into 12 economic drivers for Downtown Tucson. 

Rio Nuevo alone has helped generate over $1 billion in investment from the tax dollars it invests in projects and businesses locating there and from the developers and investors who have put their own money into downtown. 

Through a business lens, the economic drivers include: the world’s largest gem show; Tucson Convention Center’s $100 Million in upgrades that makes it nationally competitive on a number of fronts; El Tour de Tucson’s global prominence as a leading cycling event; tourism growth that includes adding a Hyatt Grand Regency (in 2027) to an impressive list of hotels and historic inns and loft living construction; providing professionals with the finer element of urban living. Historic venues are seeing a renaissance and renewed appreciation, beginning with exciting news for Fox Tucson Theatre’s expansion, based on a $5 Million donation from Hughes Federal Credit Union.

The Fall 2026 issue has a trio of business milestones, with in-depth special reports, focused on three local success stories. 

We begin with a special report on a company that is celebrating its centennial. Founded in 1926 by Roy H. Long, a Minnesota native and World War I veteran, Long Realty became known for the motto, “Take care of the people and the business will take care of itself.” Roy channeled his propensity for business, caring and community into civic engagement, helping to found the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros Rodeo, securing land for Himmel Park and building the first YMCA. Loni Nannini reports on the Long Legacy.

Celebrating 75 years of service to the community is Pima Federal Credit Union. The credit union’s approach is rooted in a culture that places equal importance on employees, members and the communities they serve. CEO Eric Renaud has taken a similarly personal approach to building the workplace culture. To him, that means breaking down the barriers that can come with being the chief executive and encouraging employees to enjoy their work by being themselves, reports Jay Gonzales.

The success story of Bon Voyage Travel begins with a founder who saw opportunity where others didn’t. It’s a skill that helped entrepreneur Peter Evans strategically pivot again and again in his company’s 50 years in operation. Simply put, he built a company around good people, great judgment and the best business relationships.  “His entrepreneurial vision for this company was not one vision in 1976 that stayed true for 50 years,” said Bon Voyage Travel President and COO Ryan Hansen. “It was the evolution, the pivoting with the times, with technology changes.”. Tara Kirkpatrick reports on this home grown success, which is highly-regarded around the globe.

As always, we are grateful for our loyal readers, our advertisers and our team, committed to exceptional journalism, along with innovative design and photography.

Steven E. Rosenberg

Publisher & Owner

BizTucson