REGINA ROMERO
MAYOR
CITY OF Tucson
What’s the one thing that stands out to you as a success for Sun Corridor Inc. over its 20 years?
Bringing American Battery Factory to our region is an example of what is possible when we come together to reimagine the clean energy economy. Many years from now, when we look back at the global race to develop the clean technologies of the future, people will look to the Sonoran Desert. We know that Tucson is a hub for innovation and resiliency. Through Sun Corridor, we have been able to convene our regional partners to create the environment, the infrastructure and the community values to anchor Tucson and Pima County as leaders in new EV technology and energy storage.
Why are you involved in Sun Corridor Inc?
Sun Corridor is an essential economic driver in Southern Arizona contributing billions in economic activity and powering job creation. As mayor of Tucson and a member of the Chairman’s Circle, regional collaboration is so important to me. Through Sun Corridor, I get to collaborate with regional leaders and participate in trade missions across the country, and Mexico, welcoming CEOs and their companies. When we collaborate, it makes us more effective. Making sure we are on the same page makes Tucson more competitive and gives our region an advantage.
What’s the biggest opportunity for the region?
There is so much economic opportunity around the green economy and Arizona’s geographic proximity to Mexico. Tucson has emerged as a national leader in climate resilience thanks to our Climate Action Plan, Tucson Resilient Together. We are leveraging millions in federal dollars, and in collaboration with Sun Corridor, we have positioned Southern Arizona as a hub for clean energy in the Southwest. Mexico is Arizona’s biggest trade partner. Together, we are a part of each other’s story. This year I visited Mexico City as part of several visits to build on Arizona’s relationship with Mexico as our biggest trade partner. We must continue to find opportunities to leverage Tucson’s proximity as the largest border city to Mexico to grow our manufacturing, logistics and transportation clusters.
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