Grow and Prosper

Town of Sahuarita Looks Forward to the Future

By Tara Kirkpatrick

With thoughtful leadership and managed growth, Sahuarita has the potential to become one of the premier suburban destinations in the United States.

That’s the consensus behind the town’s new master plan, developed with Austin-based consultant firm TIP Strategies, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for building on Sahuarita’s three-decade success and aiming for the results of nationally prominent suburbs such as Scottsdale, Ariz., Round Rock, Tex. and Alpharetta, Ga. 

“We believe that Sahuarita has the potential to be much more than a bedroom community,” said TIP project lead Luke Shuffield. “Whether it’s the existing and new industries that can be really innovative, whether it’s collaboration with the Tucson area, certainly the University of Arizona, foreign direct investment coming from the border of Mexico, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

Shuffield and his team visited Sahuarita several times throughout 2023 and worked not only with town officials and a welcoming economic development team led by Victor Gonzalez, but also spoke with numerous regional stakeholders in compiling the plan adopted in February. It focuses on three pillars – People, Prosperity and Place.

“We wanted a blueprint to help how we go about strategically identifying and/or pursuing opportunities,” said Gonzalez, Sahuarita’s economic development and public affairs director. 

People

Incorporated in 1994, Sahuarita has grown to a population of more than 35,000, no doubt led by people who flocked to its stunning desert vistas, safe and inclusive neighborhoods, excellent schools and vibrant quality of life. Looking forward, even with just baseline growth, the population’s on track to more than double in the next 20 years. Indeed, it’s already one of America’s fastest growing towns.

Moving forward, a dynamic and skilled workforce is key.

“We are thinking of the next generation,” said Alex Magallanes, an economic development specialist for Sahuarita. “It’s a good way to get started–how to create pathways so we can attract the younger generation.”

The plan urges vigorous collaboration with UA, Tech Launch Arizona and Pima Community College. Gonzalez’ team is exploring apprenticeship programs with local industries, including mining, photonics, water management and more.

Also beneficial is bolstering civic leadership. “We have 33% of our population as young families,” Magallanes said. “We want to bring resources to help them connect with their peers.”

Town economic leadership is focused on strengthening from within, aiding those who already run home-based businesses. Magallanes touted the town’s free development program, Grow IN Sahuarita, to help local entrepreneurs take their businesses from home to  potentially brick and mortar.  Currently, 74 participants are enrolled, with an immediate eye for 120.

“We focus a lot of our energy on the entrepreneur in Sahuarita,” Magallanes said. “Our school of thought is growing our own businesses into what could be major employers.”

Prosperity

Sahuarita already benefits from industries such as mining, with large operations by ASARCO, Freeport McMoRan, Caterpillar and UA’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory nearby. Healthcare continues to grow with Northwest Medical Center-Sahuarita and the nationally recognized La Posada retirement community in Green Valley.

The new Sahuarita Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Center has also been a game-changer, housing PowerPhotonic, a leading international optics manufacturer based out of Scotland; ATAG, a 3D printing company; and Global Water Resources, a water resource management company. Other Sahuarita-based companies, such as the maritime tech company Hydronalix, have found the town to be a secret weapon for growth.

But more is needed.

“It’s really about growing and diversifying our industry sectors here in Sahuarita,” said Gonzalez. “How do we continue to support existing industries and identify opportunities for additional technology and innovation.”

The town is advantageously positioned not only within 15 minutes of Downtown Tucson, but 35 miles from the U.S. Mexico border, so international business could bring numerous opportunities. Additionally, its proximity to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the region’s top employer, Raytheon, brings vast potential for expansion in aerospace.

The master plan also envisions the recruitment of additional machine shops, 3D printing operations, packaging and hardware suppliers that support existing industries.

Place

Surrounded by Southern Arizona’s desert meadows and majestic mountain passes, Sahuarita is renowned for its safe, family-friendly communities and responsive government. The town is home to a beautiful lake and five-acre park with walking paths and public fishing, in addition to numerous recreation spaces. It’s also adjacent to the world’s largest irrigated pecan orchard. 

“One of the first things people notice is that it’s a beautiful community,” Gonzalez said. “We have beautiful landscaping, the Santa Cruz River runs right through.” 

The potential for growing this stunning place is rife with opportunity.

Planning for the future should include more hotel rooms, according to the master plan. In fact, a goal to reach 500 new hotel rooms by 2034 is “ambitious yet achievable.” Also, more restaurants are not only urged in the plan, but also desired by existing Sahuarita residents, according to its 2022 Citizen’s Survey. Key among these could be craft breweries, live music venues, coffee shops and other businesses to attract young professionals.

“Our economic development team has been connecting with various restaurant and operators and doing our best sales pitch,” Gonzalez said. “We are highlighting the existing growth, the purchasing power, and our household incomes.”

Also exciting is the desire to create a bustling Town Center in Sahuarita, which will offer a central gathering place and additional spaces for recreation. 

“We are very much still a blank slate,” Gonzalez said. “We want to grow and I’m excited about the opportunities to complement the residential growth, developing employment and industry.”

For Shuffield, helping to craft the town’s master plan has been one of his favorite projects to date. “The entire leadership of Sahuarita is ready for this kind of direction.”

READ THE FULL SPECIAL REPORT HERE.


Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button