Development has ground to a standstill across much of metro
Business has never been better for the
The
Although the tribes rely on substantial revenue from gaming operations, economic development officials from both communities say they started diversifying their economic models back in the 1960s, long before they started building casinos on tribal lands.
None of the tribes contacted for this story would disclose specific financial data on casino operations.
“Way before gambling, our tribal leaders were looking at how to generate income, and they started with the
The industrial park — bounded by
Construction and raw materials enterprises represent a significant part of the
“Our economic goals are to be diversified and not have a single reliance on gaming income,” said Quannah Dallas, economic development manager for the
In 1989, Scottsdale Pavilions opened at Indian Bend and Pima roads. The 1.1 million-square-foot power center, built by a nontribal developer on leased land, was a unique deal that caught the attention of real estate and retail interests across the country.
“The community was really being innovative,”
The Pavilions morphed into other land-lease and development agreements, including a Walmart to the south and several business parks, including Riverwalk
Unlike many rural tribes, the Gila River and Salt River communities leverage their proximity to the
Major league debut
More tourists will be visiting the Salt River reservation with the opening of the Talking Stick Resort this year and completion of the 11,000-seat, $23 million stadium that will become the Cactus League home of the
Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said the
“We had several attractive options that came as a result of the RFP process, but in the end, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community clearly stood out,” he said. “We have been impressed with the progressive nature of the community, and its desire to create an entertainment district around the complex. This, along with the adjacent and existing Scottsdale Pavilions shopping center, will enhance the fan experience, which we anticipate to be second to none.”
The
“We saw this as something that would drive more development in the corridor,” said Levi Long, the tribe’s media relations specialist.
Increased traffic in the area should bring new vitality to the aging Pavilions, which has been hurt by retailers that relocated or went out of business.
Gaining attention
The Salt River and Gila River communities are not the only
