To Compete, Phoenix Must Grow Up, Not Out

Reiter, the senior vice president of the ASU Foundation and vice chairman of the Urban Land Institute Arizona, summarizes the discussion as a recent event organized by ULI Arizona called “Here We Grow Again.” "While the demographic evidence at this conference suggested that we should brace for expansion, there was a parallel and equally compelling theme featuring exactly the opposite imperative: How small can you make your city?"

Density, Reiter explains, is valued by today's business leaders, and is crucial to remaining competitive in attracting employers and employees. "Companies built on innovation are seeking a place with a sense of identity, public transportation, restaurants, cultural venues and, if at all possible, a compelling blend of the old and the new," he notes. 

"The challenge for the Phoenix region is simple: Will our considerable footprint — one that has been enabled by the automobile and access to moderately priced housing, fuel and water — be our destiny? Can our archipelago of loosely coordinated municipalities compete with more cohesive offerings by other cities?"

"Most importantly, can we invest strategically and even disproportionately in key institutions and select areas that represent only a percentage of the total landmass of the Phoenix area but which could be transformative for the entire region?"

"The answer has to be yes."